Commute or live off campus - the timeless question (10 points for best answer)?

Question

I have two options for commuting - taking the train or taking a car. The train is good because I live less than a mile from the station and the destination station is less than 2 miles from class. A folding bicycle will take me from home to the train, and from the station to class.

The second option is commuting with a car. The problem is that traffic is very bad in the morning and gas is expensive. Also, parking at the stadium is about $400 a year. Car repairs can add up to a lot. On the other hand, they also offer more freedom.

The third option is getting a place off campus. Living off campus is convenient. However, the expense (about $6000 per year) and potential noise and security issues makes it less attractive.

Which do you think is best?

Answer 1

The train seems to be the best way to go.  You won't have to spend money on gas; you'll save the $400 parking fee; you'll be getting some exercise and fresh air; it looks like it will be much faster because you won't be fighting traffic; and you will keep your car off the road every morning (mass transit commutes are definitely better for the environment!)

The only down side I can see with the train is bad weather.  If you are in an area where it rains or snows a lot, it might not be pleasant (or possible) to ride your bike every day, so you might need to come up with an alternate option for those days.  However, with all the money you are saving on gas and parking (not to mention rent!) you can hop a bus or call a cab on those days, if you desire.  =)

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

just think about it

Answer 3

I'd go with the cheapest option which appears to be the train (by far).  Having a bicycle gives you some commuting freedom, plus with all the money you're saving you can pay for a cab, bus ride, etc when you want to get away.  

Try the train thing first, and if you're really not liking it, consider something different.

Answer 4

Commute using the train.

You didn't write one negative thing about that.

Good Luck...