A question that often comes up when considering Amherst College is whether or not cars are allowed on campus. I am here to answer some of the most asked car questions about having cars on campus as a sophomore from Massachusetts who has her car on campus this year. My car battery unfortunately died last weekend, so it inspired me to reflect on my experience with having my car on campus!
When can I have my car on campus?
You can have a car on campus starting your sophomore year. If you have accommodations freshman year or you demonstrate that you need a car on campus, having a car freshman year is often approved. You will have to fill out a form and go through the necessary procedures though.
Where can I park my car?
Student cars can be parked in any student lot on campus. This includes anywhere in Hitchcock House parking lot, Mayo-Smith House parking lot, Seelye parking lot, East Lot, South Lot, etc. Since I live on the First-Year Quad as a Community Advisor, parking anywhere in Hitchcock House parking lot, Mayo-Smith House parking lot, and Seelye parking lot is the closest and most convenient for me. Sometimes though, the parking gets really full in most lots, and it causes a struggle to find parking. I often have to end up in lots that are much farther from where I live, making it a bit of an inconvenient walk back to my dorm.
Where can I drive to near Amherst?
I loveeee driving anywhere in Hadley or Northhampton. Just about ten minutes away from campus, there is a long strip of plenty of restaurants, stores, chains, etc. to choose from. I’m always down for a nice Chili’s run, a quick Target trip, a movie night at the movie theater, or a trip to Playa Bowls. There are so many options just ten or less minutes away, so I love having my car to be able to go to these places. Luckily, there are also car repair places ten minutes away as well. When my car battery died last weekend, I was able to go to the Firestone close to campus and get it fixed right away (after calling my parents frantically multiple times)!
Do I need a car on campus?
Nope! You definitely do not need a car on campus to have a good time. As I’ve stated before in previous posts, there are plenty of fun places downtown for students to eat at or attend. Having a car on campus is just easiest for me in terms of driving and commuting home on breaks, being able to go to the stores on my own time, and knowing that I can explore Western Massachusetts a little further if I want to.
Car or no car on campus, do what you think is best for you! Take your time with the decision, and reach out if you have any questions at bnichols28@amherst.edu!
-Braelyn