Having a car in London, possible?

Matt | May 28, 2012 | 0 Comments

Ok so we’ve discussed cars before on London Student Forums, but not really from the perspective of convenience and expense.

For most of us, let’s be honest, having a car while studying (especially in Central London) is out of reach. There are the issues of cost and convenience. There’s an amazing convenience and freedom that comes with having you’re own car. You want to take a trip outside London? No problem – just jump in the car. You want to visit a friend who lives out of halls in a private house in Brixton? No problem, just jump in the car.

However, it’s important to think about other trips that may bring extra headaches with the responsibility of a car. Parking car be problematic – even if you find somewhere to park it could be costly. Also there’s the congestion charge which can vary depending on which zone you live and where you’re traveling to. There’s the cost of petrol, repairs, MOT and let’s not forget the big one, car insurance for students. You probably know that insurance premiums are calculated based on risk and risk can increase depending on your age, your driving history, geography (where you will use your car and if it will be street parked). For students many of these factors go against students getting affordable insurance. If you’re thinking about researching insurance costs try www.carinsurance.org.uk.

As a student in London part of the experience that I love is hopping on and off the bus and experiencing the tube at all hours. While never having to think twice about have I had one too many. Everybody on the tube at 1am has had one too many. But I have to admit that I was a little jealous of the students who had a car and the freedom that it gave them.

Respond below with your experiences of car outings in and around London and why you love or hate having a car here. Also let’s get to the nitty-gritty, how much do you pay for your car (including petrol, car insurance, repairs, MOT etc.)?

Tags: cars, student finance