Essentials to Consider

Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to bring a car depends on your personal needs, location, and budget. If you live off-campus and public transit is unreliable, a car might be necessary. 

However, if your campus has walkable amenities, frequent bus routes, and expensive parking, leaving your car at home may save you money and hassle. Before making a decision, weigh costs, convenience, and alternative transportation options to see what fits best for your situation.

Public Transportation

 Before deciding to bring a car, research how reliable and accessible public transportation is in your college area. Many UC campuses offer free or discounted bus and shuttle services, which may make owning a car unnecessary.

 Some cities, like Berkeley and Los Angeles, have extensive public transit, while others, like UC Santa Cruz, rely more on university-run shuttles.

Alternatives to a Car

Many UC students bike, walk, or use electric scooters to get around campus instead of driving. Some schools have bike-share programs, and certain cities are pedestrian-friendly, making a car less necessary.

 If you need occasional access to a vehicle, ride-sharing apps, Zipcar, or car rentals may be more cost-effective than bringing your own car.

Expenses  & Budgeting

Consider costs of school and housing parking,  car insurance and maintenance, gas, or even active car payments. Parking on or near campus can be limited and expensive, with permit prices varying by UC campus. 

Some schools have long waitlists for parking permits, while others offer only commuter parking. Some schools charge upwards to $300+ for parking per semester.

Career Development

A part-time job can build valuable skills, expand your resume, and help with networking. If possible, look for jobs related to your major, such as research assistant roles, tutoring, or internships, to gain relevant experience for future careers.

Additionally, on-campus jobs may provide benefits such as free meals, free event access, or priority registration, which can help reduce personal expenses. If working a job affects your academic performance or well-being, consider alternative sources of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, or paid internships, that may provide similar benefits with less time commitment.

Time Management

Balancing a part-time job with coursework can be challenging, especially if you have a heavy class load. Consider how much time you need for studying, extracurriculars, and personal time before committing to a job. Many UC students work 10-15 hours per week, but this depends on individual schedules and academic demands.

Clubs and student organizations can also be time-intensive, with meetings, events, and leadership responsibilities that add to your schedule. It's important to regularly evaluate your commitments and set boundaries

Finances

If you need extra income for loan payments,rent, groceries, or personal expenses, a part-time job can help ease financial stress. However, check if your financial aid or scholarships cover enough costs before deciding. Work-study jobs, available through FAFSA eligibility, can be a good option since they often accommodate student schedules.

Working while studying can be rewarding, but overcommitting may lead to burnout or academic struggles. Assess how well you handle stress and whether you can maintain a balance depending on your finacial needs and budgeting elasticity. 

Location and Benefits

Consider whether you prefer on-campus or off-campus jobs. On-campus jobs, such as working at the library, dining halls, or student centers, are often more flexible with class schedules and benefits. Off-campus jobs may offer higher pay but could require commuting and less flexibility. 

For example, research assistant positions allow students to work directly with professors, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to academic projects. Many UC campuses have undergraduate research programs that offer paid opportunities, which can strengthen your resume and open doors to graduate school or professional careers.

Seasonal Clothing

Depending on your UC campus, pack layered clothing for temperature changes. Coastal campuses (UCSB, UCSD) can be chilly at night, while inland ones (UCR, UCD) have hot summers and cold winters.

Important Documents

ID, Social Security Card, Health Insurance  – You’ll need these for enrollment, job applications, medical visits, and financial aid verification. Keep them in a secure folder and consider making digital copies.

Bedding 

(Comforter, Sheets, Pillows, Mattress Topper) – Dorm mattresses or pre-furnished housing matresses can be uncomfortable, so a good mattress topper makes a huge difference in sleep quality. Extra pillows and blankets help adjust to different room temperatures.

School Supplies

Stock up on notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and a planner to stay organized. Dorms and apartments have limited storage, so under-bed bins or stackable organizers help maximize space. Most coursework, research, and assignments will require a reliable laptop.