OPINION: First-years shouldn't have cars on campus

By Mia Dragone

Having a car on campus as a first-year college student seems like the ultimate dream. But I think allowing first-year students to bring cars creates more problems than benefits for both the first-year students and the rest of the campus.

One of the biggest issues is parking. Stonehill already struggles with limited parking spaces, and adding more cars to the mix only makes the problem worse. Although Lot 17 is large, it is still filled with cars to the point where there are almost no spots available.

Another major concern is that having a car makes it too easy for first-year students to leave campus. The first year of college is so important for building friendships, joining clubs, and getting yourself into campus life. However, when students can easily hop in their car and drive home for the weekend, they miss out on all of those opportunities.

I experienced this firsthand. My first year I brought my car to campus, and I had the option to go home frequently. I took full advantage of it. At the time, it seemed like a no brainer, but now, I regret how much I missed. Instead of staying for events, hanging out with my friends, and making myself more comfortable at Stonehill, I spent way too much time at my actual home.

Of course, some students have legitimate reasons for needing a car, such as off-campus jobs or family responsibilities. But for most first-years, a car is more of a want than a need.

50% of colleges don't allow first-year students to have their cars on campus. At one point, Stonehill didn't allow first-year students to have their cars either, and I think they should go back to that.

Stonehill should consider limiting car privileges to upperclassmen and those with a legitimate need. By doing this it would ease parking problems and encourage first-year students to fully engage in campus life—something I wish I could go back to and redo.