Starting college comes with a long list of decisions, and transportation is one of the bigger ones.
If you're heading to Kent State University, you may be wondering whether you really need a car, what kind of vehicle makes sense for a student budget, how financing works with limited credit history, and what it takes to keep a vehicle running while you're juggling classes, work, and everything else that comes with college life.
Parents usually have a different set of questions. Is the vehicle dependable? What will insurance cost? What happens if something breaks while your student is away from home? Is buying used the better move?
We work with students and families throughout Kent, Ravenna, Randolph, and Portage County, so we put together this guide to cover the things that matter most before you buy.
Do You Need a Car at Kent State?
Not every Kent State student needs a vehicle.
If you live on campus and most of your classes, meals, activities, and social life happen around campus or downtown Kent, you may be able to get by without one.
A car becomes much more useful when your life regularly takes you outside that area.
You may want your own transportation if you:
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Live off campus
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Commute to Kent State from home
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Work somewhere outside walking distance
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Have an internship or clinical placement in another community
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Travel regularly between Kent and Akron
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Head home on weekends or school breaks
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Need to make regular grocery or shopping trips
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Have evening commitments away from campus
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Simply want more flexibility than your other transportation options provide
The question isn't really whether every college student should own a car. It's whether having one makes sense for your particular schedule.
Think About Where You'll Actually Be Driving
Student driving usually looks different from the driving you did in high school.
You may be making short trips around Kent during the week, driving to Ravenna or Stow for work, heading toward Akron for an internship, or making much longer drives home during holidays.
That matters when choosing a vehicle.
A student who mostly drives around Kent may value easy parking and fuel efficiency. Someone commuting to campus from another part of Portage County may care more about comfort and highway driving. A student who regularly travels home through Northeast Ohio winters may put more emphasis on tires, ground clearance, or available all-wheel drive.
Start with your real routine instead of choosing a vehicle based only on appearance.
What Makes a Good Vehicle for a College Student?
There isn't one perfect student car, but there are a few things we'd put near the top of the list.
Reliability
The vehicle needs to start when you have class in ten minutes.
That sounds obvious, but reliability is more important for most students than having every available feature.
When shopping used, look at the vehicle's condition, maintenance history when available, mileage, tires, brakes, and overall mechanical condition.
An Affordable Total Cost
The monthly payment is only part of what a vehicle costs.
A realistic student budget should also include:
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Auto insurance
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Fuel
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Maintenance
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Tires
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Registration
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Parking
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Possible repairs
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Loan interest if you finance
A vehicle with a slightly lower payment can still be expensive to own if the insurance premium or maintenance costs are much higher.
Fuel Economy
Even relatively short trips add up over an academic year.
If you commute to Kent State several days a week or regularly drive to work, fuel economy can make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
Easy Parking
Campus and apartment parking can be tight.
A compact car or smaller crossover can be easier to maneuver when you're dealing with crowded lots, downtown Kent, or limited apartment parking.
Enough Room for Real Student Life
Think beyond everyday commuting.
Will you need room for:
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Moving into a dorm or apartment
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Laundry
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Sports equipment
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Weekend bags
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Friends
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Groceries
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Trips home during breaks
A compact crossover can be useful if you want something easy to drive but don't want to give up useful cargo space.
New or Used: Which Makes More Sense for a Student?
Both can make sense.
Used vehicles are often a natural starting point because they give you access to more price points and allow you to compare different brands, model years, body styles, and features.
You can browse our used vehicle inventory before making the drive from Kent and narrow the list down to vehicles that actually fit your budget.
A new vehicle can also be worth considering.
Newer models may give you:
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New-vehicle warranty coverage
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Current safety and driver-assistance technology
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Newer infotainment features
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More predictable early ownership
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Available manufacturer financing or lease programs
If you expect to keep the vehicle well beyond graduation, it can be worth comparing the long-term numbers instead of assuming used is always the better choice.
Our new Chevrolet inventory gives you another place to compare what's available.
What Chevrolet Models Work Well for College Students?
The best model depends on what you need.
Chevrolet Trax
The Trax can make sense for someone who wants a smaller crossover that's easier to maneuver around campus while still giving you SUV-style cargo flexibility.
That can be useful when parking around Kent or loading everything up for a trip home.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer is another compact SUV option that may appeal to students who like a smaller footprint but want crossover practicality.
Chevrolet Equinox
An Equinox may be a better fit if you want more passenger and cargo room or expect to keep the vehicle through college and into your first few years after graduation.
Used Chevrolet Cars and SUVs
Used inventory can open up more options, including models and price points that may no longer be part of the current new-vehicle lineup.
If your priority is staying within a particular budget, we'd recommend comparing several vehicles rather than deciding on one model before you start shopping.
Should You Get an Insurance Quote Before Buying?
Yes.
Insurance is one of the easiest costs for a first-time buyer to underestimate.
Rates can vary based on:
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Driver age
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Driving history
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Where the vehicle is kept
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The vehicle itself
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Coverage levels
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Deductibles
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Whether the student remains on a family policy
Before committing to a vehicle, get an insurance quote using the actual year, make, model, and VIN if possible.
That gives you a much better idea of what the vehicle will cost every month.
For students, this can be just as important as negotiating the purchase price.
How Does Financing Work for a First-Time Buyer?
Financing your first car may be your first experience with a major loan.
The lender will generally look at information such as:
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Credit history
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Income
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Existing debts
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Loan amount
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Down payment
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Vehicle being purchased
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Overall application
If you haven't had time to build much credit history yet, that doesn't automatically mean you can't finance a vehicle.
Different lenders have different requirements, and your overall application matters.
Our finance team can help you understand the options available for the vehicle you're considering.
Do College Students Need a Co-Signer?
Not always.
A student or first-time buyer with limited credit history may be asked for a co-signer or may find that having one changes the financing options available.
A parent or another qualified co-signer is agreeing to take responsibility for the loan as well, so this isn't something either person should treat casually.
Before signing, both people should understand:
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Monthly payment
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Interest rate
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Loan length
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Total amount financed
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Down payment
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Responsibilities of the co-signer
Approval and terms depend on the lender and the individual application.
How Much Should a Student Spend on a Car?
There isn't one dollar amount that makes sense for every Kent State student.
Instead, build the budget backward from what you can comfortably handle each month.
Include the payment, insurance, fuel, and an allowance for maintenance.
For example, a lower-priced vehicle with expensive insurance may not actually be cheaper each month than a slightly more expensive vehicle with a much lower premium.
Parents helping with the purchase should also decide ahead of time which expenses the student will be responsible for.
That might include:
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Payment
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Insurance
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Gas
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Maintenance
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Repairs
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Registration
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Parking
Having that conversation before shopping makes the actual purchase much easier.
Should You Make a Down Payment?
A down payment can reduce the amount you need to finance and may lower your monthly payment.
How much makes sense depends on your savings and the financing available.
A student shouldn't necessarily empty an emergency fund just to make the largest possible down payment. Owning a car also means being prepared for expenses that come up later.
Compare a few scenarios so you can see how different down payments affect the loan.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Student Car?
When shopping used, look beyond the price on the windshield.
Pay attention to:
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Mileage
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Tire condition
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Brake condition
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Dashboard warning lights
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Maintenance history when available
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Signs of leaks
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Interior and exterior condition
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How the vehicle drives
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Whether everything works properly
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Vehicle history information when available
A test drive is important.
Drive the vehicle at different speeds, pay attention to how it shifts and brakes, listen for unfamiliar noises, and make sure you're comfortable with visibility and controls.
Students should also make sure the vehicle is something they're comfortable driving in rain and winter weather.
Ohio Winter Driving Should Be Part of the Decision
If you're going to school in Kent, winter matters.
Snow, freezing temperatures, slush, road salt, and icy mornings are all part of living in Northeast Ohio.
All-wheel drive can be useful, but it isn't the only thing that matters.
Tire condition, tread depth, battery health, brakes, wipers, and careful driving make a major difference.
A front-wheel-drive vehicle with good tires may be much better prepared for winter than an AWD vehicle sitting on worn tires.
Before the first real cold weather arrives, check:
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Tire pressure
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Tread depth
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Battery condition
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Brakes
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Wiper blades
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Washer fluid
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Coolant
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Exterior lights
If your student is staying in Kent through winter, getting these things handled before finals season is much easier than dealing with a dead battery in a snowy apartment parking lot.
Basic Maintenance Every Student Should Understand
You don't need to become a mechanic because you own a car.
You should know a few basics.
Oil Life
Many newer vehicles have an oil-life monitoring system that tells you when an oil change is getting close.
Pay attention to the dashboard instead of ignoring the reminder for another semester.
Tire Pressure
Temperature changes can affect tire pressure.
Know where to find the recommended pressure for your vehicle and check the tires periodically.
Warning Lights
Don't cover a dashboard warning with a sticky note and hope it disappears.
If a warning light comes on, find out what it means and whether it needs immediate attention.
Brakes
Squealing, grinding, vibration, or a noticeable change in the brake pedal should be checked.
Battery
If the vehicle is starting slowly or has needed a jump, have the battery tested before the next cold spell.
Wipers and Washer Fluid
Good visibility matters during heavy rain, road spray, and wet snow.
These are inexpensive items that students often forget until they suddenly need them.
Build Maintenance Into Your Budget
One of the easiest mistakes for a first-time owner is budgeting for the payment but nothing else.
Set aside at least some money for maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Even a reliable vehicle will eventually need things such as:
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Oil changes
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Tires
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Brakes
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Wiper blades
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Filters
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Battery replacement
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Other wear items
You don't need to know exactly when every expense will happen. You just don't want the first tire replacement to become a financial emergency.
What If Your Car Needs Service During the Semester?
If your vehicle starts making a new noise, displays a warning, or simply has maintenance due, don't wait until you're driving home for break to deal with it.
Our Randolph service center is convenient for students around Kent and Portage County.
You can request a service appointment online, and it's worth checking our current service specials before your visit.
You're also welcome to bring your Chevrolet to us if you didn't purchase it here.
What Should You Keep in Your Car at College?
A few basics can make student life much easier.
Consider keeping:
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Phone charging cable
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Small first-aid kit
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Flashlight
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Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
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Tire-pressure gauge
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Ice scraper and snow brush
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Gloves
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Blanket during winter
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Windshield washer fluid
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A few basic cleaning supplies
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Emergency contact and roadside-assistance information
If you regularly drive home long distances, add water and a few nonperishable snacks during winter.
What Should You Do If Your Car Breaks Down Near Campus?
First, focus on safety.
If the vehicle can be moved safely, get out of traffic and turn on the hazard lights.
From there, check whether you have roadside assistance through:
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Your vehicle warranty
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Auto insurance
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A roadside-assistance membership
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Another program associated with the vehicle
If the vehicle is in an unsafe location or you're unsure what happened, call for help rather than trying to diagnose a serious problem beside the road.
If you need service afterward, our team can help you determine the next step.
Getting to Us From Kent State
We're located at 1572 State Route 44 in Randolph.
State Route 44 makes Randolph convenient for drivers coming from the Kent area, so students and parents don't have to head into Cleveland or another larger city to shop or take care of basic Chevrolet service.
If you're planning your first visit, use our directions page to map the trip from campus or your off-campus housing.
A Few Things Parents Should Discuss Before Buying
Helping a student buy a car is about more than finding something dependable.
It's worth sitting down together and agreeing on a few things before you shop.
Who pays for:
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Insurance?
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Gas?
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Maintenance?
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Tires?
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Repairs?
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The monthly payment?
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Parking?
It's also worth discussing what happens if the student's financial situation changes during school.
Those conversations may not be as exciting as choosing the vehicle, but they can prevent a lot of stress later.
Is a Car a Good Graduation-to-Career Investment?
For some students, the vehicle you buy during college may still be your daily driver after graduation.
If you expect to keep it for several years, think about whether it can handle the next stage of life too.
Your post-college routine might include:
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A longer commute
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Moving to another city
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Carrying work equipment
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Driving in heavier highway traffic
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More frequent travel
That doesn't mean you need to overspend now. It simply means it can be helpful to think a few years ahead when choosing between vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cars for Kent State Students
Do I really need a car as a Kent State student?
Not necessarily. Students who live on campus and spend most of their time around Kent may be comfortable without one. A vehicle becomes more useful if you live off campus, commute, work away from campus, travel home regularly, or have internships and other commitments outside Kent.
Is it cheaper to own a car or use rideshare?
It depends on how often you travel. Someone who only needs an occasional ride may spend less without owning a vehicle, while a student who commutes or travels frequently may find having a car more practical. Compare the full cost of ownership, including payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking.
How much should a college student spend on a car?
There isn't one ideal student-car budget. Start with what you can comfortably afford after accounting for insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking, and other monthly expenses.
Do I need a co-signer if I have no credit history?
Not automatically. Lender requirements vary. A co-signer may help some first-time buyers with limited credit history, but approval and financing terms depend on the entire application.
What Chevy models are good for college students?
The Trax and Trailblazer can be attractive choices for students who want smaller crossovers that are easier to maneuver, while the Equinox offers more room. Used Chevrolet cars and SUVs can also give you more options at different price points.
Is a new or used car better for a student?
Both can work. Used vehicles offer more choices across different price ranges, while a new vehicle may appeal to someone planning to keep the car for many years and who values new-vehicle warranty coverage and current technology.
Should I get an insurance quote before buying?
Yes. Insurance can vary significantly from one vehicle to another, especially for younger drivers. Getting a quote before you buy helps you understand the real monthly cost.
Can I bring my car to you if I didn't buy it there?
Yes. Our service team welcomes Chevrolet owners regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What should I do if my battery dies at college?
If the vehicle is safely parked, you may be able to use jumper cables, a portable jump pack, or roadside assistance. If the battery keeps dying or the vehicle starts slowly afterward, have the battery and charging system checked.
How should I prepare my car for winter at Kent State?
Check the battery, tires, brakes, wipers, washer fluid, coolant, and exterior lighting before winter weather settles in. Good tires and basic maintenance matter regardless of whether your vehicle has front-wheel drive or AWD.
Can I shop online before coming from Kent?
Yes. You can compare our used vehicles and new Chevrolet inventory online before visiting us in Randolph.
Helping Kent State Students Stay on the Road
College already gives you enough to keep track of. Your vehicle should make your life easier, not become another source of stress.
Whether you're shopping for your first car, helping your student choose something dependable, or trying to keep a vehicle running through another Northeast Ohio winter, our team in Randolph is here to help.
We work with students and families from Kent, Ravenna, Randolph, and throughout Portage County, and we're happy to answer questions before you make any decisions.