By: Vannon Lail | Staff Writer
Students at bus station | Alamy
For many students, having a car represents freedom and independence. But for a significant number of students at the University of Lynchburg, daily life looks much different. Without personal transportation, students often rely on walking, friends, rideshare services and public transportation to navigate both campus and the city.
While the University of Lynchburg’s campus is walkable, many necessities exist beyond campus boundaries. Accessing grocery stores, part-time jobs and entertainment often requires students to travel farther than a short walk allows.
“I wish the university could have a service of taking students around or letting us rent the car for students who have their license,” said senior Anandiya John.
For students without vehicles, planning becomes a key part of everyday life. What may be a quick errand for students with cars becomes time-consuming.
Smiriti Shrestha, a sophomore at the university, said ride-sharing has become a necessary part of life without a vehicle.
“If I have to go around Lynchburg, I typically do Uber or go with friends, but Ubers are already expensive all the time,” Shrestha said.
Transportation challenges can also affect employment opportunities. Students searching for part-time jobs may be limited to positions within walking distance or those that are accessible through public transit. Some students report turning down opportunities because reliable transportation is not available.
Despite these challenges, many students have developed creative ways to adapt. Ride-sharing among friends has become common, particularly for grocery runs and off-campus activities.
For those students without vehicles, college life requires flexibility, organization and community support. While navigating Lynchburg without a car may present challenges, many students prove that independence is possible even without a set of car keys.
“We recognize that not everyone has access to a personal vehicle, and our goal is to ensure transportation is not a barrier to a positive student experience,” said Kristen Cooper, vice president of student success.
