ATAR Notes: Forum
Uni Stuff => General University Discussion and Queries => Topic started by: 756986 on December 08, 2016, 08:31:10 pm
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So I failed my 3rd drive test today and I'm getting really sick of all the effort and money it takes to get to the tests, and while as the major disappointment I get from failing. I don't see myself passing any time soon, as I feel nervous to the point of shaking and don't even understand what the tester is saying during the test. I've heard of a couple of friends in uni who don't have their p's yet due to not wanting to start driving during VCE, but kind of feel I need more of an insight, or specific experience to reassure me.
According to my ATAR predictions, my worst case scenario should still get me into Melbourne Uni, so unless something went completely wrong, that's where I should be going. Getting there is no problem, as I can ride my push bike to the local station, lock in the the partiteer cage, then get to the city. However, from what I've seen UniMelb is quiet big, and I wanted to get the most out of it, on top of obviously all the lectures/tutes (including clubs, group classes at their gym, social life .ect). I also hope to find a job (which could be either in the city or local). I was just wondering if all this stuff is possible without a car, from someone with the experience. Thanks
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If you're going UniMelb, parking spots are such a nightmare you're probably better off not driving your car to the city ^_^
So no hassles there bud! :)
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Anything is still possible without a car. Public transport exists for its own reasons.
It's just that things become a whole lot more convenient (usually) with a car.
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So I failed my 3rd drive test today and I'm getting really sick of all the effort and money it takes to get to the tests, and while as the major disappointment I get from failing. I don't see myself passing any time soon, as I feel nervous to the point of shaking and don't even understand what the tester is saying during the test. I've heard of a couple of friends in uni who don't have their p's yet due to not wanting to start driving during VCE, but kind of feel I need more of an insight, or specific experience to reassure me.
According to my ATAR predictions, my worst case scenario should still get me into Melbourne Uni, so unless something went completely wrong, that's where I should be going. Getting there is no problem, as I can ride my push bike to the local station, lock in the the partiteer cage, then get to the city. However, from what I've seen UniMelb is quiet big, and I wanted to get the most out of it, on top of obviously all the lectures/tutes (including clubs, group classes at their gym, social life .ect). I also hope to find a job (which could be either in the city or local). I was just wondering if all this stuff is possible without a car, from someone with the experience. Thanks
Hey there! Just want to say don't stress, I know people who've failed three times, even four or five times, and they all get it in the end. Hang in there!! :) have you tried doing practice tests with a driving instructor? That helped me and majorly built my confidence. You can also ask the tester to repeat or clarify their instruction during the test if you need to! :) also, do they tell you what sorts of things you failed on? Like, do you have areas of improvement? :)
Can't really offer experience on the whole "uni without a car" thing properly. I do drive, but a lot of the time that is to the train station. I'm a tutor, so I drive from place to place to meet students, but if you find a job at a specific location of course that isn't necessary. Plenty of people at my uni either don't have a license or just don't drive by choice, definitely not mandatory! Though depending on your circumstances it might make things easier at times :)
If you're going UniMelb, parking spots are such a nightmare you're probably better off not driving your car to the city ^_^
So no hassles there bud! :)
Sounds like my uni ;)
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You won't need your license at least until you plan on going on road trips with friends during the semester breaks and even then you can carpool.
I do what you do and ride my bike to the station and lock it in parkiteer since my station's car park is full by 7am and the cost of owning a car and parking is way more than a myki pass. My friends all take public transport. They only drive and park at the station.
In regards to you failing your driving test, have you had lessons with an instructor? I highly suggest you book a session and have them show you hotspots/things to watch out for in the area where you will be taking the test so you can familiarise yourself with the roads. You may need a bit more experience since you said you get so nervous. One way to get rid of the nerves is to drive around the area before your test to get the jitters out.
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Uni parking in general is a nightmare. It is definitely not a requirement to have a car, as most of the metro unis are situated right near public transport! I'd do a test run though before you start and do some research into routes.
I've been to two unis (La Trobe and Monash) and the car parking availability at both was bad. Like.. So bad you have to rock up at 9am or earlier to get one or face driving around for a looong time.
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In your case, I can't see that having a car will really add anything to your experience of Uni. You'll find there are a lot of people at Uni without cars—I'm in my fourth year and there's still a sizeable chunk. So don't worry about it, PTV is a lot better anyway if you can get to it
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Sounds like my uni ;)
OH MY GOODNESS DON'T GET ME STARTED.
I had planned to drive to uni but after I started realising the situation I was just like nope.
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I've had my Ls for almost 6.5 years and have a total of ~1 hour of driving experience, so one might say that I'm not even close to getting my licence haha.
I wouldn't drive to uni even if I could, due to the aforementioned parking issues. It's also better for the environment, and I sort of enjoy just being able to sit and think about things. I should note that public transport from my house to uni was really direct, though.
There are downsides, of course - some more considerable than others. Public transport is certainly less reliable, and reduced flexibility a little bit. But for me (particularly at this stage), the biggest thing isn't uni-related, but things that would usually benefit from a car in everyday life. I mean, I'm going to a friend's place tonight, and I'm going to have to rely on other people to get me there. It's slightly shitty, and definitely becomes tiresome for all involved after a time. For that reason, I encourage you not to give up, and not to get to the end of uni still without a licence, as I have.
To answer your question, though, no - having a car/licence is certainly not a must for uni life.
Best of luck with whatever you do. :)
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Having a car license is totally unnecessary for uni life. I have a very similar situation with Joseph 41 above, I got my Ls in high school, and was about to get my Ps when I went to Melbourne Uni and found that it was totally unnecessary. Till today legend has it that I will get my Ps someday...
Don't worry about public transport in the city, once you're familiar with the trams, you can get anywhere without much hassle. Driving in the city is a nightmare, and don't get me started on parking in the city and in uni.
On a side note, I'd highly recommend getting a bicycle :P Not only you'll be able to get around the city quickly and find parking spots easily, they're free and they run on your fat as a fuel. Pretty sure I got a bit more muscular this year once I started cycling. BEST PURCHASE EVER ;D