Who really needs a car?

As the wind chill factor drops and the University campus feels more and more like a polar ice cap, many students find themselves wishing that they had a car to get around campus. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this is a viable option, but University policy forbids freshmen to keep or register a motor vehicle on campus.

But for those who have the option, is a degree of convenience worth the extra cost of maintenance and parking? As approximately 100 students discovered this weekend when their illegally parked cars were towed during a snow emergency, campus parking can be a liability and an unwanted hassle.

Whether or not a car will prove beneficial for a given student depends upon an individualized balance of advantages and disadvantages that varies with each student and his or her situation.

Some benefits of having a car on campus are fairly obvious: getting to classes without battling the snowy hills and bitter winds in the winter, easier access to points of interest outside of the T line such as Salem and Walden Pond, less time wasted waiting for the campus shuttle, and no more searching for extra taxi cash just for a quick trip to Target.

Other benefits of having a car on campus apply more specifically to certain groups of students. One such category includes those students who consistently work in the Boston area, such as interns or tutors. For these students, driving to their destinations would cut down on time spent using mass transit, and aid punctuality on the job.

Having a car at the University is also appealing to students who hail from far away locations. Freshman Greg Bonci, who comes from Pittsburgh, said, "Flying home is extremely expensive for me unless I book months in advance, and having my car available to drive home would be convenient for me as well as for my parents, who have many other expenses to look after."

Some athletes also view having their own cars as a positive, citing the lack of a shuttle stop anywhere near Cousens Gym and the Gantcher Center.

"It takes at least ten minutes for me to walk to the gym, and the cold makes it even worse. It definitely lowers your motivation to work out," freshman athlete Laura Spring said.

There are negative aspects, however, to having a car on University premises, such as a limited number of parking spaces. According to the University Parking Regulations for 2002-2003, sophomores are only allowed to park in Carmichael, Miller, and Hill Hall lots and are not allowed in any downhill lots.

Because of the limited amount of visitor parking spaces, no student can park his or her vehicle at any of the parking meters on campus. Also, a parking decal or pass does not guarantee the student a parking space.

In addition, contrary to popular belief, the Dowling Garage is only open to staff, faculty, and commuter students who have gone through the process of getting a Tufts University Parking Decal and have received a garage access card. Even if one has obtained these permits, however, no overnight parking is allowed in the garage.

Seasonal changes can make the process of finding a parking space severely worse. Winter parking regulations, in effect from Nov. 1 to April 1, stipulate that when a snowfall of two inches or more is predicted or broadcast, motor vehicles must be removed from the areas marked, "No Parking 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m."

In order for snow removal operations to effectively work without any interference, no parking is allowed on any University streets from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.. Anyone disobeying these regulations or the campus speed limit of 20 miles per hour faces the consequences of fines or towing. If towing is the case, the University is not responsible for any damages made to the motor vehicle towed from the grounds.

Even if parking is not a big concern for the vehicle owner, prices may be. For the 2002-2003 academic year, the parking decal price for a resident student with overnight parking is $380. For a half year decal, the costs is $190. A full year decal is valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 1. The first semester decals purchased in September expired on Dec. 31, and the second semester decal lasts from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.

Besides the decal, vehicle owners cannot forget about gas prices and the chance of getting a ticket or fine. The gas prices in the Somerville and Medford areas are currently $1.44 or $1.45 per gallon. In central Boston, such as on Cambridge Street, current prices run as high as $1.69 a gallon.

Sophomore Tom Latronico recognizes that there are advantages in having a car on campus, but does not plan on bringing his own.

"Someone might want a car on campus for visiting friends at one of the other area colleges or universities, but I haven't had a problem not having one here," Latronico said.

Many students find that their transportation needs are met by the campus's free shuttle service and the one-dollar subway system. "I don't think there is any need for a car at Tufts. Everything you need is right here on campus or in Davis, or on Boston Avenue," said freshman Travis Nevers, who was born and raised in Medford.