The reality of a beachfront property like PLNU’s campus — while beautiful — is the need to be space-conscious. Why does this matter to you? Well, with fewer parking spaces and structures, residential freshmen at PLNU are not permitted to have cars.
But if you’re imagining yourself limited to grocery runs to Jensen’s as your only off-campus excitement freshman year, don’t worry! There are many alternative ways to get around and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer without a car.
Off-Campus Shuttle
Similar to other universities in San Diego, PLNU offers a free shuttle service for students. The shuttle leaves from Smee Hall every day except Mondays and Tuesdays and makes stops around San Diego at places like Target, Old Town (which has a train station), Liberty Station, and the Fashion Valley Mall. This shuttle is the perfect option for an after-class Trader Joe’s run or Saturday movie at the mall. Riding the shuttle is a quintessential PLNU freshman experience one can’t avoid or miss out on.
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Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Zipcar
Like a rental car for short trips, sign up through the Zipcar app with your driver’s license and pay for the day and mileage, and off you go! The cars are parked on campus across from Brown Chapel to the left of the cross. The car is yours for as long as you want it and then you park it back on campus when you’re done. This could be a good option to split the cost with a couple friends for trips to spots like Pacific Beach, Balboa Park, or Mission Trails.
Public Transportation
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has an efficient system of busses and trolleys that link directly from campus to the surrounding San Diego region. And once you get the hang of that, your only limit is the change in your pocket. The 84 bus comes directly to PLNU’s campus and goes to Shelter Island where even more bus routes pick up. This is your best bet for the days PLNU’s shuttle isn’t running on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Rideshare Services
Both Uber and Lyft are good options for catching a ride to farther destinations. If you split the cost between four or five friends, everyone only pays a few dollars each for a day’s outing. Both of these services offer discounts when you first sign up so you can be on your way to downtown San Diego in no time!
Other Transportation Options
- Rent an electric scooter
- Bring a bike from home
- Make friends with upperclassmen
Not having immediate access to the car ultimately results in more involvement in on-campus activities and getting to know your peers. College is a time of independence and transition into adulthood and many students find that going home less frequently helps with this transition. Even without having a car on campus, there are so many adventures to be had in San Diego and many ways to reach them! From the beach to eating out, the options are endless. Click the link below for ideas: