Let’s just get this out of the way: most students think there is not enough parking on the west side of campus.
Being a sophomore last year, I didn’t really realize this issue because it was easy for me to find parking near East Res. However, there should be no reason that during the week the closest spot I can get to West Res is by House 2.
I understand that the Dixon lot is available for us to park in, and if I can’t find a spot any closer than House 4, I park in Dixon. However, it gets really frustrating when I come back on campus and have to drive all around Residential Boulevard looking for a spot.
Here’s the other issue: Why is the majority of the parking on the east side of campus? Mostly, lower classmen live there so there aren’t as many cars as there are on the west side. I just feel like it would make the most sense if there was the most parking where the juniors and seniors live.
I haven’t noticed as much of an issue on the weekends because most people go home, but when I find a prime parking spot, I don’t want to move my car for fear of losing said spot. That’s not the point of having a car on campus.
When I lived in East I never had to worry about finding a good spot or a spot close to the door; there were always spots available. Now, I just never expect to actually find a spot to park in near West Res.
I can’t really talk about parking in the commuter lot behind Founder’s Hall because I’m not a commuter. The only thing I really noticed about it is that it always looks very full.
All that being said, I think this issue gets complained about more than necessary. Is it annoying that fewer spots are available to students in West and the apartments? Yes. Do I get frustrated when I can’t find a spot near my door? Yes. Would it be convenient if I could always walk out the door and have my car be waiting for me? Of course.
However, I know that this doesn’t always happen. And for the most part, I’m over it.
People complain about it and people are going to keep complaining about it, but I don’t know if that will change anything.
And actually, the price of our parking permits aren’t that bad. I mean I don’t always have $100 casually lying around, but it could be worse. I had a bigger issue this year actually receiving my parking permit than finding a spot to park in.
I think it’s kind of silly how much energy is wasted on complaining of the lack of parking. As much as we all may complain, it’s not going to keep anyone from having their car on campus. Because in reality, having your car on campus and having to walk a bit to get to it is much better than not having a car at all.
