With Clemson University increasing student enrollment, parking feels almost impossible for off-campus students. The fear of getting a ticket, towing, paying for metered parking or just not finding a spot five minutes before class can be stressful for students.
However, don’t fret. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your semester a little easier:
Early bird gets the worm — sometimes
If you’re an early riser, this is the go-to option for you. Most students dislike 8 a.m. classes; it is the epitome of despair. This feeling, unfortunately, is a reality for many early undergraduates. Attempt to come early for good parking, then grab an energy drink or coffee before you start the day. If you register for later classes, parking tends to lighten up in the afternoons.
Bus stops
Saving gas — and sanity — is important, so take the bus if you’re comfortable riding with strangers. There are pros and cons to this system. An advantage is that you don’t have to worry about parking, especially after a long day; however, you need to manage your time well and understand the bus routes throughout Clemson.
Additionally, the Park-N-Ride permit is a cost-efficient alternative to traditional commuter permits. These permits have much easier parking availability, and they’re a quarter of the price.
Patience is a virtue
About a month or two into classes, parking eases up, and the spots become easier to find. Though this is different for every semester, many people watch — advisably not in a creepy way — to discover the patterns in parking lots. Plus, utilize the new Clemson Tigers Commute app to find parking spaces without the hassle of traveling from one lot to another.
Football game days
When the chips are down and the stakes are high, move your car at your earliest convenience during the weeks of home football games. Clemson University’s Parking and Transportation Services is not merciful with towing, and by the stroke of midnight on Fridays, it comes to collect the cars that have not moved for game day. No grace period, no bargaining. Just pure inconvenience when you find your car missing.
Karis Easler is a senior world cinema major from Greenville, South Carolina. Karis can be reached at [email protected]
