Since the beginning of the school year, I have noticed a significant lack of parking across campus. Finding an available spot is incredibly difficult, even in lots that require a long walk to class. Many students share similar frustrations, with some saying they have been late to class because of the parking situation. This issue creates stress and makes getting to class on time a constant challenge. It seems like the university needs to consider expanding parking options or finding another solution to help students. 

I’ve noticed that many spaces in the larger parking lots have been blocked off. This seems to be one of the reasons why parking availability is so limited. The blocked areas reduce the number of spots for students, making it even harder to find parking. Addressing this issue could help ease the current parking difficulties on campus.

One of the main issues for students living in dorms is that the parking lot is often full when they arrive late at night. This forces them to park farther away, leading to an uneasy walk in the dark back to their rooms.

“I think it’s really frustrating to have to park pretty far away from the dorms when I get back from work and it’s dark out because I don’t necessarily always feel safe on campus during the night,” said Caroline Chiddix, sophomore elementary education major.

“All the parking spots are usually taken when I get off from work late at night so I have to park way in the back and it’s just terrible,” said Judea Anderson, sophomore mass media major. 

These student concerns highlight the pressing need for improvements in campus parking, particularly for those living in dorms. The current situation not only causes inconvenience but also raises safety concerns that affect students’ peace of mind. It is crucial for the university to address these issues by considering solutions such as adding more parking spots near dorms or reallocating blocked spaces. Ensuring students feel both safe and supported should be a top priority, especially as they navigate busy schedules and late-night commitments. Not to mention, with two parking lots scheduled to close on Sept. 27 and 28, the already limited parking situation will likely become even more crowded, worsening the problem for students.

Edited by Stuti Khadka and Morgan Albrecht