By Tevin Voong
Just like death and taxes, you can’t escape the parking situation at this school.
Considering the amount of people who go to this school, it’s no surprise that finding a single parking spot can be difficult. Even with a new parking structure and multiple parking lots, students are still having trouble finding parking spaces on campus.
Parking is especially terrible during the peak times on campus. Good luck finding a parking spot during the afternoon hours when everyone has class, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Cal Poly Pomona’s Parking and Transportation Services are always working to find solutions to our parking problems, whether by directing traffic or pointing cars towards the overflow lots. The school also just built a new parking structure that has 1,800 spaces, three levels and even a system that tells you how many spaces are currently available oneach floor.
Here’s a couple of tips to help you get through parking struggles on campus.
1. Be courteous, and don’t be a bad driver.
Nobody likes the obnoxious guy who’s speeding through the parking lots. Drive safe and move accordingly to traffic. The parking structures have a certain way of navigating them, and a lot of parking lots have one-way aisles, so you need to pay attention.
2. Be patient, and know that there’s always going to be a parking spot that is free.
People are always leaving campus, so you are bound to run into someone who is about to leave. If you do not feel like driving around the lots, you can always go to the overflow lots because they always have spaces available.
3. Don’t get mad, impatient or anxious.
We get it, you could be late to class. Heck, you might already be late, but don’t let it out on others. Road rage does not help you find a spot or get to class any faster.
4. Come to school early, folks.
This is probably the best tip we can give you. If you come to school early, you can take your pick with parking because most parking lots will be empty. Yeah, that super close parking spot on the first floor of the parking structure can be yours.
If you have friends who also go to CPP, consider working out a carpool system. You are saving gas and reaping the benefits of using rideshare spaces because the rideshare spaces are in some of the best parking lots on campus.
5. During the first week of school, plan on showing up extra early.
I am not talking about just a half hour before class. I mean at least one hour or more because the parking situation during the first week of the quarter is ridiculous. Trust me, I have friends who completely missed classes on the first day.
6. Park within the lines.
I know that sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised. Do not be that guy who is taking up two spaces and making it harder for everyone else.
7. Parking and Transportation Services has services available to students who buy a parking permit.
They can help jump your car if your battery dies or unlock your car if you leave your keys locked inside.
8. Try not to keep people waiting.
If you see someone waiting for you to leave, be courteous and leave. Likewise, if you are waiting on someone to leave, be patient and give them a minute.
9. Pay attention to where you are allowed to park.
People who are unfamiliar with the campus make this mistake a lot. Certain lots are designated for faculty only, and a lot of parking spots on campus are reserved for campus services. If you’re caught parking somewhere you’re not supposed to be, get ready for a citation. Pro-tip: students can park in faculty lots starting at 5:30 p.m.
10. Remember to purchase and display your parking permit, or you could get a citation.
They’re a little pricey, but it’s cheaper than purchasing a daily parking permit every time you need to park on campus. It’s definitely cheaper than racking up a bunch of citations.
Tevin Voong / The Poly Post
One of the parking structures on campus
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