I love going to a large university. The diversity, connections, and amazing experiences all contribute to who I am today. A teeny, tiny, small downside to going to a big campus though is dealing with this thing called parking. When you have thousands of kids trying to find a spot at the same time it can get a little frustrating. Of course you could just walk, bike, skateboard, long-board, take the bus, carpool, etc. but where’s the fun in that….
1. Plan of attack.
Before you even leave the house you are planning on how to get a semi-decent spot. You're thinking about just how long it's going to take to find a spot and how much time you have to spare to look for one.
2. Gets your adrenaline pumping.
By the time you pull into the garage you have your game face on. I’ve caught myself turning down the music because that somehow helps you focus? You are ready to pounce at the sight of any student or spot.
3. You stalk your prey.
If the garage is packed, and we all know it is, the first thing you do is find a mark. I mean student. Some people have enough patience to just creep quietly by the elevator, but some of you are like me and rather drive in circles until you find someone to follow. Once you seen one walking, hopefully one that is actually leaving, then you probably have about three seconds before one of the five other cars gets to them first.
4. Fight or Flight.
You have had that moment when you have to stare down another student fighting for “your” spot. Admittedly, I have had flight moments when I just let the other person take it. But we have all been the stubborn one, the one who sat there not backing down. I honestly see more people use their blinkers in parking garages than on the road (could just be Florida).
5. Instinct.
Students who have to deal with crazy parking lots develop a type of sixth sense after a while. They are able to tell how packed a parking lot will be depending on the time and location. After a semester or two, your parking apps will become obsolete.
6. You’ve been wounded.
This doesn’t happen to everyone but some of us have been hit with tickets, towing fees, and bright yellow boots. It’s probably the worst feeling coming back from class and getting an order to pay money but it happens to the best of us.
7. The Pack.
It’s not often but I sometimes notice rare acts of community. It annoys me but, it's sweet seeing someone wait to give their spot away to a friend. I personally love when I leave campus at a busy time and I am able to give my spot away to a student in need.
But maybe that’s just me.
