Going to a university is a whole new experience, but an even bigger (and stressful) experience is buying your school's parking passes. Parking passes are essential for people living on and off campus, but they are a headache to obtain. Here are some tips to make your process easier!
1. Know the EXACT date and time that they go on sale.
Check your student emails daily throughout the summer. You will be getting information about the sale date and time in advance, so keep your eye on notifications. If you went to an Orientation, more than likely you will also have a flyer of important dates with the information you need.
2. Check out parking maps BEFORE you get your pass.
Once you make your class schedule, take note of the locations. You don't want to buy a parking pass that is miles away from your classes. My advice is to check out your school's Parking and Transit Services website for a full detailed map with color coded zones.
3. Have a backup zone in mind.
After you decide what your main zone should be, have a backup zone in mind if you don't get online early. Parking zones do sell out, so don't be naive and think you can call to get your preferred zone. (Trust me, I've tried.)
4. Update your directory information.
Before you can purchase a pass, you will have to update your information. You can do this wayyy ahead of time, so get it done early. Also, if you are a transfer student or have previous college credits, make ABSOLUTELY SURE that your transcripts have been transferred and accepted. Some zones will not be available unless you are classified as an upperclassmen. For example, at MSU, you cannot purchase any commuter pass other than Commuter North (literally a hike from campus) if you are considered a Freshman (29 or fewer semester hours).
5. Know the make, model, and license plate number of your vehicle.
You WILL have to register your car with your parking pass at the time of purchase. Knowing or writing down your information will make the process easier without running to your garage to check out your license plate. Take a quick picture of your plate for easy access.
6. Be prepared for the price.
Some students are responsible for paying their own way through college. With that being said, you may want to start saving for your parking pass early on. Passes can range anywhere from under $100 to upwards of $350 depending on your institution. For me, my commuter pass will be $180 for the upcoming year. You can check your school's Parking and Transit Services website for the most updated prices to get an idea of the cost.
7. Get online at least an hour early.
I made the mistake of waiting until 8 a.m. last year. If they go on sale at 8 a.m., be prepared to get online by 7 a.m. because you will be put in an virtual waiting room. There can over 2,000 people trying to get a pass in the same zone as you, so you don't want to be last in line.
8. DO NOT exit the waiting page for ANY reason.
I REPEAT DO NOT EXIT OR LEAVE THE PAGE FOR ANY REASON. If you leave the webpage, you will automatically be returned to the end of the line. As tempting as it may be, do not check your emails, Facebook, anything. Also, only be logged in to your student account on one device. If you are logged in on multiple devices, they could all overload and send you to the back of the line. Don't risk it. Just wait until after you get that receipt.
9. Be prepared to wait.
Be prepared to wait a LONG time. You could wait 10 minutes, or you could wait 2 hours. Parking pass days are cutthroat and not for the weak. If you have anxiety, I recommend medicating beforehand. Get your essential oil diffuser out and get some calming scents in the air and slap on a face mask. I'm being very dramatic, but in all seriousness, the wait really does suck, but you will have a permit by the end of the day. Hopefully.
10. Pray.
Before you get online, pray. After you log in, pray. After you realize you are number 2,769 out of 2,769 in line, pray. After you call the parking services people and cry to them about how you've been kicked off the website 7 times only to be put at the VERY END, pray. When your mom comes in your room after hearing your unconsolable sobbing, pray. After you get the best parking lot, or the absolute trail of tears kinda hike parking lot, pray. Just get prayed up people because parking passes will wreck you.
In conclusion, I hope you take my advice semi-seriously. Before classes start back, you'll inevitably get a pass. If your parking lot sucks, remember the Hail Mary of campus transit is called the S.M.A.R.T. bus. Download your campus bus routes and take advantage of them. That's about all the advice I can give for now, happy parking y'all.
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