By Thompson Perry
Luke Houchens just finished one of the most frustrating semesters of his college career.
Although his class load was not especially difficult, a part of him dreaded coming to campus each day and having to scramble for a parking spot during the peak hours of the parking garage.
“It’s pretty sick,” said Houchens, a junior psychology major, “There are so many students looking for parking and so few spots available for commuters.”
Even though he is forced to arrive on campus about an hour before his first class begins, he still doesn’t always find success searching for an open spot to park his Jeep Cherokee.
“I’ve missed a lot of classes simply because I’m out there looking for a parking space,” said Houchens. “It’s frustrating to come all the way to campus and miss class, or at least parts of a class, because you’re driving around in circles, competing with others looking for a spot.”
There are, however, those who feel they have picked up on the intricacies of campus parking and believe that it isn’t as bad as some believe.
“I’m pretty good at finding a spot,” said junior communication major Chris Prentice. “It’s just about learning where and when you can find the most foot traffic.”
Prentice, who considers himself a student of the parking game, has had his share of triumphs in the parking garage, but feels that many students are simply not aware of the options available to them.
“A lot of students are averse to parking at the meters on the street or going to open lots,” said Prentice. “And sometimes, they just aren’t willing to walk a little more to get to their class.”
Incoming freshmen who choose to commute to campus will begin their college careers with the purple pass. Purple permits allow parking at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, where a shuttle will transport them to and from class.
After 5 p.m., however, purple permits are valid in red, blue and green lots, which can be found closer to campus and prove more convenient for most commuters as a result.
Most students who utilized the purple pass found it an efficient and well-planned system that made their travels to campus quick and hassle-free.
“I’m considering getting a purple pass my next semester,” said Houchens. “It just isn’t worth it to pay more for a ‘better’ pass and then spend so much time searching for parking.
The Cardinal shuttle, which begins at 6:40 a.m. on weekdays at Cardinal Stadium and operates approximately every five minutes, also provides an opportunity to meet other students on the brief ride to class.
For more information on campus parking, including campus maps, permit applications and regulations, visit the university parking office Web site at www.louisville.edu/parking.
