The Art Of Parking

Needless to say, parking on campus is a pain. Sometimes you do get lucky and find a spot that is nearby your class, though most times you have to park at least a mile away from you class and, because you were hunting for a closer one, you are now late because you took too long looking and because you have to walk too far. There are a few tricks that I've learned throughout my college career for finding a good parking spot. They aren't 100%, but 9 times out of 10 I won't have to walk very far! Here are some tips and tricks:

1. Roll down your windows and turn off your music! Not every car that is leaving will have their reverse lights on right away. By rolling down your windows and eliminating other noises you will be able to hear a person starting up their car a row away!
2. Arrive when other classes are getting out. Chances are, if you arrive too near to your own class's start time, all of your other classmates will have gotten the prime parking spots. By timing your arrival with the end of the class ahead of yours, you're bound to catch other students leaving campus!
3. Make "just one more round". Listen to your gut! Making that one last round around the parking lot might be your saving grace (or saving feet if you're wearing high heels).
4. Don't go with the crowd. If you're driving behind a long line of cars that are also looking for a place to park, most likely they're going to get the parking spots that are coming out ahead of you. If there is a place to turn, do so, so you aren't following other hunters.
5. Be cooperative. Your fellow hunters are just as desperate as you are. If you come across a parking spot, or someone backing out of one, at the same time as another hunter, work things out considerately. Chances are there might be a spot opening up nearby and you can both get spots if you work together! (Yes, this has happened to me).
6. Keep your cool. I know it can be stressful at times, but you need to keep a clear head on your shoulders. You might get too busy yelling at someone to notice the guy backing out right behind you. (No, this has not happened to me :P). I tend to keep my temper down by talking to myself in a British/Irish accent. This isn't for everyone, but it works for me!

Okay, so there you have it! My top 6 tricks to hunting down a parking spot! I know it can be annoying and stressful at times, but you've got to be tactful about it! Oh, and one more just in case even these tips leave you stressed out:

Arrive early to campus. Park in the first (most likely far off) spot you find and just walk the mile to class. Walking is good for you and gives you lots of time to think!

Good luck everyone! I know the quarter just ended, but some people are going to summer school! Keep these in mind as you hunt for a parking spot!