It is undeniable that UConn excels in a lot of areas; basketball, academics, and extracurriculars, just to name a few. However, parking is not one of them. One Google reviewer even described UConn parking services as, “A money grabbing operation that borders on entrapment”. If you commute to UConn, whether from 40 or 5 minutes away, you know the chaos that unfolds when you’re trying to find a parking spot (especially at 9:15 am). Parking is more stressful than all of your classes combined and makes you contemplate dropping out on a daily basis. Everyone who has ever tried to park at UConn knows how real these 15 struggles are.
1. When you leave for class 40 minutes early, and still can’t find an open space.
2. The realization that you paid almost $300 for a parking permit that is essentially useless.
3. Regretting not shelling out the extra cash for a garage permit.
4. Contemplating parking illegally, then remembering UConn parking services gives out tickets if you even breathe in the direction of the 24/7 zones.
5. That moment of pure desperation when you creepily follow other students around the parking lot in your car, hoping that they’re leaving so you can nab their spot.
6. Wondering how UConn can build a new gym, new housing, and new academic buildings, but can’t throw down the cash to make another commuter lot closer to campus?
7. When you get a ticket for parking “illegally” in the dirt lot, even though it’s literally just a pile of dirt with no lines.
8. That moment of sheer panic when you’re still sitting in your unparked car and realize you’re going to be late for your class… again.
9. When times are so tough that you actually contemplate parking in W lot, aka Narnia.
10. And then realize you’d rather sell your soul than walk from W lot to class in 90 degree weather.
11. When you miraculously get a spot in the lot behind McMahon but you’re still going to have to walk back up a hill that rivals Mount Everest.
12. That intense Hunger Games-esque moment when you and another person are going for the same spot.
13. Circling a commuter lot for 30 minutes and starting to question whether a college education is even worth it at this point.
14. Finally swallowing your pride and grudgingly paying $8 to park in the garage for the day.
15. Or, when you just decide to go home, get a drink, and try again tomorrow.
Best of luck parking for the rest of the year, Huskies. May your spirits stay high and your ticket count low.