As we’re sure you’ve all noticed by now, Bryant University has embarked on an endeavor called Bryant Builds. This project is adding a ton of new academic and athletic buildings to campus. While we’re excited to see our campus’s new accessories, this has created a pretty large problem: we’ve lost a LOT of parking spots. Parking at Bryant has never been ideal, but with new construction it sometimes feels like there is literally nowhere to park. In fact, it has become one of our top pet peeves!
We at Her Campus totally understand your frustration. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of ways we would like to see Bryant fix the problem. We also have tips and tricks to help you find a spot, even when the hope seems lost.
How Can Bryant Fix This?
-Revoke parking privileges from freshmen. Obviously this does a disservice to the freshman class, but once you reach sophomore status this rule will greatly benefit you! This would clear up so many parking spots for older students who, arguable, deserve them more.
-Limit the number of parking passes issued per year. Plenty of schools, such as Providence College, only give out a certain amount of parking passes per year. This ensures that everyone with a pass is able to find a place to park. Passes could be offered to upperclassmen first, similar to the way class registration is conducted. Of course, registering for a parking pass would probably turn into the hunger games, but we have faith in you, collegiettes.
-Build a parking garage. Roger Williams University has one, can’t we? The construction crews are already here, maybe we can contract them to build a garage in their free time.
-Expand on parking lots. Bryant University owns 435 acres of land. Some of these acres hold large wooded areas. See all the trees in the image below. Why not cut some trees down and put down more parking lots.
-Off campus parking areas. Many city schools, such as Johnson and Wales University, have parking lots and garages off campus. There are then shuttles to transport students between their cars and the campus. Who knows, maybe Amica has some extra space they’ll let us use. And if we can’t get shuttles, crossing Douglas Turnpike can’t be that dangerous, right?
What Can You Do?
-Get to class early. If you’re driving to class from off campus housing, or even the townhouses, try getting to class at least 10-15 minutes early. This gives you time to search for a parking spot, and means you get there before the latecomers.
-Schedule early morning classes. There’s a reason no one wants to take 8 am classes- waking up early isn’t fun. At all. Since no one likes waking up so early, the parking lots aren’t as full early in the morning.
-Follow people to their cars. Is it creepy to follow someone who looks like they’re leaving campus so we can steal their parking spot? yeah. Do we care? nah.
-Incorporate the walk into your workout routine. Focus on the calories you’re burning while walking from the furthest possible spot to your dorm. Every day is leg day when there’s nowhere to park.
-Drive to class for 5am and nap in your car. No one will be there, and your parking spot will be so nice that it’s totally worth waking up early. Just kidding, nothing is ever worth waking up that early.
-Don’t leave campus. Ever. Find a good spot and leave your car there all semester. Because the second you leave someone will snatch up that front row seat. Probably the girl following people to their cars as they leave. It’s a dog eat dog world.
-Park at Rente’s and walk over. Maybe no one will notice that your car has been there for a week?
-Park at Rente’s and go in for a drink. Who cares about going to class, or practice, or meetings? After the stress of looking for a nonexistent parking spot, you deserve a break and Rente’s is calling to you.
-Park your car in the middle of the lot and cry. Whatever, no judgement from us.
-Leave. Don’t go to class. Just drive home and try again tomorrow.
As you can see, we have this situation completely under control.