(By Hannah Kohr ’25, staff writer)
Navigating parking on LVC’s campus can be an adventure—and often, not a pleasant one.
Having experienced both sides—first as a resident student parking in Red Lot and now as a commuter struggling to find space in the Green Lot—I can say that parking challenges are one of the most frustrating parts of campus life.
During my time as a resident, I looked forward to the freedom of parking in the Green Lot on weekends, but that was a letdown. Even with the extra lot available, it was still challenging to find a spot, especially with other students taking advantage of the same parking opportunity. It left many of us circling the lot, hoping for a rare open spot.
Now, as a commuter, I’m seeing another side of the issue. Certain times of the day bring an even greater rush for parking, and trying to work around these peak hours can be difficult, especially with the unpredictability of local traffic. These unexpected traffic delays make it harder to plan for that “ideal arrival time,” and without consistent information on when lots are likely to be full, it’s a gamble every time.
Additionally, every minute spent walking to a far-off spot and an internship or job right after class adds stress to an already tight schedule. Improving parking options for all students isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making sure everyone has access to campus resources without added anxiety.
A more organized approach, such as better communication around peak hours, increased commuter parking options or even an app showing live updates on lot capacity, could make a big difference. With a few changes, LVC can reduce the frustration and make campus parking a little less of a game of chance.
It’s time for the College to consider the real challenges both residents and commuters face when it comes to parking. After all, parking should be the least of students’ concerns in balancing classes, work and campus involvement. Let’s make parking one less worry in our already busy college lives.