As a university student, there are a lot of tasks that I dread. Waking up early, getting ready, commuting, but the worst task by far is finding a parking spot on campus. Finding a parking spot may sound like a simple task, but I promise it is not.
Parking at UHCL has always been a hassle, but with the ongoing construction of the STEM building and the Recreation and Wellness Center, as well as the yet-to-break-ground Student Housing Building, traffic is expected to worsen.
The construction project promises to provide buildings with exceptional features for students and staff to utilize, but mentions nothing about additional parking. UHCL anticipates that the new facilities will boost student enrollment. If this plan is successful, there won’t be enough parking spaces to accommodate students.
There has already been an increase in traffic and lack of available parking spaces since UHCL became a four-year university. I have been at UHCL since 2015, and I have never had so much trouble finding a space to park. Some would think that purchasing a $50 semester-long or $80 annual parking permit would guarantee a rockstar parking space. WRONG!
Most of the classes I take are held at the Bayou Building or the Student Services and Classroom Building. Parking Lot D is where I, and most students, struggle in securing a parking space. During busy hours from 1 to 7 p.m., Lot D remains full, with little to no spaces available.
The best way to secure a parking spot is to come to campus early with plenty of spare time before class. The only time I am ever late to class is when I have to battle for a parking spot. Of course, it is not enough to show up early.
Obtaining a parking spot has become a dangerous and competitive sport at UHCL. Students claw, scratch and fight their way for a parking spot. I am no exception. During my time on campus, I have had to get creative with how I obtain a parking space. I am not too proud of some these methods.
The most awkward yet most common method is referred to as the “Hawk Stalk.” This requires the driver to target and stalk students walking to their car to secure a parking spot. Be warned, this method is not fool-proof. There are times when students go to their cars just to grab something they need out of their trunk. Or they go to their cars to take a nap.
The awkward moment occurs when the target makes eye contact with the driver and they just smirk because they know exactly what the driver is trying to do. I feel bad and creepy for doing the Hawk Stalk, but a Hawk’s gotta do what a Hawk’s gotta do.
The next method is like a game of chicken. There have been times when I tried to claim a spot and someone else claims it as well. This is when it gets nasty because I refuse to surrender. Whoever slides his or her way into the spot will be the victor, it doesn’t matter how it’s done. The loser often leaves with a defeated expression.
Those are just some of the terrors involved in parking at UHCL. The next obstacle students face is that Texas heat. Stalking and playing chicken can be exhausting, but just because I got a parking spot does not mean that it is a good one. Often when I do find a spot, it is out in the boonies, which means I have to melt all the way to class. By the time I make it to class I am drenched in sweat and am ready to go home.
I know I am not alone on this issue. I’m sure most students can relate to my parking experiences. I think UHCL would benefit from a parking garage. They have been proven to be efficient at other universities. As of now, the university has overlooked the situation, but once these construction projects are complete, UHCL will have to address the issue. Students and staff who share my concerns should voice them to the UHCL Facilities and Support Service Committee.
