As a student at Texas A&M University (TAMU), you know that parking can be a challenge. With over 50,000 students and 25,000 faculty and staff, the university has a lot of people competing for a limited number of parking spaces.
But don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to make parking at TAMU a little bit easier.
1. Get a Parking Permit
The first step to parking at TAMU is to get a parking permit. You can purchase a permit online or at the Transportation Services office. There are different types of permits available, depending on your needs.
- Resident permits are for students who live on campus.
- Commuter permits are for students who live off campus.
- Faculty/staff permits are for faculty and staff members.
The cost of a parking permit varies depending on the type of permit you need.
2. Choose the Right Parking Garage
Once you have a parking permit, you need to choose the right parking garage. There are seven parking garages on campus, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- The Central Garage is the largest garage on campus, with over 2,000 spaces. It is located in the center of campus, making it convenient for most students. However, it is also the most expensive garage.
- The West Garage is the second largest garage on campus, with over 1,500 spaces. It is located on the west side of campus, making it convenient for students who live in the west campus dorms. It is also less expensive than the Central Garage.
- The South Garage is the third largest garage on campus, with over 1,000 spaces. It is located on the south side of campus, making it convenient for students who live in the south campus dorms. It is also less expensive than the Central Garage.
3. Park Early
One of the best ways to avoid parking problems is to park early. Most classes start at 8:00 AM, so if you can get to campus by 7:00 AM, you should be able to find a parking space without too much trouble.
4. Be Prepared to Walk
Even if you park early, you may still have to walk a bit to get to your class. TAMU is a large campus, so it is important to be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes and allow yourself extra time to get to class.
5. Use the TAMU Parking App
The TAMU Parking App is a great way to find parking on campus. The app shows you the location of all of the parking garages and surface lots, as well as the availability of spaces in each garage. You can also use the app to purchase a parking permit.
6. Be Respectful of Others
When you are parking on campus, be respectful of others. Do not park in handicapped spaces unless you have a handicap permit. Do not park in fire lanes. And do not park in spaces that are reserved for faculty and staff.
7. Be Patient
Parking at TAMU can be a challenge, but it is important to be patient. With a little planning and preparation, you can find a parking space and get to class on time.
Conclusion
Parking at TAMU can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. By following these tips, you can make parking a little bit easier.