For some students at Durham College, the daily challenges extend beyond the rush to complete assignments, arrive at class punctually, or catch the bus. As each minute ticks by, it is also a frantic scramble for a coveted parking spot.
Each semester, the rush for parking begins as soon as applications open, with lots reaching full capacity almost instantly, according to the college’s parking office.
Adding to this challenge, students have to deal with the financial stress of paying for a parking space on campus. According to the college website, parking fees range from $300 for a single semester and $600 for a full year.
Alina Rose, a third-year Business – Accounting student says “parking is stressful” because besides paying tuition fees students have to pay for parking. She says commuting to campus adds to the burden as the expense of gas, along with parking fees and tuition, significantly increases her overall costs for attending school.
Another student, Deshawn James, a first-year Sport Management student, said besides the financial burden that comes with parking, finding a parking space on campus can be daunting because parking lots are often full during day time.
According to Karry Moore, Durham College’s parking manager, the college’s administration determines parking fees, and the parking office implements and manages these directives.
Amanda Robbins, a staff member at the parking office, explains that due to high demand, students often need to be placed on waitlists for parking passes, which can result in months-long waits before they receive any updates.