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Boston University - Parking - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Parking

C
Where does this grade come from?View all Parking rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Parking Grades:

Quick Stats

Student Parking Lot? Yes
Freshmen Allowed to Park? Yes
Approximate Parking Permit Cost
  • $1,087 per year for Orange (overnight)
  • $140 per year for White (evening)
  • $760 per year for Blue (day/commuter)
Common Parking Tickets
  • Expired meter: $25
  • Fire lane: $100
  • Handicapped zone: $120
  • No parking zone: $10-$30

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Most students advise that a car is both an unnecessary and expensive endeavor on the BU campus and in and around the city. Not only is parking ridiculously expensive, but your car will invariably wind up towed, ticketed, abused, and worn down. The cheapest way to park is to apply for a resident permit parking pass and park on the street. If you bring a car, heed this warning: Meter maids and towing companies are the city’s most effective resources. Even if you bring your car with the intention of driving to class, you'll most likely only end up circling the area five or six times until you're good and late for class, and then give up and head back home to bed.

Despite the ominous nature of the parking scene described above, if you do choose to bring a car, you will always have a quick way out of town, to head home, to a concert, a rave, or a festival. You will find that someone is always willing to pay for your gas for a ride. But then again, you might find yourself spending half of your life looking for parking. According to an advertisement in the T station says, “The average adult spends 370 hours a year looking for parking, and 285 hours a year having sex.” If that statistic is true, which it undoubtedly is, leave your car home.

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Boston University Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Parking at Boston University

jennesin911

'14

Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

N/A

BU: Parking

I think all I really need to say here is...Boston.

Jan 31, 2012

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Parking at Boston University

projectallison

'15

Film and Video Studies

N/A

What Parking?

As an urban campus, having a car on campus (especially as a freshman) is pointless and a bad idea. Everything you could ever need is walkable, or you can take the T train or T buses if you're feeling lazy (or if it's freezing).

Jan 15, 2012

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Parking at Boston University

SarahCee793

'15

Elementary Education

1.2
D

Don't Bring Cars

Being in Boston, having a car really isn't a necessity. There are lots of parking lots on campus, but even if you pay for a parking permit, you're not guaranteed a spot. You're much better off using the MBTA to get around - buses and the T run right down the middle of BUs campus!

Dec 11, 2011

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Page 1 of 14

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the campus parking on the following topics

How convenient is off-campus parking?

Facts

Getting a Parking Permit

You can either purchase a parking permit online, by mail, over the phone, or by going directly to the Office of Parking at the GSU during operating hours. It is relatively easy to get, assuming you have the cash to spend. Prices are steep. If you live off campus, the best way to go is to register your car in Massachusetts and get a resident permit parking pass for your car. It is only about $15, and allows you to park on the street in the area in which you live. All you need is your valid registration, license, and proof of residency. Then again, students have survived (with difficulty) without a permit.

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
If you do not have a permit and you are looking for a spot on campus, you will rarely find a space on Commonwealth Avenue during your first sweep. Be prepared to go around in circles for a few minutes before finding a decent spot, but because they are lined up one after another, something will most likely eventually pop up. If you are headed to class, taking your car is rarely a time saver. Your first reflex may be to hop in the car instead of waiting for the T, but don’t. The virtue of the T is that it always comes. It’s not the same for parking. Sometimes, if you check Cummington Street or Bay State Road, there are some open spots. Also, the further away from central campus, the easier it is to park; check down by Kenmore Square

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
It is basically impossible to find a spot anywhere around east campus on a Red Sox game day. Fenway Park is right around the corner from BU, and there are hoards of people . . . and their cars. Don’t get stuck looking for a spot anywhere near there on game day, unless you are prepared to pay the 20 bucks for parking.

 

Parking ServicesWhat's This?

BU Parking Services
George Sherman Union
775 Commonwealth Ave.
(617) 353-2160
www.bu.edu/parking

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