Comparable Schools'
Parking Grades:
Quick Stats
Common Parking Tickets
- Fire lane - $25
- Handicapped zone - $200
- Misuse of parking decal - $100
- No parking zone - $25
- Unregistered vehicles
Freshmen Allowed to Park
Yes
Approximate Parking Permit Cost
Parking Permits
Most upperclassmen who apply for parking get a decal. The problem is that many students do not get parking near where they live. Students that do not get parking permits tend to be those who were away from campus for a semester and were not able to get one when they were distributed in the fall. The parking lottery is pretty much first-come first-served, and then preference goes to upperclassmen. Prime parking is given to faculty. First-years can register cars for the first few weeks after they arrive to campus, and starting next year, they will all be parking at Farley Fields.
College Prowler Take
Parking on campus favors upperclassmen and those who reside in social houses and apartments because many come equipped with their own lots. The parking lottery was added to help with the parking situation. Any student who wishes to get a decal on campus puts their name in with three parking lot requests. All of this information is put into a database, and based on class year, parking spots are distributed. Not enough spots exist on campus, and some students unfortunately get put onto the waiting list. Previously, students who spent a year or semester away did not get to participate in the distribution of parking spaces, and that’s why the lottery became a part of the hectic list of things to do spring semester. All first-years who wish to bring a car to campus usually can, but their lot is almost a mile away from campus, and in the winter, it feels much further.
The primary complaint from students about parking is that most of the lots feel far from where they want to go. The best parking is reserved for faculty, administrators, and guests. Students also complain that if they do not park in a lot with their decal color, security will tow the car and charge them before giving the student adequate warning to move their car. Considering a lot of the programs other schools offer, Bowdoin offers good parking options with flexibility. The College is also building a new parking lot at the site of the old ice arena. This parking lot will be very convenient for students and should relax a lot of the parking tensions.
Students Speak Out
Student at Bowdoin College?
Post your own reviews or take a survey on your school.
BowC says: Bowdoin College 2015 Communication and Journalism February 26, 2009  |
I would avoid Walsh simply because...
I would avoid Walsh simply because it's dirty, it smells, and it's "party central." I much prefer more polished places like Vanderslice or the Gate. |
Anonymous says: |
I don’t worry about it; I...
I don’t worry about it; I live off campus. |
Anonymous says: |
Parking at Farley is kind of a...
Parking at Farley is kind of a hassle because it’s a bit of a walk just to get your car. |
Anonymous says: |
Unless you are insanely lucky in...
Unless you are insanely lucky in your parking lottery, or insanely unlucky in the housing lottery to where you live near a parking lot, your lot will be far away from civilization. Living in a social house is an exception, as you can often get permission to park in the house lot. |
Anonymous says: |
Security doesn’t really...
Security doesn’t really check, so you can pretty much park anywhere. |
Did You Know?
Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
• Admission’s Office
• Coffin Street
• Farley Field House
• Park Row
• South Street
Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
• In front of the Moulton Union
• Near the Tower
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