California Polytechnic State University - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

As illustrated by the student comments, parking is probably the biggest gripe. Cal Poly may be undecided about other important issues, but all students agree about parking—we desperately need more! Due to the traffic flowing in and out of campus every day, Poly hired people to direct traffic during peak hours to avoid the congestion of stopping at every single sign. Nevertheless, at 7:35 in the morning, students find themselves frustrated behind a giant line of cars, about to be late for those 8 a.m. classes.

You would think all of this mess would give the administration some ideas about expanding parking. A multi-level building provides a lot of needed parking spaces. Of course, half of those spaces were marked off for faculty. In the evenings, it’s often blocked off for concerts in the PAC. It’s pointless to even try looking for a parking spot. Unless it’s three in the morning, you have a small chance of finding one. Heading straight for the Via Carta lots is your best bet, regardless of whether or not it’s anywhere near your classes. So yes, parking is a problem at Cal Poly. It is a relatively minor problem when compared to things like rampant discrimination or a forceful drug culture, which may be found at other schools. But, it is like the proverbial thorn in the lion’s paw: small but unbelievably annoying.

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Students Speak Out

CalRH says: California Polytechnic State University 2015 Business

The parking on campus is terrible.... The parking on campus is terrible. Make sure you have your parking pass because the campus police will not hesitate to give you a $15 or $30 ticket. Freshmen are allowed to bring cars, but around San Luis you don't really need one. The public transport is free with a student ID card and goes pretty much anywhere you want to go in town. 12345 Parking: March 25, 2009 Report

Cales says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Psychology

Freshmen can bring a car, but they... Freshmen can bring a car, but they have to park it nowhere close to their dorms. 12345 Parking: March 19, 2009 Report

CalLT says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Other

The campus is set up for biking.... The campus is set up for biking. There is ample parking throughout campus if you absolutely need a car, though. It's not necessarily easy to park, but you can find a spot eventually. Freshmen can bring a car, but with free bus rides with your Poly card and a bike, you really don't need to pay the expensive price for a permit. 12345 Parking: March 16, 2009 Report

CalSF says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Communication and Journalism

I bike! Most people do, too. We... I bike! Most people do, too. We are driving toward a sustainable campus. 12345 Parking: March 09, 2009 Report

CalKM5 says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Other

Freshmen can bring a car, but... Freshmen can bring a car, but sometimes parking is a hassle. Parking is pretty expensive, too. I think you have to get to campus early to get a good space. 12345 Parking: February 23, 2009 Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
The north side of campus, Via Carta

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
The library parking lot or, during peak hours, the parking structure

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Name: Sarah Parr
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