College of CharlestonParking Summary

Written by Nancy Blayney

Nancy Blayney

View all previous student authors

If you need to bring a car to school with you, here’s what you should know: student parking is not cheap, but it pays off in convenience and close proximity to campus. Students who can afford it take advantage of the student parking garages and lots on campus. It may be crowded and difficult to find a space at times, but in the end, convenience beats the frustration of hunting for a space. Everywhere else, there are no guarantees. Some parking lots, though cheap, are rather far away from the center of campus, and you spend more time walking to and from your garage than you do actually driving to your destination. Students willing to take a chance at beating the parking police have their success stories and pride in counting the ways they have beaten parking tickets. For those students scared of risking a ticket, beware of St. Philips Street; it’s a prime ticketing area.

With a city such as Charleston that is so pedestrian-friendly, the complications, bothers, and responsibilities that come with parking are easily avoidable by simply not driving. Most students will agree that while it’s good to have a car in Charleston, it’s hardly an essential thing. Walking is how most students get around, but if you are leaning towards bringing a car, there are some spaces available somewhere on campus during some part of the day. The strict traffic laws could make having a car more of a burden than a convenience, but if you are really in need of a vehicle, you’re sure to find a way to make the parking situation work for you.