Emerson College - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

It looks like the students agree—parking in Boston is awful. Wait, did we say awful? We meant incredibly, unbearably awful. So awful, you’re better off parachuting in from a passing jet than driving in. Yeah, it’s that bad. From the permit-parking-only spots to the lane closures to the exorbitant fees for parking lots, it’s virtually a lost cause. Although many students consider taking their cars to college, at Emerson—and most other schools in Boston—it’s neither smart nor necessary. Students who live off campus and attempt to drive to school for the first time soon realize that not only does it take twice as long to navigate the streets as it does to ride the bus, but it’s also likely to spike your blood pressure about 30 points. And that’s just getting there. By the time you find a parking spot, you will have missed most of your class and will probably be so frustrated that the sidewalk looks like a reasonable spot to stash your car.

If you’re willing to drop a fistful of cash, you can park in a nearby parking garage, which might seem reasonable to those who love their whips and can’t imagine leaving them at home. But be warned: Due to the throngs of pedestrians, countless potholes, never-ending construction, and Boston’s terrible drivers, cruising in Boston is nightmarish.

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Students Speak Out

EmeML says: Emerson College 2015 English Language and Literature

This is a city—don't bring a car. 12345 Parking: February 25, 2009 Report

EmeMCe says: Emerson College 2014 English Language and Literature

There is no parking. It is the... There is no parking. It is the heart of Boston—nobody has a car. 12345 Parking: February 19, 2009 Report

Emeks says: Emerson College 2014 Arts, Visual and Performing

There is no parking whatsoever for... There is no parking whatsoever for any year. 12345 Parking: February 18, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I can’t say it enough. If you’re... I can’t say it enough. If you’re going to go through all the hassle of bringing your car to Boston, driving it, and trying to park it, won’t you please just add a little more effort and come out to Jamaica Plain to pick me up? 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

No one really drives. There are no... No one really drives. There are no parking spaces. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

The school suggests avoiding driving to Emerson. The only safe spots to park near campus are in city parking lots, which are not cheap. The closest garage to campus is the Boston Common parking garage, located beneath the Common. Rates range from $8 to $27, depending on how long you stay. Weekend and evening rates are available. Monthly passes cost up to $360. Overnight montly passes (in after 4 p.m., out by 10 a.m.) are $150 a month.
 

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot:
If you even want a chance at finding an open meter, you’ll have to look farther away, such as on Tremont Street a couple blocks south of Boylston Street. Don’t forget your walking shoes.

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Beacon, Boylston, Charles, Arlington, and Newbury streets, all of Chinatown, anywhere near the Common

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