For the most part, parking is not a major problem. Such a small school really doesn’t seem to need much more than what it already has for parking, and most seem to think that the occasional overflow during big events isn’t bad enough for more lots to be built. The dorms do have some parking, but most available parking is on the street, meaning students get pretty talented at parallel parking, although it’s certainly possible to find parking in the lots, unless large events are taking place. The occasional frustration arises when students need to find parking very close to their destinations, but there will always be some parking available nearby.
Though most of the parking lots are fairly small, there are several of them, including lots by the science building, Olin, Jewett, Prentiss/Anderson, Reid Campus Center, Douglas, and North. Students generally don’t use their cars that often unless it’s for recreational purposes during the weekends, specifically for outdoor recreational activities since the surrounding terrain is known for its beauty, and outdoor activities are very popular amongst Whitman students. It doesn’t take too long for students to figure out where the best places to park are, and once students find these spots, they are pretty much guaranteed to be able to use the spot on a regular basis. Rarely, unless they are running very late to class and are desperate, do students use their cars to get to class (and if anyone found out, they’d probably be made fun of for the duration of the year). Overall, parking is almost always available on the street, and it’s free, which is a big bonus.