Let’s face it, even though Portland boasts having an amazing mass transit system, enabling one to traverse its urban area with ease, some of us have to make the trek to campus via automobile. Or perhaps it’s one of those mornings where you woke up late, your bike got a flat or you just have to leave class as fast as possible because you and a buddy plan to bootleg some beer across state lines and do what they say can’t be done. Either way, transportation by car to PSU inevitably leads to one rather frustrating thing: parking.
Taking it to the street
The most immediate option for drivers is parking on the street. It is very convenient and much cheaper than PSU’s parking. Of course, actually finding a spot is rare, not to mention the battle of wits and wheeled prowess involved. And then there is the matter of continually feeding the meter.
If you can manage it and find a parking space for your four-wheeled friend, street parking is perhaps your cheapest option on campus. And for your simple day trips to PSU, they do the trick.
PSU Parking
PSU does offer parking of its own at locations scattered throughout the campus. If you’re going to be driving to classes full time, then it is in your best interest to pay the $275–297 for a parking pass. Parking Structure 1, Parking Structure 3, University Place, Ondine, the Fourth Avenue Building and Blumel Hall all have parking for those who bear a pass.
It may seem painful, but the pass may be a cheaper option than forking out cash daily for your parking needs. Plus, it can be easier to find a spot when in a pinch for time.
Motorcycles also can grab a parking pass at the bargain price of $74, and it is good at all parking facilities.
There is also hourly and daily parking, though at very sad and pathetic prices. The Shattuck lot, Parking Structure 1, University Center Building, the Art Building and Parking Structure 3 all offer such parking. Generally you’re going to pay from $2–3 an hour depending upon the parking site. Machines that dispense parking slips to be placed on your dash take cash and card. But try to use exact change, as they do give change back in the form of delightful dollar coins, but don’t accept any bill denominations above $10. This can cause a hasty run to a coffee shop to break a $20 bill over a $1.50 cup of coffee. Believe me, I know.
Helpful tips
When it comes to grabbing up good spots, the age-old wisdom we all know comes into play. The early bird gets the … er … parking spot. For example, the Shattuck lot, though painfully priced at $3 and hour, is a pretty convenient location. It is a fairly small lot, so it can take many circles waiting for folks to get out of class until a spot opens up. The only other downside is that it is near the tennis courts and sometimes stray balls may hop the fence. But on the plus side, campus security is right next to it, so that may offer some peace of mind.
Usually you are going to have to trade off convenience for availability. For example, Parking Structure 3 is most likely not terribly close to many of your classes, though it generally has plenty of room. The first couple of floors here are governed by slips from parking machines, but if you can take the time to grab a slip from the live and in-person attendant, then you can have your pick on all the above floors.
Wherever you park, there is always going to be the exceptions. Keep your eyes out for signs—some of them may not be easy to spot. Such as signs for “faculty only” or “permit required,” even though the parking spot right next to it is all good for you, you’ll get a nice note from PSU Parking Services asking for some compensation, in other words, a ticket.
Secure your valuables
One key thing to keep in mind that will always do you good is to not leave your valuables in your car. Keeping your car and your valuables secure, no matter where on campus you park, can save you money and heartbreak. I know it may seem like a hassle to take your stuff with you, or to take the time to put your books in your trunk, but history and the Vanguard’s own past crime blurbs have shown us time and time again that car prowlers also come to PSU looking for hefty items to snatch from your vehicle.
In the end, the options for parking at PSU are pretty diverse. Everyone has his or her own tricks and tips they’ve picked up over the years of frustrated spot hunting, speeding down block after block and screeching through the parking garages. So keep out a keen eye, carry exact change and always be safe.