As new students attending Weber State University, seemingly one of the most prudent investments that can be made this year, aside from textbooks and school supplies, is a parking permit.
The permits vary in price, some allowing students to park all over campus, while others limit them to specific lots or roadways. A complete list of the permits and their respective prices and availability can be found on the WSU website.
Trying to park on or near campus without a permit can be something of a nightmare, according to many veteran students. Parking spots directly on campus are limited, and students need to get to school early to ensure a spot. Even for those fortunate enough to find one, without a permit, they run a high risk of getting a ticket.
While the tickets are relatively inexpensive, running about $15 on average, they can pile up quickly if a student is careless. Getting too many tickets without paying can result in a boot on students’ cars or holds on their accounts, restricting them from registering for future classes and applying for graduation.
According to Crystal Taylor, the Parking Services manager, lots and roadways are enforced from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. This means that students taking night classes or Saturday classes won’t need to worry about permits. However, lots fill up quickly around 5 p.m. for classes, so Taylor advised that students get there early if they don’t want to hike to class.
With campus parking in short supply, students unable to find a spot can head up to the Dee Events Center, where a shuttle will take them back down to campus. The shuttle runs from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The parking at WSU requires a ‘W’ permit, which is one of the cheaper permits. There’s also ample parking at the center.
For students unable or unwilling to ante up the extra cash for a permit, though, there are a couple of options available. A few of the businesses around WSU are lenient with students who park in their lots, as long as they don’t stay long and it’s not during busy hours. Johnny Morris, who owns Ville Bella, a sandwich shop across the street from WSU, is one of these people.
“Students will come at like 7 in the morning and stay for about an hour,” Morris said. “If they stay too long or make a habit of it, I’ll leave a note on their windshield asking them not to come back.”
Morris and the business that shares his lot, Baskin-Robbins, are two of the more patient establishments, but most businesses have signs threatening to have nonpatrons’ cars towed away. Living Scriptures, located next door to Ville Bella, is one of these businesses, and they’re not afraid of delivering on their threat.
Another option, and probably the most economical one, is to ride public transportation. UTA buses and the FrontRunner are included in a student’s UTA Ed Pass, which students receive when they enroll. Buses run to and from WSU frequently, meaning no matter when a class starts, there’s likely to be one that accommodates the student.