Students at CSU Stanislaus find parking on campus to be a challenge this fall semester
Students, rev up those engines–oh wait, brake. As California State University, Stanislaus continues to grow, the hassle of finding a parking spot has consistently become a nuisance for students who commute.
As students race to find that perfect parking spot, they may be wondering why parking is enforced.
According to the California State University, Stanislaus Office of Public Safety/University Police Services brochure, “California code of Regulations (CCR)Title 5, Section 42201- Allows permission to park on a CSU campus only to persons that have paid a parking fee and display evidence that they have paid.”   
Sounds simple, right?
Well, right and wrong. A major complaint about the parking in California State University, Stanislaus is the amount of time students have to give themselves to find decent parking.  The verdict among students is that the prime time to park is earlier in the morning.
“The best time to park is early in the morning, around eight or nine,” Gabriela Garcia (sophomore, Nursing) said.
The second complaint that most students can agree about is the high costs of parking permits. Currently, a parking permit costs $164 for the fall semester. Garcia, being one of the many students who commutes, feels the pain of others who commute as well. For those who commute, paying $6 daily or $164 is seen as an inconvenience.
“They should lower the price because it’s way too expensive; we already spend too much money on gas,” Garcia said. “It kind of sucks; it’s expensive.” 
The CSU Stanislaus Office of Public Safety/University Police Services brochure states, “buying a parking permit allows you to park on the premises; it does not guarantee you a parking space.” To some students, this does not sit well with them.
“We need to have more parking spaces available, and a cheaper pay for a parking permit,” said Jessie Sanchez (freshman, Undeclared).
So, students may be asking themselves, what are some tips to help improve these parking issues?
“I have no secret spots to park, but just drive around,” Garcia said. “Just get here early. At least an hour or two before class.”
The CSU Stanislaus Police Department brochure also gives several tips on what students should do to get the best parking spot.
Generally, we should follow the  basic guidelines for parking survival: get here early or try to catch a ride with a friend. For now, students must accommodate to this mess.
To find out more about parking, visit the Public Safety building on campus to pick up a brochure, or go online at csustan.edu/upd.