Written for The Argo by Morgan Brennan

While Stockton University possesses a plethora of esteemed professors, advanced academic opportunities, and an environment that encourages forward thinking; like anything, it is not without flaws. It is no secret that Stockton students have long since harbored complaints surrounding parking, affecting no population more prominently than the vast commuter student body.

Considering nearly two-thirds of Stockton students are commuters, a considerable amount rely on the general parking lots following their commute. Many of these commuters are traveling far distances to make it to class, and catering to varying times of the day to beat the ebb and flow of the parking lots can complicate things.

“I have to leave at least an hour earlier than necessary to try and combat the busy time of the lots”, Bree who is a senior at Stockton explained how the time and day of one’s class can affect your experience. She elaborates on how this not only can be a headache but can cause ramifications concerning other engagements. “I work part-time as well, so I’ve had to flip around my work schedule a lot to cater to the parking situation. It’s an hour less of making money to ensure I get a parking spot, in hindsight it is not really a big deal, but being a student is expensive and every minute of working can count.”

While many commuter students seem to foster similar feelings, Nick G, a Stockton freshman describes how he merely sees it as an inconvenience. “It can be a little annoying. Sometimes I’ll have to drive around the lots for nearly thirty minutes looking for a spot, but eventually, I find something. If you don’t mind walking a little then it’s not so bad.” He also provided something to consider for future commuters saying, “When I pick classes I try to take into account the time and day because that also can
determine how busy the lots will be.”

It was recently announced that Stockton plans on renovating part of the Richard E. Bjork Library. The Argo spoke with a recent graduate student who is also a commuter about what they thought of the money being put into the library, and if they feel the school could benefit from using funds to improve parking. “I mean advancements anywhere in the school are great, so the fact that future students will be getting a better library is wonderful, but I do think that the school should consider more parking lots, if possible.”

Despite many of the commuter students’ reservations about the parking, they all seemingly agreed these grievances do not take away from the positive experience they’ve had thus far at Stockton “The parking situation for commuters especially is not perfect, but nothing ever is. Stockton has granted me so many great opportunities and friendships I’ll have forever. I think sharing our experiences is a good step in highlighting possible changes for a more positive parking experience for commuters and the entire Stockton community” Bree said.