Harvard and Cars

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hey everyone!</p>

<p>I was just curious if freshman are allowed to obtain a parking permit for on campus parking or not? Also, do freshman bring cars at all?</p>

<p>I see it being pretty useful because when I don't need it, it can just remain parked in one place and if I ever want to explore Boston or drive home to NY I can.</p>

<p>BTW, I've done some research and Harvard campus services stated that "undergraduates" can obtain parking permits, but didn't specify if freshman are.</p>

<p>Here's a link to Harvard Campus Services (Heads up, CC might block it): FAQs</a> | Harvard Campus Services</p>

2

<p>Once admitted, an undergraduate if they so desire may apply for a parking permit – but don’t expect to get one until your senior year, as there is a 3 year waiting list:</p>

<p>If you read down on the FAQ thread you posted:</p>

<p>Q. How long can I expect to be on a waiting list?
“A. Historically, there has been very little activity on waiting lists for centrally-located facilities during the fall months. New applicants can expect to remain on these waiting lists for at least 36 months. However, facilities located in areas farther away from central campus typically have shorter waiting lists, or none at all. Please contact the Parking Services office for the most up-to-date information or help with waiting list placement.”</p>

<p>Once you receive your permit though, it will cost you $3,060 per year: [General</a> Commuter & Tenant | Harvard Campus Services](<a href=“http://www.campusservices.harvard.edu/parking/general-commuter-tenant]General”>http://www.campusservices.harvard.edu/parking/general-commuter-tenant)</p>

3

<p>[Parking</a> for Residents & Their Visitors](<a href=“http://www2.cambridgema.gov/traffic/ResidentVisitor.cfm]Parking”>http://www2.cambridgema.gov/traffic/ResidentVisitor.cfm)
In addition, a resident parking permit is required to park on most residential streets in Cambridge Monday through Saturday. To obtain a permit:</p>

<p>Eligibility requirements

  1. Submit proof of residency as a Cambridge resident.
  2. Have your car registered in your name at your Cambridge address
  3. Principally garaged at your Cambridge address.</p>

<p>Bottom line: Leave your car at home. It’s not worth the hassle or the money.</p>

4

<p>Cars are really impractical - more a nuisance than a benefit. I only knew one person to have a car my entire four years.</p>

<p>If you’re travelling around Boston, the T, as awful as it can be sometimes, is really the best and most efficient means of travel. Not sure of your location in NY, but if you live in the city or along metro north/LIRR/etc, the bus/train/etc. are incredibly practical and far more affordable than a single person travelling via car.</p>

5

<p>Great suggestions! So I suppose my parents don’t need to get me a car, I’m from NYC so I wouldn’t put a car to much use for the next 4 years. </p>

<p>Wow, I would’ve thought that Harvard would’ve made parking less of a hassle, seems a bit insane.</p>

6

<p>If you absolutely need a car for a day, you can rent a Zip-Car. Otherwise, the Bolt Bus from Boston South Station to NYC Penn Station ranges from $14 to $29 one way – cheaper than a tank of gas.</p>

7

<p>

Ummmmm… excess space is nothing I would associate with Cambridge.</p>

8

<p>^Also, Harvard does provide some parking, it just mostly goes to the faculty and staff who actually have to commute to campus every day.</p>