<p>As an incoming freshman, I was wondering whether most students own a car or not. I'm going to be living 5 to 10 miles away from Baltimore, so I was wondering if it would be more economical to take the bus? Also, how is parking on the campus? Is it impossible to find a spot, or more reasonable?</p>
<p>I dog sat for a professor one time, and stayed at her house and drove to campus. It was REALLY difficult to find parking, especially since she didn't have an area 12 permit (something you can't get unless you live in non-campus housing in the immediate area). However, if you're going to be a commuter student and can prove you're living at home I think that Hopkins can give you a parking permit.</p>
<p>Depends, Can you afford on campus housing? I'd recommend that you get situated and get a feel what life is on campus atleast for freshmen year. Once you ease into life at Hopkins and get a feel for things and whats going on on campus, then you can consider commuting from your home. I'm assuming that you are considering to opt to be a commuter from home?</p>
<p>MOst students at Hopkins do not own cars. From what I've seen, parking spaces that are free and open are hard to find, especially since the area around Hopkins is a residential neighborhood, it is definitely more economical and convenient in a sense (given the high gas prices of today) to take the JHMI shuttle (Free, great if it stops by your house or JHMI stops are within walking distance) or the MTA shuttle.</p>
<p>A lot of opinions re: cars on-campus can be found here:
Hopkins</a> Forums -> Cars?</p>
<p>and also here:
Hopkins</a> Forums -> Cars On Campus?</p>
<p>Do note the official Parking Office policy:
[url=<a href="http://www.parking.jhu.edu/parking_students.html%5DParkingOverview%5B/url">http://www.parking.jhu.edu/parking_students.html]ParkingOverview[/url</a>]</p>
<p>Undergrad Resident Students
Parking is available for undergraduate resident students at the San Martin Garage for $320 per semester. Freshman residing in University housing are excluded from purchasing on-campus parking. Additionally, all freshmen are prohibited from bringing cars on campus. We strongly encourage undergrads with vehicles to purchase a permit to this safe, accessible parking garage, especially with the city's introduction of paid meter parking on N. Charles St., University Parkway, St. Paul St. and many of the streets surrounding campus.</p>
<p>Undergrad Commuter Students
Parking is available for undergrad commuter students on campus at the San Martin Garage for $320 per semester.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the info. This has been really helpful.</p>
<p>Just to add, I brought a car during my second semester as a junior, but that's mainly because I chose to live a bit farther away from campus. I park in the San Martin Garage and find it very convenient. You can purchase on-site campus parking on the lower level of the parking garage located in Mason Hall, there is a tiny parking office. :)</p>
<p>In your situation, coming in as a freshman, between the Hopkins shuttle, the evening/weekend Escort Vans, the Collegetown shuttles, taxis, and your new friends with cars :D, there really isn't a need to bring a vehicle, again, unless you do in fact decide to live 5-10 miles away from campus. If you have specific questions regarding parking, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Cars -</p>
<p>Necessary? Definitely not.</p>
<p>Nice to have? Oooh yes.</p>
<p>A pain to park? Kind of, but not impossible. There are hidden places around campus that aren't controlled by metering or parking permit, but they are hard to find. The newly installed "pay to park" meters are a real pain!</p>
<p>Another thing to keep in mind- Baltimore drivers can be crazy! Also, if you park your car outside, there is always the possibility of people vandalizing it. It has happened to a friend of mine. Also, another friend once parked his car on the street and found the side of it totally messed up, dislodged side view mirror and all. Hit and run sadness...</p>
<p>Bring at your own risk, if you're willing to put up with the BS.</p>