<p>Does anyone know how to get parking for a freshman? We are OS and are willing to pay for a parking spot near GaTech. How would I find a relatively safe/convenient area or lot? The housing will be at ULC</p>
<p>There are three options that I can think of (in order of cost):</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Join a fraternity with free parking - there are a few fraternities that offer free parking to brothers, but most only offer parking to senior brothers and not pledges. But when he rushes, he could keep this criteria in mind and maybe he’ll find a place he likes that has parking. </p></li>
<li><p>Pay for off-campus parking - you can see a list near campus here: [GT</a> Parking & Transporation: Off-Campus Parking](<a href=“Parking and Transportation – Georgia Tech – Parking and Transportation”>Parking and Transportation – Georgia Tech – Parking and Transportation)</p></li>
<li><p>Pay for on-campus visitor parking - there are a few lots that you can pay each time you go in/out. The State Street deck comes to mind.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Parking at tech is insane. First, you can get along without a car, but it is much more convenient to have one. The cost for a parking pass is almost $600.00 for the year. Most schools charge $50-$100. There are plenty of parking places on campus, so freshmen should be allowed parking the first semester it is stupid not to allow it. Our son used visitor parking occasionally his first semester, and it was very expensive. $10 per day. It would be cheaper to do off campus parking, just make sure you find a lot that has 24 hr. security. Our son had campus parking his second semester, and found it to be a pain also. He was assigned a spot in the collesium lot and had to move his car everytime there was a home ball game. Also, he became the “taxi” for his friends. At some point while his car was there someone walked across the top of it, bending the hood and roof. It really may not be worth having a car there. Not sure we will pay for it again.</p>
<p>GP- By the State Street lot, are you talking about what is called “Area 4” on the parking map? It looks to be a lot on Ferst Drive between the Marcus Nanotechnology Bldg. and the Howey Physics Bldg. Is that a lot where you just pay $8 when you leave? Can a car be left overnight without an additional charge?</p>
<p>mkww- We are from another state so the cost of overnight hotels/gas to shuttle our son back & forth would far exceed the cost of parking. You said your son had campus parking his second semester- did he get on-campus parking his second semester freshman year? How? Also was the visitor lot he used one that charged $10 only when he took the car out? If so, did he leave it there all the time and what lot was it?</p>
<p>No, that’s the Howey parking lot. There’s a deck at 10th St and State St. I don’t know if it’s still the policy but you used to pay only to enter / leave and could park there overnight. It was a safe place to leave your car.</p>
<p>They change the policies from year to year, so you’ll want to call before making any plans.</p>
<p>Thanks
Also I found out freshman can apply for parking 2nd semester, so hopefully that will work out.</p>
<p>MKWW: what was the $10 parking deck your son used freshman year?</p>
<p>If you come in with one semester of credits, then you can apply for parking during your first semester.</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>
<p>“If you come in with one semester of credits, then you can apply for parking during your first semester.”</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure this is not correct. Could you provide your source/a link to this policy?</p>
<p>[Source[/url</a>]</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That doesn’t really tell you anything… For parking purposes first semester freshman means your first semester on campus, regardless of credit. I would contact parking if you think that is incorrect, but I no numerous people who had more than a semester of ap credit, some more than 50 hours, and they still could not get parking their first semester…</p>
<p>It’s a matter of interpretation, and only they have the right answer. I agree that calling them is the best way to find out.</p>
<p>If someone is going to call, ask about when they’ll issue permits. That rule might be that they only issue freshman permits in January when all other permits are already taken.</p>
<p>But I don’t really know. And even if I did, I’d tell you to check. The Parking Department changes their rules every year.</p>
<p>My son had on campus parking in the collesium lot as a second semester freshman. All he did was go to the parking office in tech square, fill out the forms and pay the fees. He was assigned a lot on campus, no questions asked. He did not come to tech with prior credits. When he used visitor parking during his first semester, he parked in the tech square parking garage. You get a ticket when you enter, and when you leave the lot you pay $10 for each day you were there.</p>