<p>My son, who will be a freshman, is planning on bringing his car with him. I know he does not need it and parking is a problem, but right now he is really set on it. Does anyone know what the situation is for obtaining a parking permit for the year? I know they are expensive (he will be paying for that as well), and are available beginning August 1st, on a first come-first served basis. Is it the type of thing that he will need to log on at 12:01AM on August 1 to get it, sort of thing? Do they sell out really fast? Any advice from anyone who has previously purchased a parking permit would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>There’s no need to be concerned about them selling out. There’s a huge lot on north campus where his spot will be. They are outlandishly expensive and that only enables you to park there. The meter maids are diligent and will ticket him if he parks anywhere else on campus. The only alternative I know of would be to try to find a spot at a fraternity, as they occasionally sell spots for a lot cheaper than the university. It might be slightly less convenient but I know of one house that sells them for $200-$300 a semester which is quite a bit less than Cornell. Good luck!</p>
<p>BBallMath is correct. One thing to be aware is that your son wouldn’t be able to drive to class because most likely he won’t be able to find a parking space close enough to class. My older daughter had a car at school after Thanksgiving freshman year. She parked at a fraternity for free (benefit of being a girl). She used the car mostly on weekend, so it was not that inconvenient to park it “off campus.” After the first year, she parked by her sorority house and her off campus housing.</p>
<p>Thanks! I think he mainly will want it for weekend forays, that sort of thing. I doubt he will make much use of it during the week.</p>