<p>This question is mostly for current UCF students who know how the parking situation is at the main campus. I know that parking is a hassle at any large college but I was just wondering at what times is it reallyy bad? I think I read somewhere in one of these threads that parking isn't so bad in the early morning like for 8am classes but then gradually gets worse as the day goes on. Unfortunately I couldn't register for any classes earlier than 11am since I just went to orientation and registered. I plan on taking the shuttle most of the time to the campus from my apartment complex but I was just wondering if anyone knew at around what times the parking gets really bad.</p>
<p>There’s a thread on here about it.</p>
<p>In short: Parking on campus is the worst during the first week or two of each semester, when everyone is on campus (not skipping classes yet, haven’t dropped classes yet).</p>
<p>Parking does get bad as the day wears on. However, there is usually a trick to finding a spot: double park your car next to one of the stair cases in the garages (they are at every corner) and wait for somebody to come out and then follow them to their car. Everyone does it, so you won’t look stupid “stalking” somebody. I’ve even had a few people offer me a ride to my car to get my spot!</p>
<p>Parking “should” be a little easier this year, as they just opened a new 4-story parking garage on the north side of campus. I’m sure that will free things up a bit more.</p>
<p>Parking’s a real nightmare around 9-10 am, the most traditional time-frame for classes. It gets “better” around the 1-2pm and 5-6pm class times especially if you park by the visual arts building (VAB) and mind the timing. Transition times between classes are a good time to find a spot, even if you may have to fight for it. You need to have an “hunting in the wild” mentality when you’re trying to find parking lol. </p>
<p>OminousRun already said it, but it’s worse the first week of classes and being stalked/followed to a spot is commonplace. You can even get a free ride to your car in exchange for your space! </p>
<p>Word of advice: just take the shuttle whenever you can!</p>
<p>thanks for all the info!</p>
<p>Listen to purplestuff and take the shuttle. It’s not worth the time and effort circling around the parking lot. And don’t park in the staff’s parking lot even if you think you can get away with it because 90% of the time, you can’t. I gotta admit, it’s tempting as heck though when you see half of the parking lot empty and your class is in a building right in front of that parking lot.</p>