With campus enrollment increasing in recent years, the demand for parking has outpaced available spaces, creating frustration for students trying to navigate the hill heavy campus.
SUNY Cortland students face many challenges when it comes to parking on campus, with many reporting long walks, crowded lots, and unsafe conditions during winter months.
Safety and accessibility are major concerns. Several students reported walking up to 30 minutes in snow and darkness from the lower campus D lot to reach upper campus classrooms and dorms. This trek is especially taxing after long days of classes, and many students find the combination of limited parking and unreliable bus service unacceptable. “It’s exhausting to walk in these conditions,” one student explained. “We need more options that are closer to where we actually have classes.”
Despite permit regulations, many students still struggle to find convenient parking. A survey with multiple students reveal that the most significant obstacle is the hilly terrain on campus, particularly on lots without marked lines. Without clearly defined spaces, students often leave too much space between vehicles, resulting in empty spots that go unused.
“It feels like we’re wasting so much space because cars are parked haphazardly,” said one student. Others suggested that simply painting lines on these lots would dramatically improve capacity and efficiency.
All SUNY Cortland parking lots require a permit, which varies in cost depending on a student’s graduate level and course load. Permits are virtual and linked directly to the vehicle’s license plate, eliminating the need for hangtags or stickers. While on street parking is permitted, strict restrictions apply. Parking on Neubig Road is limited to 90 minutes per 180 minute period, and overnight parking is prohibited. Any violations during winter months are tow enforced.
The university operates a pay per hour lot next to Neubig Hall, which offers first come, first served parking. However, this lot is frequently at capacity during peak times, leaving students with few alternatives. Transportation Services advises students to arrive 40-60 minutes early for commitments during the first few days of the semester to familiarize themselves with parking and bus schedules.
The university also encourages students to use the campus bus system, which has stops throughout campus, though students report the system is often unreliable. While the university emphasizes that lot allocation is periodically reviewed and constrained by contractual obligations, student feedback suggests more immediate solutions are needed.
Many students are calling for both short term and long term solutions, including clearly marked spaces on hilly lots, additional parking areas for on campus students, and more reliable transportation options. These improvements could not only alleviate daily frustrations but also improve safety, particularly during winter months.
As SUNY Cortland continues to grow, students and administrators alike face the challenge of balancing space limitations, safety, and accessibility. For students struggling with current parking conditions, the message is clear: changes are urgently needed to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly mobile student body.