Ah, being a freshman at LSU: there's really nothing better. I mean, let's face it; we get pampered on the reg, WE NOW GO TO AN SEC SCHOOL, classes are the easiest they'll be (IF you go), and it's our first year away from home, a.k.a. independence out the wazoo. Surely most LSU students would agree and admit that it's true, college does indeed rock.
But little did most of us living on campus know that we had such a serious problem awaiting us that we didn't think would give us as much anxiety as it does: parking. It's become our least favorite daily task, and some are even too scared to do it daily, and here's why.
1. The Parking Spot Itself
Let me just start off by saying that my car is a smallish SUV and I've never had many problems when it came to fitting in a reasonable amount of space. I don't know what happened when it came to whoever was in charge of constructing the parking lots here, but boy did they seriously mess up when it came to the measurements. It's sad, really. How do they expect us to fit in that damn parking spot on the first try?! Also, did they want every student to get sideswiped by their peers? Especially when it comes to parking next to the most badass frat dude's truck, which leads to my other point.
2. Vehicles That Are Too Big To Function
All right, this message goes out to all the wannabes driving the mammoths that you hear from a mile away, and you know who you are. Your jacked up Chevy is past both white lines? Are you kidding me?! We all know your truck with a 2-foot lift and 28-plus installed subs is strictly for the aesthetics, so at least make some of us Southern girls fall in love with your chivalry when it comes to parking too, okay? Look point is, country boys, you gotta be more considerate to others so we're not parking a mile away. And if we do park there, please don't sideswipe us; pretty please with sugar on top.
3. Parking So Far You'll Get Murked On Your Way To Your Dorm
This is really only a girl thing because the males at LSU are too alpha to be scared. Almost all of us have experienced it. We're forced to park a mile and a half away at wee hours of the night due to late night studying, hanging out with friends too late, etc., and then we have to walk back with everything we need (yes need) in our hands on the way back to our dorms. Paranoia kicks in hardcore, people. The pepper spray is near, we have the number brought up for LSU Police already (225-578-3231 Holllaaa), and the 1:30 a.m. journey to Miller begins.
These reasons are why tickets come into play so often, and seriously those ticket people are like vultures. The truth is is that yes, it usually is our fault for getting those tickets, but come on! Give us a break! We can't find anywhere to park!
Although we did decide after all to come to a school with 20,000-plus undergrads, we should have known what to expect. I guess. So all you future Tigers, remember to question how important it really is to bring your car to down here; the drivers are a whole new breed anyway.