If you commute, you know the horror that you encounter when trying to park in the Sykes Student Union. It's the most convenient parking lot on campus for commuters and fills up very quickly, sometimes before 8:30am. But let's be honest, you don't need to be a commuter to know the parking is a complete nightmare. Here are the 5 experiences we've all had while parking in the Sykes Student Union Parking Lot.

1. You've driven around for at least a half hour.

You know your chances of getting a spot are slim when there are 4 other cars roaming the parking lot like sharks circling prey. You've driven for what seems like hours without finding one spot. And if you do find a spot, you most likely didn't get it because someone else claimed it first using the only tactic that will guarantee you a parking spot. This brings me to my next point.

2. You've stalked someone to their car.

This is the tactic that will guarantee you a parking spot: following someone to their car. The hardest part, though, is trying to figure out where exactly they're going. You're whipping down aisles trying to figure out where their spot is and claim it before anyone else does. And when you're really desperate, you'll roll down your window and ask them "are you leaving?". If so, you'll ask the follow up question of "can I follow you to your car?" I'll admit I've done this.

3. You've arrived early to campus just to park in Sykes.

This is another tactic that will most likely guarantee you a spot in the Sykes parking lot. I've packed my makeup before and applied it in the car. The strategy here is to wake up later than you normally would and cut down the time it takes you to get ready so you can leave sooner. If you leave sooner, you get to campus earlier and get a spot without having to stalk someone to their car or drive around for what feels like forever. I then proceed to fill the remaining time till my 9am by applying my makeup.

4. You've been stalked to your car.

This is an awkward experience, especially if you're not actually leaving. I know it's the only way to get a spot in peak hours at Sykes, but it still feels very odd being followed to your car, and like I said above, especially if you're not leaving. Every day, I put my Spanish book back in my car after class and everyday I get followed to my car, only to let down the driver because I was only putting my book in the car and not actually leaving.

5. Cheering because you actually got a spot

At least once, you've celebrated because you parked in Sykes. After the many hours of roaming aimlessly around the parking lot, you've finally gotten a spot. And even though it may not be prime location in the parking spot, it doesn't matter. You still got a spot and you secretly celebrate for the rest of the day.