SVSU Vanguard On parking.

u drove to campus today, then you already know: parking lots are filling up fast.

The largest student population ever is now studying on SVSU’s campus.

On Sept. 28, on-campus Parking Services will give students a two-week survey. Campus police will also count the spots available during that time.

The survey is be given during fall and winter semesters to keep an eye on campus parking.

Initially, the building of Living Center Southwest sparked some students’ concerns about parking.

“With more people living on campus, I was afraid that finding a spot . . . would be difficult,” said Alyssa Adams, a chemistry sophomore.

A number of students suggested that commuters get their own parking area. But Parking Services, a division of University Police on campus, said that wasn’t an option.

“It’s not fair to residents, and it’s not an answer,” said Joyce Payne, parking and student employer service coordinator. A commuter-only parking lot would be difficult to monitor, she added.

“There’s an adequate amount of spaces, just not as convenient as all prefer,” Payne said.

Parking was changed since 2008 due to the increase in students. Now, only students living in Village East, Village West and Living Center South can park in the village parking spots north of Collins Drive, where there are 908 resident spots available.

Residents of Living Center North, Southwest and Freshman suites park in the 554 spots in J3 and sections of J2 and J4 south of Collins Drive. Lot G3, located near the Education Building off College Drive, has 294 spots available for residents and commuters.

Pine Grove parking remains the same and residents there still park in Pine Grove Lane.

Few students were ticketed the first two weeks of classes, Payne said.

“University Police gave citations to get people into the office to remind them where they were allowed to park,” Payne said.

Representatives from Parking Services drive around campus to check out parking situations. Handicap and meter parking always will be enforced.

“The parking problem on campus is that all students want a parking spot right outside their front door,” said Rachel Bouwhius, an elementary education sophomore.

“If you can’t find a spot, we will help you,” Payne said.

Students may call the campus police to have someone drive out to where you are and take a look for open spots. The campus police offers a 24/7 escort service. Anyone who feels as if they are parked too far away may contact them for a lift to nearly anywhere on campus.

“At the beginning of the year, parking can be hectic with students adjusting,” Payne said.

After the first month, parking will get better, she added, as students realize their parking areas and the number of vehicles slims down.