Commuter chaos: Parking problems at Farmingdale State College

By Julia Durutovic

FARMINGDALE, NY—The majority of Farmingdale's student population can agree on one thing: parking isn’t fun. 

According to  US news, 95% of students live off campus and commute, which makes finding a good parking spot before class a daily struggle. At the start of many days, students find themselves circling crowded lots or walking from further lots, causing them to be late to classes. 

One student even said, “This school fails to implement additional parking to complement the growing student population…” 

Over the past few years, Farmingdale has seen a steady increase in student enrollment. According to Data USA,  2022 had a total enrollment of 9,314, and Fall 2024 reached a record 10,041 students, a 6% increase over the previous year. 

Parking challenges also vary depending on the time of day. “If I get here early, my parking experience is very, very quick,” another student explained. “But if I am not at least in the parking lot like 20 minutes before class starts, it’s going to take me up until the start of class to find parking because all of the students are there.”

Many students have been able to adapt throughout semesters, finding the best time to arrive before their classes in order to find a spot; however, should students be planning this so diligently? 

There is no information on the Farmingdale State College website on how many parking spots are available to students, however, it is noted that all students who wish to drive and park on campus must register their vehicles and pay a $30 fee for a parking pass. With that in mind, the university has knowledge on how many students register each academic year for parking, yet no further action is being done to try and accommodate these students. 

For many students, the parking situation sets the tone for their entire day—and not in a good way. 

Despite voicing concerns, many students feel that parking issues are overlooked in larger discussions. With ongoing construction projects on campus, many students feel they won't be able to see the advancements to FSC in their time as a student. 

As FSC continues to grow, students hope the administration will take steps to support its large commuter population. Whether it’s adjusting class schedules, allowing for fewer students on campus at a time, or finding a budget for new infrastructure, students urge those in charge for their voices to be heard, and changes to be made. 

For now, parking remains a source of stress and daily frustration for many students.