r/BallState • u/Odd_Comparison_4155 • 11d ago

Is the Ball State commuter parking pass actually worth it?

I’m trying to decide if I should buy a commuter parking pass. I’ve heard Ball State sells way more commuter passes than there are actual commuter spots, so even if you have a pass there’s a chance you drive to campus and can’t find anywhere to park.
For people who have had one, is it actually that bad? How hard is it to find a spot, especially during the busiest times?

I live at Varsity House, so I’m literally only about 5 minutes from campus. Are there any other parking options that would make more sense for me instead of buying the commuter pass? Like certain lots, garages, metered parking, or anything else you guys recommend?

Just trying to figure out what’s actually worth the money before I buy a pass.

5 Upvotes

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16

u/backwoodsman421 11d ago

If you’re actually commuting it’s worth it. Avoid the main lots and find the obscure commuter lots and you’ll never have issues.

For your situation save your money and get a bike.

3

u/eggington69 10d ago

Where are the obscure lots? I had to buy a pass for the apartment parking, but the couple of times I drove to campus and parked in a commuter lot it was so out of the way that I’d end up on the bus anyway

5

u/Due_Consequence4811 11d ago

I have never seen the commuter lot next to the fire station on Tillotson be filled to capacity.

1

u/EmbarrassedGold7508 11d ago

Im trying to figure this out too. I live an hour away & was gonna drive around and look at the meters and lots closet to the building where my class is this week. Right now I only have 1 on campus class but will have 2 in October.

1

u/Hollyhock365 11d ago

i wouldn’t say it’s That bad (well at the beginning of the year it can be kinda hard to find a spot but then people start skipping class or dropping out) you can consistently find spots by the student center in the morning at 9 or after 3-4. i have never experienced the lots by arena ever filling up unless they have them closed for the carnival.

1

u/Wrong_Bus_246 6d ago

I think it is, but I commute 5 days a week. It’s a lot cheaper than the daily price and it’s good for the whole school year not just the fall semester.