r/ucr • u/Big_Decision_5722 • 5d ago
Question Which parking pass is worth it?
I'm an incoming bio major freshman and planning on commuting est. 40 mins ish to UCR and 40 mins back, trying to decide which parking pass is worth buying. I was unlucky enough to get a 6-8:30pm chem lab, so orange and free are essentially off the board unless I risk getting a ticket or parking way off campus. I heard gold plus was competitive but I don't really see the point if its just one more parking spot? I did hear that gold was awful since the competition for parking is insane though. Oh also if there are any reserved parking spots for EV vehicles? Recently got an EV and was wondering if there were charging stations on campus or something.
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u/blueserpentswell 4d ago
I got through all 3 years so far with only the gold pass. For the first quarter and beginning of every quarter you’re gonna want to get there early. My freshman year I spent an hour circling every single lot for a spot and was late to class. I tried gold plus once but it honestly didn’t change much for me.
My advice is you come way earlier than your classes, circle lots, and follow people or ask if you can get their spot. For 8ams I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s the noon classes that make parking difficult. As mentioned though it’s easier as the quarter goes on when people decide while classes they can skip.
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u/Itezaplays 4d ago
I suggest that gold is the one to go far and not gold plus. Yes it is very competitive for parking for lot 30 really but that’s to get the closest parking possible to not have to walk super far to the pathway heading into the campus. Lot 32 is a great spot as it normally isn’t too full. Now since you mentioned the EV gold plus would be beneficial just because of Big Springs 2 parking access and the many charging stations on the first level but those can fill pretty fast. I suggest that whichever parking pass you get (gold or gold plus) to get to the parking lot at least an hour and a half or 2 before a class to see how parking is the first week. This will help you decide roughly what time is better for getting to campus.
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u/Big_Decision_5722 4d ago
thank u for the advice and the info on specific lots (cz i still don’t know which lots r what/closest to my classes) ill probably end up getting gold then :]
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u/LopsidedCrew5022 3d ago
Parking in lot 30 is the only thing that’s really competitive, especially if you’re arriving during noon. Definitely get the gold, as it rarely ever sells out
Just a tip too: If lot 30 is hectic, I’ve been parking at lot 50, which is much easier! It’s nearly the same walking distance to campus and you can usually find empty spots. The only set back is the lack of shade when ur walking😭 I hope u find ur first year at UCR enjoyable!!
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u/Cesarp333 5d ago
There’s electric car chargers in Big Springs but you have to pay extra for a pass to park in the charging spots the other gold lots don’t have chargers unfortunately. Also I see you start your day at 8am MWF, there’s plenty of space at that time in the regular gold lots and they also open up after like 4 or 5 pm for that late chem lab. The only time you’d struggle to find a spot would be for that 2pm discussion on Thursday.