I'm a current San Diego State University (SDSU) student, and like many of my peers, I rely on my car for work and other essential activities. Until recently, Parking Structure 7 (P7) and Parking Structure 12 (P12) was a convenient solution for me and many other students, who now find themselves deprived of a nearby parking option. With its closure for overnight parking, we're left with just 3 alternatives, all located near freshmen dorms on the opposite side of campus, where ironically, freshmen aren't even allowed to purchase parking according to SDSU policy.

The closure of Parking Structure Seven and Twelve has left many San Diego State students stranded without a practical way to reach work or essential appointments late at night. The lots still open to us are a long walk from upper-division housing. In bad weather or after evening shifts, that walk can feel unsafe and exhausting.

We pay a large fee each semester for a student parking pass. Losing access to P7 and P12 feels like paying for a service we cannot use. Freshmen lots now funnel more cars into P3 and P4 where traffic grows heavier and students circle searching for a space that may not exist. Reopening Parking Structure Seven and Twelve for overnight student use will ease pressure on P3 and P4 and restore fairness for students beyond their first year. It will honor the investment many of us make each semester and improve safety for everyone moving across campus after sunset. We urge SDSU to act now and reinstate overnight parking at P7 & P12 without delay.
Restoring access will not only alleviate the stress and challenges currently faced by the student body but will also demonstrate a commitment to making campus life more manageable and safe.

To the Administration of San Diego State University:

For the Fall 2025 semester, Lot P7 was more than just a parking space; it was a vital resource that allowed resident students to balance academic rigor with professional responsibilities. I, along with many others, willingly paid a premium for the safety and proximity these lots provided.

However, the decision to close overnight parking in Lots P7 and P12 has created a significant barrier for students living nearby who lack adequate parking in their residential buildings. This policy shift does not just create traffic; it creates hardship.

By removing access to these lots, students are now forced to park in facilities located on the opposite side of campus. For residents in our area, this necessitates a nearly 30-minute commute or more on foot to reach our vehicles. For students like myself, who work off-campus jobs to support our education, this adds a logistical hour to every shift time that should be spent studying, resting, or working.

Currently, on any given night, over 50 vehicles can be found parked in these lots despite the risk of ticketing. This should not be viewed merely as non-compliance, but as a clear signal of desperate necessity. The demand for overnight parking in P7 and P12 is undeniable because the alternative options are simply not feasible for students living in this vicinity.

We urge the administration to recognize that as the student population grows, infrastructure policies must adapt to support student welfare, not hinder it.

We are asking you to:

Reintroduce overnight parking for Lots P7 and P12 immediately.

Prioritize safety and accessibility for students who live nearby and require reliable vehicle access for employment.