When college rolls around, some students are confronted with the question of whether or not it is worth the hassle of bringing a car along. In Baltimore, the short answer is "no," especially for underclassmen who are on the meal plan. Public transit in Baltimore is terrible, but cabs to the Harbor are pretty cheap, especially if you go with a group (about $6-$7). Plus, most late-night happenings are within walking distance.
Once you hit junior year and move into an apartment or row house, a car is more useful for trips to the grocery store and other errands. Still, gas prices are at an all-time high, and parking can be quite expensive with tickets running at $24-$50 depending on the offense, and towing a mind-blowing $200 or more.
With all this in mind, here is a quick look at the most popular parking options for those students who choose to brave the treacherous world of parking at JHU.
Parking for Free
In order to stay on the cheap side, you'll have to find the spots that don't cost any money, which are quite rare. The spots in front of the baseball field and Homewood Stadium are golden. There are two lanes of spots sans meters, and if you need to leave your car in one place for a long time, this is the best way to do it without paying for a garage spot.
With the closing of the "Death Lane" on Charles Street, the western-most lane of traffic has been designated for free, unlimited parking.
Metered Parking
There are plenty of metered spots all around campus, especially on Charles and Saint Paul Streets, but everyone inevitably ends up forgetting to feed the stupid things (I know from lots of personal experience). You can leave your car in the same spot overnight, but each row of meters has a different range of time in which you must pay for the spot. Definitely don't forget to roll out of bed in the morning and move your car if you do this, because cars on the eastern side of Charles St. get towed every day from 7-9 a.m., and 4-6:30 p.m. Always make sure to check the signs on a given block for changing times of operation.
Parking Garages
These are expensive. Really expensive. You are looking at upwards of $100 per month (often much more) if you want the security and dependability of a spot in a parking lot. Obviously this is he least stressful way to keep a car at Hopkins because you will always have a spot on reserve. Most students, however, don't have the cash to shell out $600-$1,500 per year for a spot. Note: if your parents offer to pay, take the deal.
Row House Parking
These are reserved for those who actually live in the houses, so if you already do, you're set. But some student row houses have spots that just sit there unused because the inhabitants don't drive. It's worth asking around and exploring a little to see what your options are, even if it's just for emergencies.
Hopkins Lots
Even though Hopkins has recently built a new parking lot at the San Martin building and is about to construct a garage beneath what will soon be Decker Quadrangle, there is no official student parking anywhere. Make it your personal goal to piss of as many administrators by whining for student parking. Maybe you'll have some by junior year.
Area 12 Permits
It takes a little red tape to get your hands on one of these if you live out of state, but it's definitely possible. Anybody without a permit can use Area 12 spots (along Charles St. and some of University Blvd.) but you'll probably get a ticket once you hit the two-hour limit.
If you're smart, have a good memory and don't mind running back and forth to a spot every two hours, you can keep a car down here without any problems. If you've got the cash, buy a spot. But most likely, if you bring a car here, the benefits may not outweigh the hassle. Strongly consider leaving it at home.
