Last semester, I began my day in a haste, cramming for a quiz I had at 8 a.m. After waking up late, I wasted no time shuffling everything in my car and embarking on the journey from my apartment to class.
As someone who grew up in Starkville, I am experienced in the art of parking on Mississippi State University’s campus. I always allot at least 30 minutes of my morning to secure a parking spot. That morning, though rushed, was no different. 
I got to campus with half an hour to spare and began driving from lot to lot trying to find a spot in my respective zone. Unfortunately, every spot was either taken or reserved and the clock struck 8 a.m. I was unable to make up my quiz and was left flustered behind the wheel.
As I drove off the campus I made a discovery. I had driven past an entire gravel parking lot, hidden from the busy roads, empty aside from a few cars with a glistening sign that read “Commuter East Parking.”
Commuter East parking is superior to any other zone of parking. This parking pass has many helpful characteristics that the other zones lack. For example, the new construction of Bulldog Way connects directly to a Commuter East lot, which gives commuters a fast and easy way to get from class to Blackjack Road without traffic. Allison Matthews for the MSU Newsroom reported this $7 million project was built in hopes of alleviating traffic. Commuter East has a reduced threat of traffic issues because of its accessibility to this new road.
In addition, there are many small lots included in Commuter East that are not as well known as the larger ones. This is especially helpful in the mornings, since these lots almost always have at least one empty spot. 
Critics may claim Commuter East is not the best location for walking to and from class. However, most Commuter East lots stretch closer to the Drill Field than most others. Also, Commuter East is the best parking zone for anyone who utilizes the library often. According to the illustrated map provided by parking services, each lot is only steps away from Engineering Row and common class buildings like the Hand Lab, the Mitchell Memorial Library and Carpenter Hall. 
The biggest advantage to the Commuter East parking pass is the proximity to the on-campus gas station. This is one of only two gas stations in close proximity to campus. Not just this, Parking and Transit Services says the Buckner Lane Fuel Station is open 24 hours and, upon my personal comparison, has some of the cheapest gas in town. As someone who waits until my car is below empty to fill up, it is incredibly handy to have a gas station so close to where I park for class.
Commuter East parking has a special place in my heart. From the satisfaction of always having a parking spot to the easy accessibility to my apartment complex, this parking zone’s features are unmatched. In a world where all parking is bad parking, choose the zone that is the least frustrating.