Stirling University students have raised concerns about on-campus parking, which has caused them to miss classes and has negatively affected their education.
Over a third of respondents reported spending 20-30 minutes finding a parking space, with many agreeing that it can take over an hour.
Timing was also highlighted as one student noted: “if you have an 11 am lecture, no chance of finding a space. A 9 am lecture, 5-10 minutes.”
This year has seen the closures of ASH and the Geddes car park (beside Airthrey Park Medical Centre), with no additional parking. A student stated: “This year is by far the worst because of the blocked-off car parks.”
A University spokesperson responded: “Alternative car parking is currently available near the Golf Pavilion and the Gardens and Grounds Maintenance Depot during accommodation works”.
However, one respondent highlighted: “When I have classes in Pathfoot I’m having to park by Ali court and the golf pitches which is not ideal.”
90 per cent of respondents said that they have missed classes due to not finding a parking space. One respondent said that they “wouldn’t go as far” as stating that parking has affected their education, it is “just an annoyance”.
However, other respondents have agreed that parking has negatively affected their education. One student said: “I always go to my lectures but makes me dread going into uni.
“I chose early classes […] to get parking. Early classes aren’t ideal for me since I have late night sports training”.
A few students reported being satisfied with parking options but acknowledged the broader frustration, as one stated: “My lecturers and colleagues have often been late to work or classes due to issues finding a space.”
Parking at Stirling University has been a historical issue. But many respondents recognise that this year has been “worse than ever”.
One stated: “If I could not get parked on busy days I would be able to park in Ash car park with no problems and lots of spaces left and still have time to get to my class.
However, I have found myself only just getting parked at Alexander court and not making it to my class due to the time it has taken.”
“We encourage all our campus users to opt for more sustainable travel options where possible”
The University were asked about student’s concerns. A spokesperson responded: “The University regularly reviews parking to ensure that, as far as practical, the demand for parking and the availability of spaces is optimised.
“This has to be balanced with our commitment to net zero and maintaining the unique campus environment for biodiversity.
“We recognise the frustration felt by some students over parking and would encourage all our campus users to opt for more sustainable travel options where possible.
“The University benefits from a frequent and direct bus serving the campus from Stirling city centre– which those under 22 travel on for free – and we are within reach of two train stations.
“We also fund a corporate subscription with nextbike which allows all students and staff free use of the scheme and free rental of a bike for the first 30 minutes of every ride.
“The University campus is designated a Historic Garden and Designed Landscape, which aims to ensure that its landscape setting is protected. Therefore, its development is carefully considered. All planning authorities discourage the creation of additional parking and encourage all organisations to limit demand by offering alternative means of travel.”
“We have raised concerns consistently in meetings with the University”
The Students’ Union also recognised the concerns of students. A Union spokesperson commented:
“As an Officer team, we have been out throughout the semester speaking to students about their frustrations with parking and we can assure students that we have raised concerns consistently in meetings with the University.
“Where there has been restricted campus parking due to works, we have asked that these be rationalised to free up spaces.”
“We know how this deeply affects commuter students and their ability to access their education”
“Travel to Uni is a key concern of ours and we recognise that there are multiple factors for different students. We are aware of the high numbers of students that choose to drive to class because they find the bus service unreliable.
“We have been in regular meetings with McGill’s and the Council about improving the bus service because we know campus parking challenges will not be fixed without encouraging people to leave their cars at home.
“We are also aware however that many students drive to class because it is their only viable option and, through speaking to students, we are aware that the lack of parking is causing a lot of unnecessary stress.
“We are engaging with the University about longer term solutions, not least as we know how this deeply affects commuter students and their ability to access their education. We would encourage students to complete both the Stirling Council survey on transportation habits and the Union’s Bus feedback form as these will help shape future actions.”
Featured image credit: Alex Paterson.
Fourth-year English and Journalism student.
News Editor 2024/25.
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