if you really want to drive around all morning trying to find parking....and how will you know how long you will be at school when you are doing labwork? And aren't there time limits on the meters?
Too much hassle I'd say. yes the parking permits are super expensive but worth it I think. The first year you can use the Parking Center permit which is less expensive. after that i'd say get PSB permit which is right next to the school almost, for those late nights you will have in lab.