I posted this in pre-allo (for some reason). I think it makes more sense to put it here, for anyone who is curious...
Parking at MCV does blow. Here are the options circa 2001-2005:
1. "Bottom of the hill" parking - a couple of pay-as-you-go lots down Broad St. They have consistently jacked their prices every year, which adds up after awhile. The trek up the hill is pretty miserable, as well. Cars zoom past and blow exhaust in your face, animals die in the brush and stink for weeks. Charming.
Oh, and then there was Gaston, the hurricane that unexpectedly poured 12 inches of rain on the city in late 2004. Here is what the lot turned into:
And yes, my car was drowned. Got a good payout though, since the mileage on my electronic odometer couldn't be verified. Mmmmmm, WATER DAMAGE.
2. Campus pay lots (I lot, etc.) - remote lot that runs a shuttle to campus. A decent option for your 3rd year rotations, since you will be arriving early enough to get a decent spot. It's walkable to campus in about 20 min. One important thing to note is that for certain rotations with horrible hours (surgery and OB/GYN) you can get a temporary pass for one of the decks right next to the med center. This will be a Godsend when you're creeping to school at 4:45 AM.
3. Da bus - when I started every VCU student got a free bus pass that was good for unlimited rides during the whole semester. They later started charging for it. It's a good deal if you don't mind using it.
4. Da shuttle - my favorite. If you live near the undergrad campus you can take the free campus connector shuttle.
5. Bike - some of my classmates were religious cyclists, even in the winter months. I guess there's no accounting for sanity.
6. Abandon class - go study at the University of Richmond Law Library, instead. You'll be glad you did. Only come to campus for anatomy labs, tests and small groups. It only works for two years, but that'll get you half way home.
7. Abandon school - well, not really. There are quite a few rotations that you can do away from MCV, however, at places like the VA (free parking) and Riverside for OB (free parking and free food). If you're sly, you can end up spending a lot less time on campus than you might think, even during clinicals.
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