Collins gives 10 tips for parking on “The Hill”

As we approach the second semester, many of our juniors are acquiring their licenses, as well as a car to drive with. And since they cannot park in the senior or teacher lots (despite those who manage to get away with it sometimes) they must revert to parking on “The Hill”. If you’re an underclassmen, you’ve probably heard about the Hill, and if you’re a junior or senior you know about the hill and don’t like it.

“The Hill” is actually two hills, those that students are permitted to park on relatively close to the school: Fontaine Road and Lakeshore Drive. Parking here tends to get a little tricky, especially in the winter months, following these tips will make it much easier.

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm: In order to get a spot up on the top of the hill, the most desirable, you’re going to have to get up earlier than most people normally would. Spots for the hill slowly start filling up around 6:45AM, and once 7:00AM hits, it’s a frenzy for spots. If you want that spot, be up and ready to go.
2. Common Courtesy: Seeing as there isn’t enough room for all of us, just be polite when it comes to parking. Make sure you’re as close to the curb as possible, and pull forward as much as you can so that your car isn’t taking up two spots.
3. Getting Ready: Considering you’ll be getting up so early, why waste time getting ready at your house when you can gain sleep and get ready in your car? Just pack hair products and makeup in a small bag and keep it in your car. You are ready to go.
4. Conserving Gas: If you’re like most high schoolers who own a car, you probably have a minimum wage job that barely pays enough for you to fill your tank when needed. Conserve by turning off your car once you’re parked. In the winter, it’s advisable to run the heat on high for 5-10 minutes before turning off your car, and bring a blanket so you can keep warm.
5. Safety First: Please be smart and be safe when parking on the hill. Before you leave your car make sure your emergency break is on and that your wheel is turned all the way to the curb. Also, turn off all the lights in your car, turn off your headlights to avoid running your battery down, and lock your doors before you go inside.
6. Look Before You Leave: People come flying up the hill on both sides, not accounting for students who open their car door without looking. Please make sure to look at the traffic coming your way before exiting, thus keeping you and your car from receiving any damage.
7. Be Friendly: If someone is trying to squeeze into that spot in front of you, and they aren’t the best at parallel parking, back up as much as you can to give them a bit of extra room. Also, if you notice that someone else’s lights are on with no one in the car, go up to the front office and give a description of the car. You’d want someone to return the favor if it were you.
8. Prepare For The Weather: Look at the weather the night before; come prepared. Remember a rain jacket or a warm coat so that you aren’t stuck entering school soaking wet or freezing.
9. Keeping Up With Assignments: If you do end up getting to the hill early enough to obtain a spot, and you’re already done getting ready, make sure to check and see if all your work is done. There’s no better time to make sure all assignments are finished than before school.
10. The Necessities: If you forget things, make sure you have extras of all the basic items you might need when you wake up: hair brush, perfume, deodorant (don’t forget this one), phone charger, gum, pencils, spare notebook, and possibly some extra cash. You never know what you might forget so just be prepared.

While parking on “The Hill” may not be the best thing ever, it’s a spot close enough to the school, and following these tips makes it just a bit easier for all of us. A little bit of planning and safe thinking can make parking on the Hill simple.