San Jose State's peak enrollment is creating a parking nightmare

"Traffic begins to pile up at 7 a.m. at San Jose State University as student commuters race to secure a campus parking spot. Drivers, who have paid up to $440 for a permit, circle around and around multiple-story structures throughout the day. At SJSU, the shortage of parking is a year-round problem and a common complaint among students. The issue has intensified due to an 8% increase in enrollment, making fall 2025 the highest single-term enrollment in SJSU history."

"The university has recently gone viral on TikTok as students document their experiences as commuters. Videos show students turning their vehicles into makeshift bedrooms, timing how long it takes them to find a parking spot, or making jokes about the parking situation. Finding parking is pretty frustrating, said Isaac Cervantes, a second-year business major. Besides classes, I think it's the hardest part of my day."

Traffic begins to pile up at 7 a.m. as student commuters race to secure limited campus parking, with drivers who paid up to $440 for permits circling multiple-story structures. San Jose State has 44,000 people on campus but only about 7,500 parking spots, and an 8% enrollment increase has made fall 2025 the highest single-term enrollment. Many students arrive hours before class or search for street parking, and some have competed for spots for years. Students document their struggles on TikTok, showing vehicles used as makeshift bedrooms and timing parking hunts. SJSU police continue to issue permits while campus postings address parking facilities.

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