The Ultimate Guide to SCAD Parking: How to Find a Spot Without Losing Your Mind
Hey there, fellow creative! If you're a student at the Savannah College of Art & Design, you’re probably already knee-deep in incredible projects, inspiring classes, & all the amazing, quirky things that make this city so special. But let's be real for a second. There’s one aspect of SCAD life that can zap your creative energy faster than a critique from a tough professor: parking.
Honestly, navigating the charming, historic, & often narrow streets of Savannah to find a parking spot can feel like a competitive sport. The good news? It’s a game you can win. This guide is your new best friend for all things SCAD parking. We're going to break it all down, from official SCAD lots to the secret street-parking tricks & everything in between.
The Big Question: To Car or Not to Car?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of where to park, let’s address the elephant in the room: do you even need a car at SCAD?
If you’re a freshman living in a residence hall, the overwhelming consensus from students who’ve been there is a resounding NO. SCAD itself strongly discourages first-year students from bringing cars, & for good reason. The university has a pretty amazing & extensive bus system (more on that in a bit) that can get you to all your classes & to popular spots around the city. Plus, Savannah is an incredibly walkable city, especially the historic district where many SCAD buildings are located.
For upperclassmen or students living off-campus, a car can definitely offer more flexibility. But be prepared for the reality that parking near academic buildings is extremely limited & competitive. So, if you do bring your car, you’ll need a solid game plan.
SCAD’s Official Parking: What You Need to Know
The first thing you should do if you have a car at SCAD is to get a parking permit. The best part? They’re FREE for students & valid for the entire academic year. You can register your vehicle through MySCAD, so make that one of the first things you do.
With a permit, you’ll have access to SCAD’s parking garages & lots. Some of the main ones in Savannah include:
- Indian Street Garage (645 Indian St.)
- The Hive garage (121 W Boundary St.)
- Oglethorpe House (201 W Oglethorpe Ave.)
- Montgomery House garage (3515 Montgomery St.)
- Sand at Victory garage (1 W. Victory Dr.)
A word of warning: just because you have a permit doesn't guarantee you a spot, especially at peak class times. It’s a good idea to arrive early & have a backup plan. Also, be aware that some lots, like the one at Oglethorpe House, may have specific restrictions, so always read the signs carefully.
The Wonderful World of Savannah Street Parking
Once you venture off SCAD property, you’re in the territory of the City of Savannah’s parking rules. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Metered Parking: You’ll find metered spots all over the historic district. The cost can vary, but it’s typically around $1-$2 per hour. Some meters have time limits, so always check before you leave your car. The good news is that meters are generally free after 8 p.m. & on Sundays.
- Pay-and-Display: In some areas, like near River Street & Broughton Street, you'll find pay-and-display meters. You pay at a central kiosk & then place the ticket on your dashboard.
- Visitor Day Pass: If you know you’ll be parking on the street for a full day, consider getting a Visitor Day Pass. For around $15 for a single day or $24 for two days, you can park at any meter with a time limit of one hour or more without having to feed the meter. You can grab one of these at Mobility & Parking Services at 100 East Bryan Street.
- Street Sweeping: This is a BIG one. Always, always, always check for street sweeping signs. They’ll tell you which nights you can’t park on a particular side of the street. Ignoring these signs is a surefire way to get a hefty ticket.
A pro-tip from students in the know: parking south of Liberty Street is often free on many streets. Just be prepared for a bit of a walk to your final destination.
The City’s Parking Garages: A Solid Backup Plan
If you’re tired of circling the block for a street spot, Savannah has several public parking garages. Some of the most convenient ones for SCAD students include:
- Whitaker Street Garage: Located at 7 Whitaker Street, this is a popular choice for its central location.
- Liberty Street Parking Garage: At 301 West Liberty Street, this garage is also in a prime spot.
- Bryan Street Parking Garage: This one is at 100 East Bryan Street & is another good option.
Rates for these garages are typically around $1-$2 per hour on weekdays, with flat rates for evenings & weekends. Be aware that some garages are now cashless, so make sure you have a credit or debit card handy.
Let’s Talk Alternatives: Your Car-Free Options
Honestly, the best way to avoid the stress of parking is to not have to park at all. Here’s where SCAD’s transportation options really shine:
- The Bee Line: This is SCAD’s free bus service, & it’s pretty awesome. The buses run between all the academic buildings, residence halls, & even to shopping centers like Target & Whole Foods. To make your life even easier, download the Passio GO app. It gives you real-time bus tracking, so you’ll know exactly when your ride is going to show up.
- SCAD SafeRide: Need to get home late from the studio? SCAD SafeRide has your back. This service offers late-night drop-offs from open SCAD buildings to your residence.
- Biking: Savannah is a great city for biking, & SCAD encourages it. They even have a bike share program where you can rent a bike for free.
- Walking: Don’t underestimate the power of your own two feet! So much of what you’ll want to see & do in Savannah is within walking distance.
The Unofficial Guide: Tips from Fellow Students
The official rules are one thing, but here’s some real talk from students who’ve been in the trenches:
- Freshmen, Seriously, Don’t Bring Your Car: We can’t stress this enough. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches & money on parking tickets.
- Parking Karma is Real: If you see someone waiting for a spot & you’re about to leave, give them a little wave to let them know. What goes around comes around.
- Be Patient: Especially during the first few weeks of a new quarter, the parking situation can be extra chaotic. Give yourself plenty of extra time to find a spot.
- Don’t Risk It: If you’re not sure if you can park somewhere, it’s probably best to find another spot. A parking ticket in Savannah can be expensive, & it’s just not worth the risk.
What About When Friends & Family Visit?
When your family comes to town to see all the amazing work you’re doing, they’re going to need a place to park too. The Visitor Day Pass is a great option for them, as are the city’s public garages.
Here’s another pretty cool idea for them, or even for you if you’re looking for a more consistent parking solution: Prked. Here’s the thing, there are tons of homeowners in Savannah with empty driveways & garages. Prked is a service that connects people who need a place to park with locals who have extra space. It’s a super convenient way to find an affordable & guaranteed parking spot, especially in a city where parking is at a premium. It’s a win-win: you get a reliable place to park, & a local resident makes a little extra cash.
The Final Word
Look, parking at SCAD can be a challenge, there’s no doubt about it. But with a little bit of planning & some insider knowledge, you can totally conquer it. Remember to get your free SCAD parking permit, download the Passio GO app, & always be on the lookout for those pesky street sweeping signs.
And if all else fails, just remember that a little walk through the beautiful streets of Savannah is never a bad thing. You never know what inspiration you might find along the way.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
