Students at Bakersfield College are confronted with a sometimes-frustrating predicament before they even set foot on the campus.

The parking situation, on and off the school grounds, has left some students literally driving around in circles.

The start of the fall semester, with the addition of even more students this year, keeps most of the parking lots full, especially during the morning hours. Students arriving early have the best chance at finding prime parking spots. But sometimes a little patience can go a long to avoiding unnecessary circling.

“I like to get here around 7 a.m. That way I can avoid the rush,” said Joanne Porter, a second year BC student who is majoring in psychology and liberal arts.

The main student parking lots that require parking permits at Bakersfield College are located on the northeast, southeast and southwest corners of the campus. These permits can be purchased at the business office, with permits picked up in student activities in Campus Center.

Students who purchase permits don’t have to worry about finding a place to park, but the locations in the parking lot can vary.

“We have ample parking here at Bakersfield College,” said Sgt. Jess Soto. “But sometimes students don’t like to walk.”

Some students choose to drive up and down the parking lot aisles, with the hope that someone may be leaving a parking spot at just the right moment.

Harpring Singh tried using this technique.

“I just can’t find parking,” said Singh. “I’ve been driving around for 30 minutes.”

Students who choose to park without parking permits risk receiving parking tickets, Soto said. Fines for these tickets start at $25.

“After 30 days the $25 dollar amount, because of the penalty, goes to $35,” Soto said. “After 45 days to 60 days, it goes to $50.”

If the amount is still not paid, the citation then goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which will delay the registration of vehicles and renewal of licenses until the fines are paid, he said.

Temporary parking passes, which are valid for one day, also can be purchased, Soto said. They are located in the yellow vending machines, which are in the main student parking areas. These parking passes only cost $1.

Students parking in staff permitted parking areas also are a problem, especially during the first few weeks of school, Soto said. Sometimes this is out of confusion, but the violators will still be ticketed. He said that officers are more lenient toward students who illegally park in student areas, but only during the first two to three weeks of school.

“After that, we will go at full force,” he said.

Students who prefer to park off campus have a few options as well. The parking area along Panorama Drive on the north side of the campus is popular.

Students who are lucky enough to get one of the spots have easy access to the Grace Van Dyke Byrd Library, the humanities wing, the business wing, and the Student Services Building.

The campus park area, which is across from the northeast parking lot parking lot, along Mount Vernon Avenue, also is a favorite location for off campus parking. Students also can park along the island between Mount Vernon and Church avenues, across from Kern Schools Federal Credit Union.

For students who don’t mind walking a little bit, the parking area along Haley Street on the west side of the campus is another option. This area does not require parking passes. However, students need to be aware of the time limited parking areas as well.

Even with the increased enrollment, campus police are handling the parking situation like they would any other year, Soto said.