It’s the first week of the semester and the parking situation is bad. For the next couple of weeks, students will struggle to find parking, and through a variety of means, will try to make it to class on time.

For new students this can feel overwhelming and for old students it’s a familiar rut. However, experience does count for something, and those who have gone through this before can offer valuable insight.

Here are five tips from students, for students, on how to beat the parking rush.

1. Get here early.

This is the oldest and most effective trick in the book, said accounting major Brandon Fullner.

“Get here early, especially if you have a 10 to 11:30 class, those are the busiest,” said Fullner.

2. Park in the observatory.

The observatory seems to be the easiest to get parking in, said Adam Clark, a second-year student.

“They all fill up quickly, but if you go to the observatory you have a better chance,” Clark said.

3. Use the overflow parking near the baseball field.

There is a temporary overflow parking area near the baseball field that fills up slower than the other lots, according to Thomas Moran a second-year student.

“The PAC [Performing Arts Center] is usually the first to fill up, then the one above Fountain Hall,” said Moran. “I tried for fifteen minutes up there before I gave up and went to the field, there’s more space there.”

4. Don’t leave for lunch.

Parking goes fast, and if you have afternoon classes it’s best not to leave for lunch, said business major Joe Rizzi.

“If you’re here later in the day, bring a lunch, or else your spot will be gone,” Rizzi said.

5. Don’t rage.

Although she struggled to find parking, psychology and philosophy major Yvonne Smith advises others to remain calm.

“Have patience, everyone is here to learn,” said Smith. “Stick with it, don’t rage, and you will find parking.”

The parking predicament usually gets better as the semester goes on, but until it does, these tips can help you find parking in rush hours.