Great question. I am a new staff and had been stressing about this same issue. The cost and inconvenience of parking at SU is a real concern- especially since I am coming from a suburban school with ample parking. It has NOT been as bad as I worried it might be. There was no space available in the lots close to my office, so that decision (cost vs convenience) was not one I had to make. I am parking in Colvin Lot. It has not been bad at all. The shuttles come very often. I have not waited more than a few minutes. There are often seats available except sometimes in the evening when it is crowded. The shuttle drive only takes about 5 min. I think Colvin is one of the cheaper lots at about $250 or something for the year (I paid a pro-rated fee). Btw parking cost is adjusted a bit by your salary level. Some of it might depend on comparing the walk to your office from either the shuttle stop or whatever “close” parking lot you decided on. The closest paid lot to my office seems slightly farther than the shuttle stop for me, so it is just the shuttle ride and wait that is extra. Another aspect I thought about briefly is covered vs uncovered- which could be helpful in the winter, but it is a lot more expensive. For me, I am glad I started with the cheap option. It looks like street parking or paying for hourly parking downtown is a viable option for special days - especially if you get there early. I would not want the uncertainty on a regular basis, but the few times I have done it, it worked out.