School parking shortage leaves students struggling

Many students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry are missing classes or precariously parking on streets after several nearby private parking facilities abruptly closed.

Returning to in-person classes after the Tet holiday on 10/3, Hoang Son, a third-year student, arrived 30 minutes early but found the university's parking lot full. He then tried private parking areas nearby, only to find them all closed.

"I struggled to find a spot right up until class started, so I had to park temporarily on the sidewalk opposite the university. Sitting in class, I kept running out to check on my bike, worried it would be stolen," Son said.

Ngoc Anh traveled 30 km from Bien Hoa to the university but had to turn back disappointed. Anh explained that students overflowing onto the streets caused long traffic jams. She tried asking at Go Vap market but no place would accept more motorbikes.

"It was scorching hot, driving back and forth wasted effort, time, and fuel," Anh stated.

Ngoc Han, a food industry student, also chose to return home.

"I saw a long line of motorbikes temporarily parked in front of the university gate, but I didn't dare, fearing my bike would be stolen," Han recounted. Yesterday, she opted for a motorbike taxi, despite the higher fare due to rising fuel prices. Her dormitory area also lacks convenient bus routes to the university.

Students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry queue for parking, causing traffic congestion, 10/3. *P Tuan*

On 12/3, Associate Professor Doctor Phan Hong Hai, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, stated that the sudden cessation of operations by surrounding private parking lots caught both the university and its students by surprise. The university is unaware of the reason for this situation.

"The university's parking lot can only meet about 70-80% of student demand," Hai noted.

The Rector announced that class schedules would be adjusted while parking arrangements for students are made. It is anticipated that general and theoretical classes will shift to online learning for one to two weeks. This measure will also help students save on commuting costs amid rising fuel prices, a move encouraged by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry is located on Nguyen Van Bao Street, Hanh Thong ward, with two other nearby facilities, serving approximately 40,000 students.