Denver, Colorado: Population 3,200,000. Stoplights in town:
thousands.
You could say it’s been a bit of a culture shock learning how
to get around in such a large city compared to where I’m from.
My work-study advised me to bring a car, and so I did! Driving in Denver is not difficult as long as
you use GPS or know your route. I personally like to use Google Maps because
the app will point out parts of your desired route and explain if traffic will
be heavy or congested. Making sure that you have enough time to get to your
destination and time to park is a major key to driving in Denver.
Driving in Denver is much different than driving in my
hometown of Waukon, Iowa. Unlike Waukon, Denver has thousands of stoplights and
intersections. I never have to worry
about rush hour or congested traffic in Waukon, but in Denver, it is the
complete opposite. To get to my work-study
location, I do take main roads that can be congested at times. There is no specific time of rush hour; it
differs every day.
Parking can be very frustrating, but everyone is in the same
predicament. If you are bringing a car
to Denver, I highly recommend practicing parallel parking before coming to
Denver. I have to parallel park almost
every day, and before I came to Denver, I never really had to parallel
park. When parking, one has to pay very
close to the parking signs. Every road
is different and the parking signs differ as well. Parking violations can be
very costly, and having a car towed can cost up to $350.
However, you definitely don’t need a car to be able to get
around Denver! If I didn’t need a car
for my work study, I would not have brought a car. The bus and light rail
systems are easy to use. People can look
up directions online or on Google Maps on where to board and exit the bus to be
able to get around town. The Kimberly apartments are located in a great part of
Denver for accessing the public transportation routes. The apartments are close to downtown but
still out of the commotion.
Driving in Denver has taught me a lot about living in a
heavily populated city. I am glad that I
took this opportunity to study in Denver because it is helping me decide if I
want to live in a city after college. I am looking forward to all of the
educational experiences and memories that are to come!
Mason
McMillan ’20 is a current sophomore attending the Urban Studies program this
semester in Denver, Colorado. During his semester in Denver he is taking part
in the “sophomore experience” which consists of three essential education
classes as well as a work study with a local business - Nostalgic Homes Realty. Back on campus, Mason is a Business
Administration major and also a Knightcaller for the Annual Giving office.
