Snowed Out: Parking and Cold Temperatures Create Challenges for UAlbany Commuters

By Lauren Dunn | February 16, 2026

Snow mounds pushed to the edges of the Colonial Quad Commuter Student Parking Lot. Photo Credit: Lauren Dunn / The ASP

The Spring 2026 semester at the University at Albany began with more than just new classes, as a major snowstorm left commuters navigating compromised parking lots and dangerous cold temperatures across campus. 

After a major snowstorm left the Capital Region in over a foot of snow in the last week of January, many UAlbany commuters returned to campus to find large mounds of snow covering the parking lots. 

While roadways and walkways were largely clear, blocked parking spaces raised questions about where the snow could be moved and how student safety is factored in during winter weather events.

In an email response, UAlbany Director of Public Information Amy Geduldig outlined the university’s snow removal protocols and decision-making process. 

“Clearing main roads is the highest priority, as well as sidewalks and pedestrian pathways to ensure students and essential personnel can safely travel to classes, dining facilities and other campus services,” Geduldig said. 

For commuters, however, the real challenge when arriving at campus is finding parking. With many parking spaces blocked by mounds of snow, students questioned when the snow would be relocated, if at all.

UAlbany commuter Natalie Griffin said she has had to adjust her schedule because of the snow.

“I’ll leave my house 25 minutes earlier than I have to to find parking, and I still end up not being able to find a spot on Colonial because there is snow piled up literally everywhere,” Griffin said. 

The timeline for snow relocation after a storm varies. 

“If time and conditions permit, the grounds staff will attempt to relocate large snow piles to other areas on campus to minimize snow banks that may impact parking,” Geduldig wrote. 

Griffin, a senior studying communications and Spanish, noticed this relocation, and added, “It’s been better recently, a lot of the snow is gone in the lot so I have less trouble finding a spot.”

While snow removal remains a part of the university’s winter response, extreme cold presents its own safety concerns for students walking around campus.

Stephen Kapalczynski, a UAlbany senior studying informatics, said he has experienced the recent extreme cold during his walking commute to campus.

"I really don’t mind the cold, but when the ‘feel like’ is below zero, the walk over is bad, especially with the wind across Collins Circle,” he said. “I usually just wear a scarf and a jacket, and then go into the tunnels at the business building.”

“I’ve even noticed many students taking alternative routes to get to school while navigating through the snow,” Kapalczynski added.

So far this semester, the region has been hit with bouts of extremely cold air following the snowstorm. With temperatures dipping below zero, “students are encouraged to take precautions during winter weather, including allowing extra travel time, wearing appropriate footwear with traction, using designated pathways, and exercising caution while driving,” Geduldig said. 

For more information about the University’s response to snow removal click here.