KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC) — Parking is a universal struggle at the University of Tennessee, and for some students, it’s a costly one.

Towing is strictly enforced 24/7 — especially in staff and commuter lots and on the Strip — often without warning.

One student, Allie Sewell, said she nearly had her car towed.

“So mine was put on the tow truck and I basically got back in time before they took it away so I was able to pay for them to drop it right there but that was a stressful situation and I was fortunate I didn’t have to go elsewhere to find my car but it was still frustrating, seeing it on the tow truck,” Sewell said.

She said the situation is difficult for students already paying for school.

“It’s frustrating. I get there are designated locations to park and there is no perfect solution cause I mean our school has so many students and there are a ton of cars in this area but its just tough that its college students having to pay and even to park somewhere temporarily, you have to pay to park and you pay to go to school here,” she said.

Sewell said it feels like predatory towing targeting college students.

“It seems like their target population is college students where a lot of these students wouldn’t be able to make ends meat to get their car back right on the spot,” she said.

Tow truck companies say they are enforcing rules set by the university and property owners.

“Don’t just assume because you have not gotten towed that you won’t,” Sewell said.

The university suggests students stay updated with parking apps or use the T-bus transit system to avoid towing.