This year’s prom will be held at Lake Chalet on April 26 in Oakland, starting at 8 p.m. Along with a change in location, with previous proms being held in San Francisco, an unexpected new rule in which students will not be allowed to drive themselves to prom due to a lack of parking was established.
For many upperclassmen, this restriction is frustrating, especially since prom is further from school than in previous years. Driving with friends has always been part of the experience, whether it’s picking each other up, taking photos or just enjoying the excitement on the way there. This new rule means students will have to find alternative transportation, such as Ubers, parent drop-offs or renting a party bus—each of which comes with its own challenges.
While these options may work for some, they add extra complications for others. Not every student has easy access to rideshare services and asking parents to drive nearly an hour each way, twice in one night, can be difficult. Renting a party bus sounds fun but isn’t always practical, especially with the added cost. An uber for four people from school to Lake Chalet at around 7 p.m. costs around $90, while an XL ride costs around $135. It’s important to keep in mind that these prices are estimates according to what the Uber reserve feature says because not all students that go to Woodside live near Woodside. The price for the uber can go up depending on where you live and what time you decide to leave.
Beyond the inconvenience, some students also have concerns about safety due to the location of the venue and the distance they’ll have to travel.
“I think that doesn’t sound super safe to me, but I also understand that it can be difficult to find a venue for such a large event,” senior Ellie Axelrad said.
Traveling across the Bay late at night, especially when relying on rideshare services, raises understandable worries for some students and parents.
The venue was chosen with the idea of creating a “foodie prom” experience, which is an exciting and unique concept. However, some students feel that the challenge of getting there makes it harder to fully appreciate the event.
“It’s a prom, not a dinner,” Axelrad said.
She expressed how for many, the overall experience of being together matters more than just the food.
This being said, prom is undoubtedly still a night to look forward to. While our transportation rules and restrictions may not be ideal, the venue itself is still beautiful and the promise of good food in a fun atmosphere gives students plenty to be excited about. At the end of the day, prom is about celebrating with friends, making memories and enjoying one of the last big events of high school. Even with the unexpected challenges, it’s still a night worth embracing.
