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Get a student parking permit

Information on student parking eligibility, permit types, and where and when to park on campus.

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Walk-up student parking registration

The Parking Office offers in-person, walk-up student parking registration for students who need help registering a vehicle or purchasing a permit. To register for a student permit, please bring your driver’s license or University ID, vehicle information, and payment. Please arrive by 4:15 p.m. to ensure ample time for assistance.

Permit types and eligibility

First-year students (living on campus)

First-year students living on campus are not eligible for a parking permit.

Off-campus students

Students living off campus may be eligible for commuter parking permits. Vehicles may not remain on campus overnight.

Resident students

Resident student permits are issued with student class seniority taken into consideration. Resident students may park 24/7 in assigned areas.

Special use permits for housing areas

Special use permits for housing areas (University Park, Whipple Park, and Goler House) are valid only for the area specified and are not valid in any other areas.

Graduate and commuter students

Graduate and undergraduate commuter student permits may be purchased at the Parking Office (Goler House). Permits are lot-specific and sold based on availability.

During the academic year, students studying abroad or away who no longer need campus parking may return their permit to the Parking Office for a pro-rated refund.

Graduate students and postdocs (appointment living off campus and receiving stipends)

Graduate students and postdocs on appointment living off campus who receive stipends and wish to park in Zone 3 South on the River Campus must complete the registration process during the annual registration period.

Eligible job codes: 6000, 6001, 6002, 6003, 6004, 6006, 0093, 0094, 0095

When registration opens in the spring, eligible students receive a notification from the Parking Office. Students who miss the annual registration period can visit the Parking Office to purchase a permit.

Students living in Whipple Park, Goler House, or University Park will be assigned permits associated with their housing. They will need to visit the Goler Parking Office once they have signed their lease if they have a vehicle.

Awarding of permits

As part of the annual parking lottery, permits are awarded first to seniors, followed by juniors, then sophomores. First-year students are not eligible.

If you are awarded a parking space, you will receive a time-sensitive offer via your University email. You must log in to your parking account and accept the permit by the expiration date shown in your offer. If you decline the offer or do not respond, your offer will expire.

Please note that any outstanding parking citations will make you ineligible for a permit.

Resident student permits

Parking lots: Brooks Crossing, Riverview, Valentine, Wilson North

Resident student parking spaces are limited. Permits are awarded through the lottery system on a first-come, first-served basis by class year and preferences. Near the end of the academic year, resident students will receive instructions via email to enroll in the lottery. All permits are awarded from those lists.

Commuter student permits

Parking lots: Brooks Crossing, Park Lot, River Lot,  Valentine Lot

Commuter student permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis based on lot availability. Near the start of each academic year, students will receive instructions via email on how to register and purchase a permit (if available).

If awarded a parking space, you will receive a time-sensitive offer via your University email and must accept by the expiration date shown.

Where students can park and when

7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday


A valid permit is required to park on River Campus. Permit holders must park in their assigned zone or lot.

After 7 p.m.-7:30 a.m.
Monday–Friday, weekends, and University holidays


A permit is not needed to park on River Campus. Vehicles may park in any ungated lot space unless it is posted as reserved, restricted, or accessible.

Prohibited parking areas

Parking is always prohibited in the following areas:

  • reserved spaces
  • lots with gates in the down position (in gated lots)
  • fire lanes
  • sidewalks
  • grass

Permits may not be transferred, altered, forged, or manipulated in any way.

Related offices and departments

Browse related offices for contact information and related resources.

Other parking resources