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Carnegie Mellon University
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Carnegie Mellon University - Parking - Parking - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Parking

C
Where does this grade come from?View all Parking rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

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Quick Stats

Student Parking Lot? Yes
The only large parking lot for students is the East Campus Garage, located right behind the University Center. However, this garage is also used by faculty, staff, and visitors, so it can get full during busy campus events, like Carnival, Homecoming, and graduation. There are smaller lots near some of the dorm buildings, but these are either metered or can only be used by students living in this area.
Freshmen Allowed to Park? No
Freshmen are not officially allowed to have cars on campus. However, some freshmen get around this by parking their car in the main garage during the week and using it on weekends, when they don't have to pay to use the garage.
Approximate Parking Permit Cost $972–$1,332
Common Parking Tickets
  • Expired meter: $30
  • No parking zone: $40
  • No permit displayed: $40 ($20 if paid within two weeks)
  • Fire lane: $100/Tow
  • Handicapped zone: $200/Tow
Best Places to Find a Spot
  • The hill next to Beta (Devonshire)
  • The loading zone on Tech Street (keep your blinkers on!)
  • The meters in Morewood parking lot
  • Most places after 6 p.m. (parking lots begin opening up between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Good Luck Getting a Spot Here Margaret Morrison Street

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Parking on campus can either be a hassle or relatively stress-free. It all comes down to how much you are willing to pay. Permits for the most reliable places can get pricey, as you are paying for the guarantee of finding a parking space. Some students go the route where they try to get by without a permit, to try and find parking where they can, either for free or when Parking & Transportation Services isn't keeping a close eye on the area. Usually, this backfires, and it is extremely hard to avoid parking tickets or the dreaded boot for your tire.  

Carnegie Mellon makes it pretty unnecessary to have a car during your time in Pittsburgh, unless you need to make frequent trips outside of the city and surrounding neighborhood limits. CMU student ID cards have an icon on them that lets students use the Port Authority buses at any time, free of any extra charge (it's incorporated into tuition and fees). Bringing a car to campus and paying for either a permit, or the equivalent of a permit in parking tickets, just seems like a waste. Students often complain that the University "nickel and dimes" students for services, and paying for parking is usually the loudest complaint of all.

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Carnegie Mellon Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Parking at Carnegie Mellon University

natalieunderoath

Design and Visual Communications '15

1.2
D

Parking

I don't have a car, but my friends say that parking is very expensive. Parking is also limited. It's not really worth having a car, because it's cost isn't worth the convenience unless you're willing to pay. Buses are free with our ID cards.

Apr 02, 2012

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Parking at Carnegie Mellon University

CMUhss2013

Computer Science '13

1.5
D+

Expensive and Hard to Find

Parking permits are really freaking expensive. the only non permit parking is on Margaret Morrison but its really hard to find an open space.

Mar 10, 2012

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Parking at Carnegie Mellon University

lhirata

Creative Writing '12

1.2
D

Pay High Tuition, Pay More for Parking

While there are parking lots and a structure, almost everywhere requires a permit or ticket to pay. Street parking is minimal.

Feb 25, 2012

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Page 1 of 11
User rating for Carnegie Mellon University - Parking is 2.3 out of 5 based on 32 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the campus parking on the following topics

How convenient is off-campus parking?

Facts

Getting a Parking Permit

People who want an individual permit to park on campus have to apply using an online application system. There is limited parking, though, so those who apply may not actually receive a permit. Priority is given to professors, staff, and graduate students, so there is a lottery to decide the remaining students who can receive permits.

Did You Know?
  • If you accrue too four unpaid parking tickets, your car will receive an attractive orange boot! While usually new boots would be exciting, on your car they are not, as it costs $100 the first offense, and increases by $50 each successive time - until they just tow your car away after three offenses.
  • Parking & Transportation services are really strict! If you park somewhere without paying or a permit for too long, they will catch you. They usually do rounds every few hours, but not usually after 6 or 7 pm. Still, if you are hiding out in the East Campus garage, it's a good idea to not leave your car too stationary.

Parking ServicesWhat's This?

Parking & Transportation Services
5000 Forbes Ave.
(412) 268-2052
parking@andrew.cmu.edu
www.cmu.edu/parking

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Raina Bradford-Jennings
Hometown
Brookfield, CT
Major
Professional Writing
Grad Year
2014

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
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