James Madison University - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Ahh, parking. Previous generations of JMU students doubtlessly lamented about the lack of parking spots, and today’s students have gladly picked up their cause. With thousands of cars and less than a thousand parking spaces, students agree it’s very difficult finding somewhere to park at JMU. In fact, it’s easier to complain about a spot than to actually find one. Since the problem can’t be helped, students allow enough time before their classes to battle random traffic lights, score a spot, and hoof it to class.

Whether or not the spot is anywhere close to your destination is an entirely different subject. Since faculty and staff get priority (a.k.a. the convenient, close parking spots), students get the choices of far or farther. It is most likely that when you are late for class you will hit every single red light. It will also probably be windy and raining hard, and the only spot left will be the last corner spot by the little tree in the C4 lot, which, incidentally, is the farthest lot away from anything resembling an academic building. So, if you decide to bring wheels to campus, just be aware that parking is everything but pleasant.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Oh gosh, parking is an absolute... Oh gosh, parking is an absolute nightmare. You have to allow so much time before class to find a parking spot and then walk to class. I don’t mind if I have someone else with me, but it’s really frustrating sometimes finding a spot with no one to vent to. Before I figured things out a little better, I was always late to class because I had to park really far away. There needs to be another lot built somewhere or something. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking sucks—ask anybody. I don’t... Parking sucks—ask anybody. I don’t even want to get started on that because I’ll get too mad. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

The parking situation is horrible.... The parking situation is horrible. There are 15,000 students and 900 parking spots. You do the math. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is no fun at all on... Parking is no fun at all on campus. JMU, like every other school, sells tons more parking passes for cars than they have spots for. It’s all about making money. So, you just have to allow plenty of time to drive around and hunt down a spot, keeping in mind that when you find one, you will probably be as far away from class as possible. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is a problem. I haven’t... Parking is a problem. I haven’t had trouble finding a spot, but they are never close to where you want to park. I know it’s hard to just build garages everywhere, but it seems like that would solve some problems. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
The Gravel Lot (C1) on Grace Street across from campus has adequate parking, for the most part, and a few potholes to dodge. If you are up for a walk down to the main part of campus, there are lots by Festival (R3, C11 ) and a couple near ISAT (C10, C12) that are open 24 hours a day for commuters and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for residents. The parking deck is also one of the best places because of its central location, if you can get there early enough to snag a spot (before 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. is your best bet). From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., most lots are open to everyone (commuters and residents alike), which means you’re going to have to fight the whole world for a spot. On the bright side, the coveted Burrus Lot (B Lot) and Miller Lot (M Lot) open after 8 p.m., providing prime access to Carrier Library, TDU, Dukes, and Grafton-Stovall.

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
• The Burruss Lot
• The Miller Lot
• The circular lot behind Wilson Hall
• The fire lane outside Festival

The Clincher
If the end of the semester rolls around and you still have unpaid fines, beware! JMU will place a hold on your record, ruthlessly denying you the right to schedule classes for the following semester or even to graduate without first shelling out the cash.

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