Lehigh University - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Parking on Lehigh’s campus is a disaster. The only spots on campus are provided for faculty, so if you try to park in these spots on weekdays from 7 a.m.–4 p.m., you are guaranteed to get ticketed. The only on-campus parking for students are a few 20-minute meter spots outside the upper University Center area. If you’re even a second late returning to your car, you will get a ticket. Most students will try their luck on Packer Avenue, the main thoroughfare at the bottom of campus. There are a number of free spots, as well as metered spots, but it gets frustrating circling back and forth. The best time to look for a spot is right on the hour as classes are getting out, and there is a significant amount of turnover. Students can also buy a parking pass for the Zoellner parking deck, which is very convenient for students in the business school.

This is all a moot point for freshmen, though, since freshmen aren’t supposed to bring cars to school, but the clever-minded can find parking off campus if they look for it. The problem with off-campus parking is that you then run into the problem of the Bethlehem Parking Authority, who can be very persistent. Parking on campus gets easier after freshman year. Once you join a fraternity or sorority, you can obtain a parking permit for your house’s lot, and dorms have parking as well. Parking is still a tremendous pain in the butt, since much of Lehigh’s campus was built before cars existed. There are plenty of bizarre one-way roads, and driving around campus can be a confusing endeavor to the uninitiated.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Freshmen aren’t permitted to have... Freshmen aren’t permitted to have cars, but if you are like me, then you’re going to find a way to do it anyway. There’s a secret street off campus (Meade Street) that freshmen tend to park their cars on. They will not get ticketed there, but it tends to get crowded as more freshmen find out. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Honestly, parking sucks. But you... Honestly, parking sucks. But you don’t really need a car to get around. Everything is walking distance, and I’m sure if you need to go somewhere, someone will be more than happy to take you. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking on campus isn’t easy, and... Parking on campus isn’t easy, and sometimes particularly annoying. Parking off campus becomes much easier with parking permits. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

The parking situation sucks. I... The parking situation sucks. I spent over $400 in parking tickets my junior year alone. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is horrible. There are... Parking is horrible. There are about 3,000 BMWs and only four spots. Don’t bother driving to class unless you can afford to pay $1,000 in parking tickets. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
Your best bet is on Packer Avenue, where many class buildings are located, or the Zoellner parking garage. If you try to park on campus between the hours of 7 a.m.–4 p.m., expect to find a ticket on your windshield upon returning to your car.

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Anywhere on campus

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Charlie Gimber
Hometown: Sudbury, MA
Major: English and Journalism

Charlie wrote a satirical restaurant review column for Lehigh's student newspaper.

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