Michigan State University - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Parking is, without a doubt, the biggest gripe students have about Michigan State University. Not only are semester parking passes expensive, but owning a pass doesn’t necessarily guarantee that parking will be available. There aren’t nearly enough spaces on campus for the number of students (even before you count faculty, staff, and visitors), which is the primary reason freshmen aren’t allowed to have cars. Free parking is available on weekends, although finding a spot close to the dorms can be difficult.

Students have a deep-rooted resentment of the parking enforcement officials, who are constantly giving out tickets. Many students are frustrated by the one-hour time limit on most meters, as classes can run for two to three hours. Often students must rush out to their cars before class is over or risk a hefty fine from the meter patrol. Parking is a sore subject among students, and most feel that it’s better to leave their car at a parking garage across campus than to risk seeing that dreaded citation nestled underneath their windshield wiper.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It’s difficult to find open... It’s difficult to find open parking spots close to most campus buildings, since they are mostly University faculty spots. The majority of available open parking is very expensive. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is frustrating. You need... Parking is frustrating. You need to get a parking pass if you live off campus, and you need to get to class early for the pay lots if you want to get a spot. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

I think it’s horrible to park, and... I think it’s horrible to park, and would never want a car on campus. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

You have a few options for... You have a few options for parking: have mad loads of change and spending a dollar an hour (and sometimes more) for a parking space; learn how to walk real far in a short amount of time; or try to deal with the CATA bus system. I wish you luck with that one. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

The garages off-campus and aren’t... The garages off-campus and aren’t very well attendedPeople’s things are frequently stolen out of the cars overnight. I’ve never heard of the cars being stolen, but people will break into the cars and take things from them. If you make it to your sophomore year and decide to bring a car, be prepared to discover that parking is atrocious. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot:
There is a parking ramp behind the Student Book Store, and you can try your luck to find a spot at a meter. But all in all, your best bet (if you are attending classes) is to find a parking lot off-campus and walk or take the bus to classes. You can sneak a free parking spot at places like the Hannah Center, which is roughly a 10–15 minute walk to campus.

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Anywhere remotely close to your classes (i.e. on campus).

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