Comparable Schools'
Parking Grades:
Quick Stats
Student Parking Lot
Yes - There are student parking lots spread throughout campus for students eligible for parking permits, including all seniors, graduate students, and commuting students living outside of the walking zone.
Common Parking Tickets
- Altered permit - $250
- Blocking or obstructing traffic lanes, service areas, posted areas - $40
- Expired parking meter - $15
- Handicapped space violation - $250
- Incorrect permit for lot - $30
- No valid permit - $50
- Over twenty minutes in a loading/dock zone - $15
- Parked on walk or grass area - $30
- Parking over lines or in two spaces - $15
- Permit not facing aisle - $5
- Posted fire lane - $40
- Reserved space violation - $100
- Unauthorized permit - $50
- Valid permit not properly displayed - $10
Freshmen Allowed to Park
No - Unless they reside off-campus
Approximate Parking Permit Cost
Parking Permits
To get a permit, you must be a senior or grad student.
College Prowler Take
Parking is a mess, no matter how you slice it. Only seniors can “officially” park on campus. Underclassmen usually resort to parallel parking on Evanston’s side streets and alleys. Regardless of age or status, you are likely to accumulate a good number of parking tickets, which most NU students just ignore.
Don’t bring a car to NU unless it is absolutely necessary. With a strong public transit system linking the school to Evanston and Chicago, NU doesn’t have much of a need for wheels. It’s nice to have the option, but it’s just another expense—and when you go to a $30,000 a year school, is it really worth it?
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
Ha! Parking is nearly impossible....
Ha! Parking is nearly impossible. You can’t get a permit until you have senior status (by credits, not years of college) to park on campus and, even then, it’s ridiculously expensive. Off campus, there is very little available, but it is somewhat possible if you figure out when they clean which streets. |
Anonymous says: |
Parking on campus is pretty good...
Parking on campus is pretty good for the most part. Sometimes, you’ll have to walk a little to get to your car, but you will be able to get a spot. |
Anonymous says: |
Parking on campus is near to...
Parking on campus is near to impossible for students on campus. Most people with cars park on the street, but street parking is really tight, too. I personally chose not to bring a car to school because I don’t think it’s worth the hassle. |
Anonymous says: |
Evanston has more cars and fewer...
Evanston has more cars and fewer spaces all the time. If you’re planning on bringing a car, ask yourself if it’s worth the expensive permits and the trouble. |
Did You Know?
Best Places to Find a Parking Spot:
By the lake or sailing center, in the large lot—and it’s still hit or miss.
Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Virtually anywhere on campus. Parking is tight, and parking enforcement officials are not shy about ticketing cars.
Write for Us!
College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more >
