Comparable Schools'
Parking Grades:
Quick Stats
Common Parking Tickets
- Expired meter - $20
- Fire lane - $50
- Handicapped zone - $100
- Illegal use of permit - $100
- No parking zone - $20
- Permit improperly displayed - $10
Freshmen Allowed to Park
No
Approximate Parking Permit Cost
- $165 per year for surface lots
- $330 per year for garage parking
Parking Permits
Basically, you need a permit to park anywhere that doesn’t have a meter. Parking Services is the place to go to get a permit for general University lots, but the student cannot be living in a residence hall, fraternity house, or any place else that is “near the University” (which, of course, is defined by Parking Services). For parking in garages, located under certain residence halls, permits are available for students with a minimum of 45 credit hours (or three full-time quarters). They are available first come, first serve.
College Prowler Take
It’s unanimous: parking at OU sucks! Students agree that having a car on campus the first two years isn’t worth the hassle. Even when you live off campus and have a parking space for your car, simply driving uptown to mail something or running to drop off a paper can be a nightmare if you have a car, due to the lack of parking spaces. Not to mention, every decent space is metered, so don’t even think about leaving home without some quarters because you will either get a ticket or get towed (and pay over $100 to get your car back).
Basically, you really don’t need a car your first two years, so leave it at home. Luckily, the campus is so small that it’s really not that necessary, and because you’ll have a meal plan, you don’t need it to go grocery shopping. Once you move off campus, look for places that have parking available. Inevitably, most students get ticketed and/or towed at least once during their time at OU, partly because every campus building lot is reserved for faculty or commuters (you can’t even park at Ping until after 3 p.m., which is ridiculous and makes it almost impossible to squeeze in a workout between classes, unless your classes are close). If you come to OU, just be prepared to endure the hell that is Athens parking—definitely the worst part of student life.
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:
ohio2011 says: Ohio University 2015 Business  |
If you pony up for a parking...
If you pony up for a parking sticker, you'll be in good shape. Otherwise, you'll have to get creative with where and when to park.
Parking: January 27, 2009
Report |
Anonymous says: |
The parking situation at OU is a...
The parking situation at OU is a nightmare. I dreaded driving uptown or having visitors and trying to find a spot. There just isn’t enough parking at OU, plain and simply. Tow trucks roam the streets just looking for cars parked in illegal spots. It really does suck. |
Anonymous says: |
Parking is really bad on campus,...
Parking is really bad on campus, but I think it is like that at every university. Most places are reserved, and the ones that are open are metered. |
Anonymous says: |
It is very difficult to find a...
It is very difficult to find a parking space on campus and in the town of Athens. I would suggest that unless you need a car to not bring one, because it is really not necessary. |
Anonymous says: |
After the first two years, just...
After the first two years, just try and find a place to live that has plenty of parking and then just leave your car parked and walk to all your classes. There are actually many places to park off campus (but not too far off campus), if you know where to look. |
Did You Know?
Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
Parking garage, which costs 25 cents per
20 minutes.
Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Uptown during the afternoon and on Sundays.
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