Southern Methodist University - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

SMU does not guarantee a spot to every student that purchases a parking permit. Parking spots function on convenience. The early bird gets his worm—or spot rather. Students constantly complain about never finding a parking spot. Even the students with the best permit (yellow for first-year women or Greeks living in the houses) have difficulty parking. Most will circle around a parking area three times before parking far away in a garage—especially freshmen males. During the day, the garages are packed, and you should consider yourself lucky if you get a spot on the rooftop (fifth level). And if you think you’re slick and turn your flashers on briefly even though you’re parked illegally, don’t be surprised if you receive a ticket. Students receive more parking tickets than alcohol violations.

The easiest way to find a parking spot is to take a couple aspirin before you get in your car, and plan for about 30 minutes to find a spot if you live off campus. If you’re parking in the garages, don’t be dismayed if the sign reads “Lot Full,” because it is never correct. Parking is a cinch for those students who have class at 8 a.m.

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Students Speak Out

smu09 says: Southern Methodist University 2013 Social Sciences

Parking is a bitch. Plan on having... Parking is a bitch. Plan on having cash reserved for the tickets you will get during the semster. Everyone gets one. 12345 Parking: January 08, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Campus parking is a mess. Fines... Campus parking is a mess. Fines are dished out limitlessly, because everyone illegally parks, and everyone illegally parks because there isn’t any space on campus. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

If you live on campus, it isn’t... If you live on campus, it isn’t much of an issue. There are parking garages located within five minutes by foot from almost any dorm. If you live off campus, you may not get a parking spot sometimes. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Practically everyone drives to... Practically everyone drives to campus or has a car, so parking can be messy. However, they do have a few parking garages, so it’s not that hard to find a spot. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Actually, it’s hard to park.... Actually, it’s hard to park. Everyone drives on this campus. There aren’t enough parking garages, and you do have to walk really far to class. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
• The meters behind Fondren Library, but only if you do not have a permit.
• Along the residential streets off of Airline.
• Any place that freshman girls can park, if you can somehow manage to get that permit.
• The parking garages, after 3 p.m., when most classes end.
• Faculty/staff lots after 5 p.m. and on weekends, but only if they are not marked specifically “24-hours.”

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Hughes-Trigg before 4 p.m. and the Airline Garage

The Boot!
After your sixth parking violation, your car will be branded with a bright yellow boot each time you receive a ticket. Ouch!

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