University of Iowa - Parking

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Parking is quite possibly the No. 1 complaint around campus. Like most other universities, there is a very limited number of parking spaces for what seems like an unlimited number of cars. Often, students will be late for class because they are looking for a parking space. If you do not have guaranteed parking for your off-campus housing, it becomes even harder to find a long-term parking spot. Students living in the residence halls can park in the Hawk Lot—a giant parking lot about a 30-minute bus ride from campus. Buses go to the lot about every half-hour, so it's not too bad.

The University does what it can in terms of offering parking for its students, but when the financial situation comes down to the choice of more parking spaces or a new building for academics, the new building wins—as it should. A lot of students complain of a lack of parking in the downtown area, but if you leave more than 10 minutes before your class, you can usually find parking within a reasonable walking distance and won't be late. If you are trying to find parking during the weekend, good luck. However, almost everybody at UI lives within walking distance of downtown, and, if not, there are several cab companies in the area.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

IowCM says: University of Iowa 2015 English Language and Literature

Parking on campus is a complete... Parking on campus is a complete nightmare. Unless your class is at 8:30 a.m, there won't be a parking spot near it. It's so much easier just to walk or take the Cambus. 12345 Parking: March 27, 2009 Report

IowAS says: University of Iowa 2015 English Language and Literature

Parking on campus is an absolute... Parking on campus is an absolute nightmare. Unless you have class at 8:30am, then it's nearly impossible to get a spot. All parking is metered, too, so expect to get lots of tickets if you can't get back to your car in between classes. 12345 Parking: February 22, 2009 Report

IowJO says: University of Iowa 2015 Business

Parking on campus is absolutely... Parking on campus is absolutely terrible. There are never any spots that are open. If you are able to get a parking spot, make sure to put money in the meter—cars get ticketed even if they are one second over the time limit. It is ridiculous! 12345 Parking: February 18, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

If you go to Iowa, you will not... If you go to Iowa, you will not need a car at all. The bus system is amazing, and it will take you anywhere for free! Also, there is hardly any parking anywhere on campus, and where there is, it gets expensive. Everywhere you need to go is within walking distance, though—15 minutes at most. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is tough. It is hard to... Parking is tough. It is hard to find a spot most of the time. I really wish they had more places for students to park. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
In the parking lot by the English-Philosophy Building, and in a parking garage downtown

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Downtown street parking

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Kelly McPhee
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Major: Journalism

Kelly changed her major six times freshman year.

Contributing Author Internship

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 about the internship.