University of Minnesota - ParkingCollege Prowler1.54

Parking:

D+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Parking Grades:

Quick Stats

Student Parking Lot

Yes - lots are spread across campus. The ramps available to students are as follows: East Bank: 4th Street Ramp, Oak Street Ramp, University Ave. Ramp, Washington Ave. Ramp West Bank: 19th Ave. Ramp, 21st Ave. Ramp, West Bank Office Building St. Paul: Gortner Ave. Ramp

Freshmen Allowed to Park

Yes

Common Parking Tickets

  • Expired meter - $34
  • Fire lane - $34
  • Handicapped zone - $203
  • No parking zone - $34

Approximate Parking Permit Cost

  • $114 per month for garage contracts
  • $2–$12 per day for public parking
  • $59 per month for surface lot contracts
  • $87.50 per month for ramp contracts

Getting a Parking Permit

Parking at the University of Minnesota requires a pricey permit. It can only be obtained through a lottery in which you choose a ramp or a lot. Don't let the word lottery fool you, you are almost guaranteed a spot. The best resource for parking information is www1.umn.edu/pts/parking. It will tell you the policies, prices and how to apply for the lottery.

College Prowler Take

Parking really is horrendous around campus. There are contract parking lots, but if a student does not get a parking spot (due to not being picked in the parking lottery), available street parking and metered parking is terribly difficult to find. Many students have discovered that carpooling, taking the bus, biking, or walking are all better options than driving in circles for hours in order to find a parking space, or not finding a parking space at all. Many students suggest not bringing a car to school, because the availability of parking is so limited.

As mentioned, the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, in a partnership with Metro Transit, offers discounted bus passes, which makes getting to and from anywhere in the Twin Cities much easier. Parking causes students problems, because around the University there are lots of weekly events, which make driving and parking nearly impossible. Also, a quarter at the metered parking spots buys only 15 minutes, and the meter maids come around often to check for expired meters. Available and affordable parking is scarce on and around campus, so either make friends with someone who has a car, or become familiar with the bus system in order to safeguard against stress, irritation, and headaches due to lack of parking.

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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:

UofES says:

University of Minnesota 2012

Business

You have to pay a lot to park on...

You have to pay a lot to park on campus. If you are visiting you will be lucky to find a spot in a stall around the dorms, so you have to park in the parking ramps. And yes, freshmen can bring a car.

Parking: February 25, 2009
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UofMD says:

University of Minnesota 2012

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

It's easy, but pretty expensive....

It's easy, but pretty expensive. Most freshman don't bring cars because it's a lottery, and it's really expensive even if you do win the lottery for a parking spot.

Parking: February 25, 2009
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KaylaJo96 says:

University of Minnesota 2012

Natural Resources and Conservation

Parking Sucks!

D

Parking is very expensive and there are very few spots available for semester-long contracts. The cheapest per day spots are 3.75$ per day, which can really add up!

Parking: March 13, 2010
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Anonymous says:

Parking is horrible. I wouldn’t...

Parking is horrible. I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re willing to pay a lot for it.

Parking
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Anonymous says:

Never had a car, but my friends...

Never had a car, but my friends did, and they would always complain about parking. They said it really sucked. Being with them in the car when they were looking for a parking spot, I would have to agree.

Parking
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Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
Anywhere around campus, if a student can get there early enough

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
All over campus

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