The permits cost about $350 for a general one, and the parking office rides around in a van and goes through all of the parking lots multiple times a day writing down any one who violates even the slightest rule. Kids usually get 2-3 parking tickets per year. Parking availability depends on where you live. If you live at a dorm, you will get parking, but it depends on how early/late you get there. Your best bet of good parking is on weekends because many students who have cars live in-state and go home during the weekends, and many spots close to the dorms open up!