University of Southern California - Parking

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Access to parking spaces varies among types of housing. Parking passes for on-campus lots are valuable commodities among students, and they often resort to camping out in front of the Parking Services office in order to better their chances of receiving passes on dates of issuance. There is a limited amount of parking available on campus, which creates problems for students who need a safe place to keep their cars. Street parking is scarce and risky in a city overpopulated with motorists and occasional thieves. Off-campus residents living in buildings with full lots are usually forced to park far from home. The Parking Center, two blocks east of campus, is usually the last available lot for students with a USC parking pass. Although the Parking Center is secure from thieves and vandals, traveling to and from the massive structure is time consuming and can be scary at night.

Parking anywhere in LA is expensive and usually inconvenient. Parking tickets are inevitable and can easily add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a semester. Some Greek houses offer free parking to members, which is considered a major benefit to being in a fraternity or sorority, and certain apartments in the area guarantee spaces for tenants. Aside from the lucky few who can park where they live without any hassle, most students with the option to park feel lucky to have a space at all.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Parking is hell, plain and simple.... Parking is hell, plain and simple. I don’t have a car, but I’ve heard horror stories, and DPS loves to write tickets. Parking permits are really expensive and cost anywhere from $100–$300 a semester. Unfortunately, it’s LA, and it’s almost necessary to have a car. If you’re planning on bringing your car out west, then you’ll need parking, but if you live in University housing, it’s usually not hard to find. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

You must have a parking pass to... You must have a parking pass to park on campus. There are four main parking garages on campus and one off campus. If you are going to bring a car, get a pass soon so you don’t have to park at the one off campus. Parking off campus, and not in the garage, isn’t that bad, just be sure to look for street cleaning signs. You don’t want to get a ticket! 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is just horrible; it’s LA.... Parking is just horrible; it’s LA. It’s nice to have a car because you can go places, but it’s not necessary. You can find parking; it’s just frustrating. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

If you are going to bring a car,... If you are going to bring a car, which is a good idea, then you should get a parking permit. I parked my car in the parking center my freshman year, which was okay, but I had to take a tram to my car any time I wanted to use it. If you can get a spot in Parking Structure D or X, that would be the best option. 12345 Parking Report

Anonymous says:

Parking is expensive, unless the... Parking is expensive, unless the place you live offers it as part of the rent. It’s impossible to find parking if you don’t buy a pass for a parking garage or lot. 12345 Parking Report

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
Meter Parking: McClintock, Hoover, and Adams
Day Parking: $7 on campus for entire day, or $1.50 per hour.

Good Luck Finding Parking Here!
Anywhere on the street before, during, and directly after classes.

The Boot!
Too many unpaid tickets will get your car booted. This is a huge hassle, both financially and mentally.

Gassing Up
USC has a gas station next to the parking center that accepts USCards.

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