Because the U is a “commuter campus,” with the majority of students living off campus (and, of course, staff and faculty who drive to work, too), parking is at a premium. This is exacerbated by the fact that public transportation has been historically weak in Utah, and it still is in many ways. While there are many, many parking spots, there aren’t very many convenient parking spots. Everyone wants parking to be cheap, convenient, and plentiful, but it just can’t be all of those things at the same time. The ease of finding a parking spot depends greatly upon when you have your classes. The busiest parking time is between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., as most classes are held during these times. If you park on campus at 7 a.m. or after noon, you should be fine. Parking after 6 p.m. is free, so students taking night classes won’t have to pay for a pass. The economy pass is a much better deal, as the standard lots are only a few dozen yards away from the economy lots—not much more convenient.
The ticket-giving parking enforcement (referred to as the “Parking Nazis”) patrol the campus with handheld computers, dispensing tickets with no remorse. They’ll hang around parking meters, waiting for the time to run out. If you have three unpaid tickets, they will have your car booted. Tickets are usually only $15, but they represent a significant amount of income to the University, and so they take tickets very seriously. And don’t try to outwit the Parking Nazis in any way, shape, or form; they know every trick. But if you do get a ticket, try to appeal it.