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University of Wisconsin - Parking - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Parking

C
Where does this grade come from?View all Parking rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Parking Grades:

Quick Stats

Student Parking Lot? Yes
There isn’t a wide availability of parking for students, as most students depend on other forms of transportation. There is metered parking around most of the dorms and public parking ramps by State and Lake Street.
Freshmen Allowed to Park? Yes
Approximate Parking Permit Cost $70–$100 per month
Common Parking Tickets
  • Expired meter: $20
  • Handicapped zone: $200
  • No parking zone: $40

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Students overwhelmingly agree that parking at UW is awful. Whether you’re on the streets or in a ramp, finding a spot to leave your car can be frustrating. Students who need a car on campus usually decide to buy a permit. However, your reserved parking spot may be a few blocks away and at a high price. Parking only gets worse during athletic event weekends or on concert nights. Students are rarely able to find a spot during these times. As a result, many students opt to use mopeds rather than cars when traveling about campus.

While the city offers three ramps near campus, it isn’t enough to convince students to bring a car to campus. The majority of the time, parking becomes more of a headache than it’s worth. Mopeds are more popular because the school is more accommodating to them. Almost every academic building has areas sectioned off for mopeds to park. UW also offers a campus shuttle for those needing to get farther on campus. Overall, students should really take advantage of the various transportation options before deciding to bring a car to UW.

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Wisconsin Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Parking at University of Wisconsin

emjohnson3

'13

Library Science

2.3
C

Street Parking...

...can be very hard. Everyone I know who parks downtown has gotten parking tickets.

Nov 09, 2011

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Parking at University of Wisconsin

wiscobadgers50

'07

History

3.5
B

Parking

Parking is horrible, but fortunately you don't need a car at UW as a freshman. Live in a dorm and enjoy the short, scenic walk to class. Everything is within in walking distance. Using the free campus bus system, riding a bike, or using cabs are all good options. As a sophomore or up, you can live off campus at a place with your own garage or parking spot pretty easily. Some places don't have spots and renting spots per semester can be pretty expensive. If you hate walking, you'll have to learn to love it because driving onto campus is a nightmare. If you live far enough from campus to necessitate a commute, there are parking garages and public parking available. Keep in mind though you will fight with the actual residents of Madison who are going to and from work. Avoid driving on game days at Camp Randall or at the Kohl Center!

Nov 01, 2011

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Parking at University of Wisconsin

tanabeck11

'14

Psychology

1.9
C-

Lack of Parking

Because the campus is in the heart of the city, there is little for parking. The best option is to find a spot in a ramp. The ramps are not very expensive if you just want to drive to campus on the weekends. However, if you wanted to commute to campus for class, I would recommend riding the bus instead. Not only do you not have to worry about getting a ticket, or finding a meter or nearby ramp, but it is free for students of the University.

Sep 22, 2011

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Page 1 of 9

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the campus parking on the following topics

How convenient is off-campus parking?

Facts

Getting a Parking Permit

Students are sometimes able to purchase permits through the dormitory they are living in. Otherwise, real estate agencies like Steve Brown and Isthmus apartments offer limited parking spots in their various lots. UW does offer parking permits to students who submit an application, and the sooner they do it the better. Parking spaces are assigned mid-August for the upcoming year. Don’t be surprised if you are not awarded a spot, though. Those wishing to contest can fill out an appeal form, but with such limited availability, it is merely a futile attempt.

Did You Know?

Best Places to Find a Parking Spot
Wisconsin Avenue
Gilman Street pay lots
State Sreet parking ramp

Good Luck Getting a Parking Spot Here!
Langdon Street
Carroll Street
Park Street
Randall Street

Parking ServicesWhat's This?

Transportation Services
21 North Park Str.
(608) 263-6666
www.wisc.edu/trans

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Wisconsin

Name: Marie Puissant

Hometown: Green Bay, Wis.

Major: Marketing and English

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