More than 30,000 new and returning students will descend on 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s campus Aug. 26 for the start of the fall semester. And while there’s plenty of parking for everyone, without question the first few weeks tend to be the busiest time of the year for vehicle traffic on and around the university’s Maryland Parkway campus.
Here are seven tried and true tips to help students and visitors navigate increased traffic on campus:
1. Don’t forget your parking permit.
First things first. All vehicles on campus are required to have a permit to park in either student or staff marked spaces. Don’t have a permit? Pay for hourly or daily metered parking through the PayByPhone app or online. Look for the PaybyPhone signage in most student parking lots or on qualifying meters. Learn more and sign up at
2. Construction continues on Maryland.
Roadwork along Maryland Parkway continues to impact traffic on and around the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ main campus, particularly in the area of Cottage Grove Avenue. Realignment of Cottage Grove and a new traffic light at its intersection with Maryland should be operational early this semester. Currently, only southbound traffic on Maryland can access Cottage Grove and drivers in the area are urged to allow extra time and/or access Cottage Grove by entering campus from Flamingo Road and Claymont Street. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s website regularly shares updates on roadwork in the area.
3. Know before you go.
Check out the interactive Google campus map with building and parking lot details to keep up with changes on campus and find out the best place to park.
The Thomas & Mack Center lots, including the Tropicana garage, the Cottage Grove garage, and the University Gateway garage have the most available parking spots. The best bet during busy times is to head straight to these areas. A larger motorcycle parking area is also available northeast of Lied Library.
4. Arrive early.
Plan to arrive well before class time, particularly during the first few weeks of school when campus parking lots will be most crowded. Get here early, grab a snack, and squeeze in a quick study session.
5. Be patient.
There are enough parking spaces to accommodate the needs of everyone on campus. Patience and cooperation are appreciated as the campus begins the new semester.
6. Carpool or ride the bus.
Carpooling frees up parking spaces and it’s good for the environment – but it can also save you money. Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) encourages carpooling with its , or you can avoid the hassle of parking altogether by riding the bus. The RTC 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Transit Center directly links to the RTC’s main transit hub, the Bonneville Transit Center downtown, for connections across the valley. The RTC also offers through its U-pass program for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students, faculty, and staff for use on all RTC routes.
7. Charge it.
Charging stations for electric vehicles are available on campus through a partnership with NV Energy. Look for stations south of the Stan Fulton Building, at the Cottage Grove, University Gateway, and Tropicana parking garages, west of Greenspun Hall, and east of the Campus Services Building.
Electronic message boards will be posted at major entry points to campus during the first week of school. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ staff will also assist with traffic flow, directions, and pedestrian safety. For more info, visit or call 702-895-1300.
