What's up, future & current Mountaineers! Let's talk about something that can be almost as challenging as a final exam: parking in Morgantown. Honestly, figuring out where to park your car on campus can feel like a quest. But don't sweat it, I'm here to walk you through the entire process of getting a West Virginia University parking permit. It might seem like a lot, but by the end of this, you'll be a pro.

First things first, a parking permit is an absolute MUST if you plan on parking a car on campus. WVU's Transportation & Parking department is pretty clear about this. These permits are your golden ticket to designated parking areas, & they're valid for a full year, from August 1st to July 31st of the following year.

Now, here's a crucial piece of inside info: getting a permit doesn't actually guarantee you a parking spot. I know, I know, that sounds a little crazy, but with so many students & staff, the lots can fill up fast. The key is to give yourself plenty of time to find a spot before class. Think of it as a warm-up for your brain before a lecture.

Another thing to remember is that these permits are non-transferable. You can't just lend your permit to your buddy for the day. It's registered to you & your vehicle. If you're caught using it improperly, you could face fines, penalties, or even have your permit revoked. So, play it by the rules.

Mark your calendars, because timing is everything. For the 2024-2025 academic year, student parking permits went on sale on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 9 a.m. It's a first-come, first-served situation, so you'll want to be ready to hop online as soon as they're available.

The whole process is done online through the WVU Parking Portal. You'll need your WVU credentials (your MIX login) to get in. Once you're in the portal, you'll see an option to "Get Permits." From there, you'll be guided through the purchase process. You'll need to agree to the terms & conditions, select the vehicle you want to associate with the permit, & choose your delivery option. In most cases, you'll be picking up your permit from the Parking Office.

A heads up for incoming freshmen: you won't be able to buy a permit until you've registered for classes & completed New Student Orientation. Also, make sure you've paid off any old parking tickets. You won't be able to get a new permit if you have outstanding citations.

If you run into any trouble, the Parking Management Office is there to help. You can give them a call at 304-293-5502 during their business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Alright, let's talk money. The cost of a WVU parking permit really depends on where you want to park. The lots are divided by campus area: Downtown, Evansdale, & Health Sciences. Here's a general breakdown of the annual costs for the 2024-2025 academic year, but keep in mind that these can change, so it's always a good idea to double-check the official WVU Transportation website.

The Evansdale campus has a bunch of different lots, with prices varying based on location & whether the lot is paved or gravel. Paved lots in prime locations, like near the Evansdale Library (Area 44) or the Creative Arts Center (Area 45), will run you about $366 for the year. If you don't mind a gravel lot, you can save a bit of cash. For example, the Law School gravel lots (Areas 76, 201, & 202) are priced at $252 annually.

Parking on the Downtown campus is generally more expensive, which makes sense given the high demand. The Lower Mountainlair Garage (Area 9), for instance, is one of the priciest options at $858 for the year. Other options, like the Gaskins House gravel lot (Area 14) or the Summit Hall paved lot (Area 39), are a bit more affordable at $415 annually.

For those of you spending most of your time at the Health Sciences Center, you have a few options as well. The garage at Mountaineer Station (Area 86) is the most expensive at $666 for the year. A paved lot at the bottom of the Health Sciences Center (Area 81) will cost you $366, while a gravel lot above the Chestnut Ridge Research Building (Area 85) is a more budget-friendly $252.

It's worth noting that some parking areas, like those for University Park or Vandalia Apartments, require you to contact the staff there directly for pricing information.

Your parking options can also depend on whether you're living in a residence hall or commuting from an off-campus apartment.

If you're living in a residence hall, you'll be looking for overnight student resident parking permits. These are only valid in specific areas, so make sure you're getting the right one for your dorm's location. The designated overnight lots include Areas 54, 70, 200, 201, & 202.

For those of you living off-campus, you have a few more options to consider. You can, of course, purchase a standard commuter permit for one of the lots we've already talked about. But here's the thing, sometimes those permits sell out, or maybe the lot you want is just too expensive.

This is where you might need to get a little creative. The Morgantown Parking Authority has metered lots & a couple of parking garages that are within walking distance of the downtown campus. These can be a good option if you only have classes a few days a week.

Another popular trick for commuters, especially those with classes on the Evansdale campus, is to park at the Coliseum for a small daily fee & then walk or take the PRT to your classes. It's a bit of a hassle, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Now, if you're really in a bind & can't find a spot on campus, you might want to look into private parking options. There are businesses & even homeowners in Morgantown who rent out parking spots in their driveways or lots. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects drivers who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways & garages. It's a pretty cool way to find a convenient & often more affordable parking solution, especially in a college town where on-campus parking is so limited.

What if you don't need a permit for the whole year? Maybe you just need to park on campus for a few hours to use the library or meet with a professor. Or what if your parents are coming to visit for the weekend?

WVU has short-term paid parking lots scattered around all three campuses. You can pay by the hour, & some lots even offer a lower rate in the evenings. The ParkMobile app is also a super convenient way to pay for on-campus parking with your phone.

When it comes to visitors, they're generally encouraged to use the short-term lots. If they're visiting the Downtown Visitors Center, they can park in the One Waterfront Place garage & get their ticket validated. For the Evansdale Visitors Center, parking is available in Area 51. For guests visiting students in residence halls, you can sometimes get a guest pass from the Office of Student Accounts.

It happens to the best of us. You're in a rush, you park in the wrong spot, & you come back to find that dreaded slip of paper on your windshield. If you get a parking citation at WVU, don't just ignore it. Unpaid tickets can lead to some serious consequences. For students, it can mean a hold on your account, which can prevent you from registering for classes, getting financial aid, or even receiving your transcripts.

You can pay your citation online through the WVU Parking Portal. You'll just need your citation number & your license plate number.

Now, what if you think the ticket was unfair? You do have the right to appeal. You can also do this through the Parking Portal, but you'll need to do it within ten business days of when the ticket was issued. When you file your appeal, you'll have a chance to explain why you think the citation should be dismissed. You can even attach photos or other evidence to support your case.

Just be aware that there are some reasons for appeal that are not considered valid. These include things like not being able to find a close parking spot, not knowing the rules, or being in a hurry.

I hope this was helpful in demystifying the WVU parking permit process. It can be a bit of a maze, but with a little planning, you'll be able to navigate it like a pro. Let me know what you think, & good luck with your parking adventures