Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Parking at Washington University in St. Louis
Hey there! So, you're heading to Washington University in St. Louis, or maybe you're already part of the community. Awesome choice. It's a fantastic place, but let's be real for a second. Figuring out the parking situation at a big university can be a headache. Honestly, it's a topic that brings up a lot of questions & a bit of stress for students, faculty, visitors, & even parents.
I've spent a good amount of time digging through the ins & outs of WashU's parking system, & I'm here to break it all down for you. Think of this as your friendly, insider's guide to not getting a ticket & finding a spot without losing your mind. We'll cover everything from the different colored permits to the secret spots where you might snag free parking.
The Lay of the Land: Understanding WashU's Parking Zones
First things first, WashU's Danforth campus is divided into different parking zones. This is SUPER important to know because where you can park depends entirely on the type of permit you have. The main zones are:
- Zone 1: East End
- This includes the East End Garage & is a prime spot for many.
- Zone 2: South Core
- Home to the Danforth University Center (DUC) Garage, this zone is right in the heart of things.
- Zone 3: North Core
- This area includes the Millbrook Garage & spaces near the Millbrook Apartments.
- Zone 4: South 40
- This is where you'll find the Wallace Garage, primarily for students living on the South 40.
- Zone 5: North & West Campuses
- This covers the university's more remote campuses, with shuttle services to the main Danforth campus.
Each of these zones has designated parking for permit holders, as well as some visitor parking. The university provides some pretty helpful interactive parking maps on their website, which I'd recommend bookmarking on your phone. It's a lifesaver when you're trying to figure out where you are & where you're allowed to be.
For the Students: Decoding the Permit System
Alright students, let's talk permits. Parking on campus is not free, & you absolutely need a permit to park in university lots & garages. The university uses a color-coded system, primarily with Yellow & Red permits.
The Yellow Permit: Your Ticket to Campus Parking
The most common permit for students is the Yellow Permit. This permit allows you to park in any unreserved space within your assigned zone (1-4). Here's the catch: you have to choose one zone to be your primary parking area.
Now, let's talk money. A Yellow Permit is going to set you back a bit. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the price is around $918 for the year. It's definitely an investment, & it's a good idea to factor this into your budget. Compared to other schools in the St. Louis area, WashU's parking is on the pricier side. For example, Saint Louis University charges around $560 for a resident permit, & some other local colleges even offer free parking.
There are a few different types of Yellow Permits depending on your living situation:
- Undergraduate Commuter Permit: If you're an undergrad living off-campus, this is likely the permit for you.
- On-Campus Resident Permits: If you live in the Village, Millbrook Apartments, Fraternity Row, or the South 40, you'll get a specific permit for your residential area's garage (like the Millbrook Garage or Wallace Garage). A pretty cool perk for those living in The Lofts is that the resident parking permit is bundled into your housing cost, so there's no additional fee.
Here’s a great tip: a Yellow permit becomes a bit more flexible after hours. Between 5 p.m. & 7 a.m. on weekdays, & all day on weekends, you can park in any yellow space in any zone. This is a GAME CHANGER for evening study sessions or weekend events on a different part of campus.
How to Get Your Permit
You can purchase your parking permit online through the WashU parking portal. You'll need your WUSTL Key to log in. It's best to do this as soon as you know you'll need a permit, as they can sell out, & you might end up on a waitlist.
A Guide for Visitors: Making Your Trip to WashU a Breeze
Have family coming to visit, or are you just popping onto campus for an event? Here’s what you need to know about visitor parking. WashU is a pay-to-park campus, so be prepared to open your wallet.
Where to Park
Visitors are encouraged to park in the designated garages, which are conveniently located across campus. Your best bets are:
- East End Garage: Visitor parking is on the first level (P1).
- Danforth University Center (DUC) Garage: A central location with easy access to many campus buildings.
- Snow Way Garage: The rooftop has visitor parking.
- Millbrook Garage: Another good option on the north side of campus.
When you enter these garages, you'll pull a ticket. Make sure to take it with you! You'll pay at a pay station before you head back to your car. These stations are usually located near the pedestrian entrances of the garages & are typically credit card only.
Visitor Parking Rates
So, how much is this going to cost? The university uses an hourly rate system. While the exact rates can change, a Reddit thread from 2023 mentioned an increase in hourly rates. You can expect to pay a few dollars for the first hour, with the price increasing for each additional hour you stay. For a full day, it could be around $15-$20. Always check the posted rates at the garage for the most current pricing.
Some departments on campus can provide validation tickets for guests, which can cover either 50% or 100% of the parking cost. If you're visiting for an official university event or meeting, it's worth asking if parking validation is available.
For Faculty & Staff: Your Commuting Companion
If you're a WashU employee, the parking system is pretty similar to the student setup, but with a few key differences.
Permit Options for Employees
Faculty & staff also have the option of a Yellow Permit, which works the same way as the student version. However, there's another, more premium option: the Red Permit. This is the holy grail of WashU parking. A Red Permit allows you to park in designated "Red Permit Parking" spaces in any of the five zones. This flexibility comes at a cost, of course. A Red Permit for the 2024-2025 academic year is a whopping $2,288.
For those who don't need to be on campus every day, there's a Daily Usage program. This is a more flexible option where you pay a monthly fee based on how many days you actually park on campus.
Payment for employee permits is usually handled through payroll deduction, which is pretty convenient. You can sign up for permits through the same online portal as students.
The "Oh No!" Moment: Dealing with Parking Tickets
It happens to the best of us. You're running late, you park in the wrong spot, & you come back to that dreaded little envelope on your windshield. Here's what to do if you get a parking citation at WashU.
Paying Your Fine
The easiest way to pay a parking fine is through the online payment portal. You can also pay by mail or in person at the Parking & Transportation Services office. Don't ignore it! Unpaid fines can lead to bigger problems, like not being able to purchase a new permit or even having your vehicle towed. For students, unpaid fines can be charged to your student account & may even result in an academic hold, which can prevent you from registering for classes or getting your transcripts.
The cost of a ticket varies depending on the violation, but they can be steep. A particularly hefty fine of $500 can be issued for displaying a lost, stolen, or fraudulent permit, & it can also lead to your car being booted or towed.
Appealing a Citation
Think you were ticketed unfairly? You have the right to appeal. You must submit an appeal to the University Parking Appeals Committee within seven days of receiving the violation. You can do this through an online form. The committee will review your appeal & you'll be notified of their decision in writing.
Cheaper & Smarter Ways to Park: Insider Tips & Alternatives
Let's be honest, on-campus parking can be a strain on the wallet. So, what are the alternatives?
The Elusive Free Parking Spot
If you're willing to walk a bit, there are some free street parking options near campus. A Reddit thread mentioned that you might find some spots on University Drive by the overpass, as it's technically in University City's jurisdiction. You can also try looking for residential streets off of Big Bend Boulevard, but these can be hard to come by. Just be sure to pay close attention to any posted signs to avoid getting a ticket from the city.
The Parksmart Permit: A Budget-Friendly Option
If you don't mind a short shuttle ride, the Parksmart Permit is a fantastic deal. It allows you to park on the West or North Campus for a much lower price (around $150 for the year, according to a Reddit user). From there, you can hop on a free WashU shuttle to get to the Danforth campus.
Exploring Off-Campus with Prked
Sometimes, the best solution isn't on campus at all. If you're struggling to find a spot or just want a more affordable & guaranteed option, checking out Prked is a pretty smart move. It's a platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways & garages. You can often find a spot that's just a short walk from campus for a fraction of the cost of a university permit. It’s a win-win: you get a convenient parking spot, & a local resident earns some extra cash. It’s a great way to avoid the on-campus parking frenzy altogether.
Ditching the Car Altogether: Alternative Transportation
WashU has a pretty robust system of alternative transportation options, which is great for both your wallet & the environment.
- WashU Shuttles: The university runs an extensive shuttle network that connects the various campuses & surrounding neighborhoods. You can track the shuttles in real-time with the TripShot app.
- Metro U-Pass: Full-time students & benefits-eligible employees get a free U-Pass, which gives you unlimited rides on the MetroLink light rail & Metro buses. There are two MetroLink stops right on the edge of the Danforth Campus, making it super easy to get around St. Louis.
- Biking: WashU is a bike-friendly campus, with plenty of bike racks & even a policy to encourage safe riding. You can register your bike for free with the university.
- Carpooling: The university has a carpool program called "Bearly Drivers" that allows you to share the cost of a permit with other students or employees.
Don't Forget the Two-Wheelers: Motorcycle & Scooter Parking
If you get around on a motorcycle or scooter, there's a specific permit for you. These permits are much cheaper than a car permit & allow you to park in designated motorcycle parking areas. The university also has a detailed policy for electric scooters, which outlines where you can ride & park them.
Special Events: Know Before You Go
For big events like graduation, move-in day, or a major sporting event, parking rules can change. The university will often designate specific lots for event parking & may have shuttles running from those locations. Always check the Parking & Transportation Services website for specific information before heading to a special event on campus.
I know this is a TON of information, but hopefully, breaking it all down like this makes navigating the parking at Washington University a little less daunting. It's one of those things that seems complicated at first, but once you figure out the system, it's totally manageable.
Hope this was helpful & good luck with your parking adventures at WashU! Let me know what you think.
