UNLV's fall 2022 semester officially begins Aug. 29. Each semester brings new changes when it comes to campus parking. Parking and Transportation Services has been hard at work implementing new programs and upgrades to make parking as smooth as possible for students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors. Here are nine tips to help you prepare for your arrival on campus this fall. 

1. Order or renew your parking permit.

All students, staff, and faculty need a permit to park their vehicles on UNLV’s campuses. Parking is much more convenient with a virtual parking system that uses license plate recognition (LPR) technology to connect license plates to annual, nine-month, and semester parking permits. 

These parking permits can be purchased online through the UNLV Parking Portal. Be sure your vehicle information is accurate. This is important because your license plate is your permit.

2. Know before you go.

Refer to Campus Maps featuring interactive Google maps of buildings and parking lots to make getting on and around campus a breeze. A resourceful guide on where to find campus dining, computer labs, hydration stations, libraries, athletic locations, and restrooms is also available.

Be aware of closures to plan accordingly. For example, Lot P, near Cottage Grove Avenue, is currently closed due to construction for the Advanced Engineering Building. Stay up-to-date on parking impacts by visiting the Parking and Transportation Services website.

3. Look for PayByPhone locations.

If you don’t have a parking permit, you can easily pay for hourly parking through the PayByPhone app or online. Once you find a parking space, log into your PayByPhone account (first-time users will need to register) and enter the location for the lot or parking space, vehicle information, the time needed, and payment method, and you’re on your way. It’s as simple as that!

4. Utilize new parking areas.

The Tropicana Parking Garage, accessible from Tropicana Avenue on the south end of campus, expanded to include additional parking spaces across four levels and new technology features such as Wi-Fi access, night lighting for nighttime illumination, and an electronic parking lot counting system. The entire Tropicana Parking Garage will provide a total of 2,009 spaces.

The Del Mar Lot, across the street from the Student Union on the corner of Maryland Parkway and Del Mar Street, is also an option, with nearly 100 parking spaces available. 

5. Look for alternate parking options.

Lot M and the Thomas & Mack Center Gray Lot typically have plenty of open parking spaces. Other options include the University Gateway Parking Garage (re-opening September 7), off Maryland Parkway and Dorothy Avenue, or the Cottage Grove Parking Garage on Cottage Grove Avenue.

Staff and faculty parking permits are valid in student spaces. If you’re a staff or faculty member searching for parking, find the closest student space available. 

6. Arrive early.

Parking spaces are in the highest demand Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., so it’s a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes early to give yourself enough time to park, especially during the first few weeks of the new semester.

7. Consider other ways to get to campus.

Save time on finding parking by catching the bus or carpooling. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) offers transportation alternatives, such as a Club Ride program and the U-Pass, a discounted transit pass for UNLV students, staff, and faculty for use on all RTC routes.

You can also use rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, with designated pick-up and drop-off locations around campus. 

8. Look for electric vehicle charging stations.

There are several charging stations for those with electric vehicles. To charge your vehicle, you must have a valid UNLV parking permit and a ChargePoint account. After your membership is activated, you can begin your charging session. Charging is available for up to four hours. 

9. Request special event parking in advance. 

For campus departments or organizations looking to host special events, there’s a new way to submit event parking requests. An Event Parking Request must be submitted at least 48 hours before an event. More information on what is required, fees, and the cancellation policy is available here.

For more information on parking on campus, visit the UNLV parking website or call 702-895-1300.