Fall semester begins at UNLV Aug. 25, and with it comes one of the busiest times on campus. To ensure that students, faculty, staff and campus visitors arrive safely and efficiently, UNLV offers the following parking and transportation tips:

Know before you go. Check out a parking map to keep up with changes on campus. Maps are available online at unlv.edu/maps/parking.

Be patient and arrive early. 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. Plan to arrive well before class time, particularly during the first few weeks of school when campus parking lots will be most crowded.

Park smart. The greatest number of available parking spots will be found in the Thomas & Mack Center lots (access from Tropicana or Swenson), the north parking garage (access from Cottage Grove or Claymont) and the Tropicana parking garage (in the Thomas & Mack Center lot near the Cox Pavilion). The best bet during busy times will be to go directly to these areas.

Carpool. Carpooling frees up parking spaces and it's good for the environment - but it can also save you money. Sign up for the Regional Transportation Commission's (RTC) Club Ride program with permits easily transferrable between vehicles registered with UNLV Parking Services.

Ride the bus and save. Avoid the hassle of parking altogether by riding the bus. The RTC UNLV Transit Center improves connectivity to public transit at UNLV. The Centennial Express serves the center and directly links to the RTC's main transit hub downtown for connections across the valley. The RTC offers discounted transit passes for UNLV students, faculty and staff for use on all RTC routes. Show your valid UNLV ID to and purchase your pass at the Student Union or Parking and Transportation Services office.

Car sharing. The car sharing service Zipcar is coming to campus this fall for UNLV students, faculty and staff. Zipcar gives members access anytime to vehicles parked right on campus. Low hourly and daily rates include gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day to go wherever you want to go. Learn more at zipcar.com/unlv

Four electric vehicle charging stations are now available on campus through a partnership with NV Energy. Stations are located at the Cottage Grove Parking Garage, west of Greenspun Hall, the Tropicana Parking Garage, and east of the Campus Services Building in the White Lot.

Electronic message boards will be posted at major entry points to campus during the first week of school. UNLV staff will also assist with traffic flow, directions and pedestrian safety. For more info, visit unlv.edu/parking or call 702-895-1300.