Parking Options at Penn State University Park and Downloadable PDF Parking Maps
Parking is very expensive in State College, and therefore you must make the decision of whether or not it makes financial sense for your student to bring a car to school. Here are some things to consider while discussing this with your student:
- How close to campus are you living?
- Can you walk most places easily?
- Can you afford the parking fee along with your other expenses?
- Are there places to park near your building, or will your car be parked far away?
- Would you mind if your car took small to medium dings and dents?
Consider All Options Before Purchasing a Parking Spot
The previously stated options should be considered carefully and of course discussed with your son or daughter. Having a car at school is very convenient but lots of times not very practical. The University Park campus is large, but also very easy to navigate on foot or with a bicycle. Both of which are excellent alternatives to bringing your car. Furthermore, there is an excellent schedule of buses that can get you almost anywhere on campus in a hurry.
Parking can be found all over state college but it is most commonly purchased from the place in which you are living. When you rent a parking spot from your apartment building, it is often very convenient.
However, make sure that it is somewhere you feel safe leaving your car. We have heard from several of our members that parking spaces purchased far away from apartment buildings can not only be several blocks away, but in a back alley or in damp basements filled with dust and pollutants. If you are going to shell out the money to rent a parking space, make sure it is in a good location.
On Campus Parking at Penn State
Parking spaces can also be rented from several lots located on the University Park campus. They are typically outside and unprotected from the elements, but they are a great deal cheaper than private lots. The on campus spaces are given out on a first come fisrt serve basis, so make sure to act fast if you feel this is the option for you.
Public and Private Parking Space Options
Student Parking Map for Penn State University Park
Click on the image below to download a PDF map of allowed parking locations when you have a student parking permit (Right click and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As").
