With fall quarter just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about transportation and parking options. We realize there is a lot of information to process, so we’ve consolidated everything you need to know as a new student on this page. There are different procedures for those living on campus versus those commuting to campus, however it’s important to know that all vehicles parked on campus must have a valid parking permit.
All undergraduate commuter parking permits are sold online only beginning August 19, 2024, and can be purchased with a credit card or billed to your Student Business Account. Be sure to have your vehicle information on hand when purchasing your permit. You will need year, make, model, color, state and license plate number. You can register up to five vehicles on your permit, however, only one vehicle can be parked on any day. Permits are linked to your license plate as part of our license plate recognition system. Physical permits are not distributed. View our website for current rates.
Resident Parking:
Due to limited parking availability on campus, freshman residents are NOT allowed to bring a vehicle to campus unless they are approved for an exemption. Exemptions are based on a documented, compelling need for campus parking such as for having an off-campus job or the need to travel for medical reasons. Exemption request forms will be available online starting on August 1, 2024. You may purchase a resident parking permit only after receiving an approved exemption. Once approved, your parking lot assignment will be located near your residence hall.
It’s been our experience that most freshman residents don’t have a need for a personal vehicle due to that fact that UCR provides for most everything you need right on campus. If you do need to travel off campus, there are many alternative choices of transportation listed further below.
Commuter Parking:
Students living off-campus should know that the demand for parking is high. You should explore your options ahead of time and consider sustainable methods of transportation when possible. Undergraduate commuters have the option of purchasing Orange, Gold or Gold Plus permits. View our website for current rates and maps.
- No Cost Option: Park for free at the Park & Ride lot located at the Hunter Park Metrolink Station which is just under three miles from campus. From there, you can catch RTA Route 56 to campus.
- Orange Permit: The lowest cost option is the Orange Permit. It is valid in Lot 62, an off-campus lot located on the corner of Canyon Crest Drive and Blaine Street. Parking is permitted between 6am-6pm. The Orange Permit is also valid in all Gold Lots and select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23 and 24) after 6pm or all day on weekends. These permits are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.
- Gold Permits: A regular Gold Permit allows you to park in any of the four Gold Lots (26, 30, 32, 50) located around the perimeter of campus. For an additional fee, the Gold Plus Permit allows you to park in all four Gold Lots plus the Big Springs Parking Structure 2. The Gold Plus Permits are also limited and sold on a first come, first served basis. Both permits also allow you to park in select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23 and 24) after 6pm or on weekends.
Alternative Transportation:
Whether you are a resident without a car looking for ways to travel, or are a commuter student looking for alternative means to get to campus, there are options available, including:
- RTA UPASS – All students can use their R’Card to ride any RTA bus for free. It’s valid for unlimited travel on any RTA fixed-route bus. Just swipe your card and go!
- Metrolink – All students qualify for Metrolink’s free Student Adventure Pass. To register for the free pass, simply download the Metrolink app and register with your UCR NetID email. (NetID@ucr.edu)
- Zipcar – rent cars by the hour or day with a Zipcar membership. Rental fees cover the cost of gas, insurance and mileage up to 180 miles per day.
- Biking – Register and license your bike for free at Transportation Services. With over 3,000+ bike rack spaces on campus there are plenty of places to park your bike. There’s also free self-service fix-it stations with air pumps for small repairs.
For more details about alternative transportation or parking at UCR, visit Transportation Services’ website or call (951) 827-8277.