Questions about parking

[MadameD]

So, assuming we all universially hate the Trafic/Parking Dept at whatever our respective schools are, how does UNT's parking system work... is there really a difference between General and Premium Commuter parking (other than what side of campus you can park on)? I've already called Parking with "dumb" new comer questions... and was made to feel rather dumb. Also where and when can you purchase parking permits, and do the little numbers on the parking map have anything to do with permits, ie you get a permit that allows you to park in General Commuter lot #20.

any thing else i should know?

Thanks

[Guest e-bone]

I don't think the numbers mean anything except to identify different lots. A Premium will get you into any Premium lot and so forth. I haven't bought a parking pass since I left the dorm so I don't know much, but hopefully the parking website will be able to answer some of your questions.

[UNTFan23]

Premium or "P" parking is generally closer parking in regards to where the majority of classes are held. Many of these lots are on the east side of campus. The two main General or "G" lots are at Fouts and the Reasearch Park. With the "P" permit, you can park in both "P" and "G" lots.

The numbers mean nothing except what the lot number is. Say you happen to get a ticket, they'll have what lot you were in when you got the ticket. Same goes for if you call for help, knowing the lot number is helpful.

My suggestion is to go ahead and get a "P" so that you can park anywhere on campus.

[Rudy]

In addition to what those guys said, please be courteous to the Community Service Officers or "meter maids". They are the people in the light brown shirts that will be walking around issuing parking tickets. 99% of them are nice people, but the two guys running the parking enforcement department are the ones who are the aholes. They have a job to do, and they know they are pretty much the most hated people on campus, but they have to write the tickets. There is no "quota" as to the number of tickets they have to write, but if they dont issue the tickets, the bosses will find other officers who will. Besides, they are the eyes and ears for the police department. If you get in trouble or need the police, their dispatcher is also the police dispatcher. Thus you can sometimes get help quicker.

Also, it doesnt work to try and alter the pass, or do any other schemes to get around paying for parking. You will get caught, and the fines can and probably will be more than if you had just paid for the sticker or took the parking fine. You would not believe some of the things I saw. Just remember, at some schools, you cant park within 2-3 blocks of the campus, even with a parking pass. No matter how bad the parking may seem at NT, its alot worse at other schools.

[MadameD]

Premium or "P" parking is generally closer parking in regards to where the majority of classes are held.  Many of these lots are on the east side of campus.  The two main General or "G" lots are at Fouts and the Reasearch Park.  With the "P" permit, you can park in both "P" and "G" lots.

The numbers mean nothing except what the lot number is.  Say you happen to get a ticket, they'll have what lot you were in when you got the ticket.  Same goes for if you call for help, knowing the lot number is helpful.

My suggestion is to go ahead and get a "P" so that you can park anywhere on campus.

thankyou guys, this has been a big help.

[untgirl04]

Having been both a commuter and resident, I'll throw in my .02...

Before just deciding to purchase a P permit, determine when you're going to be on campus, and where your classes are located. Many of the lots, especially the P ones, fill up very quickly (like 8:00 AM). Always keep in mind that the permit is a license to hunt, not a guarantee of a space. You should allow at least 20 minutes before class to find parking - especially if your classes are mid-day.

If you are living on campus, don't bother driving to class unless you've got classes at Research Park. Just purchase an R permit (residents only) and park behind your hall and walk to class or ride the shuttle.

R permits and P permits cost significantly more than G permits. I don't know what the rates are for this year, but last year, the R and P permits were about $40 more than a G permit.

As to when to get your parking pass.... You can purchase your P or G permit from the UNT Bookstore (middle of campus on the 2nd floor of the Union) about a week or so before school starts. Be prepared to stand in line for a bit, and have your license plate number handy. If you want to purchase an R permit, you can do so on the Housing website, http://www.unt.edu/housing. The form is available when you sign in to your eHousing account.

Hope this helps, and welcome to North Texas.