Parking at the University of Maryland can be overwhelming to both new and returning students. With a variety of lots, garages and off campus parking options, it’s easy to get lost in all of the choices.
As college students ourselves, we understand how important it is to find a solution that fits your class schedule and budget, especially if you want to spend more time on campus and less time circling campus looking for a spot.
This guide breaks down the parking options available at UMD, so you can confidently make the right decision and begin your semester on a stress-free note.
On-Campus Parking
UMD has a variety of on-campus parking permits that are tailored to different needs: commuter, residential and garage access. This guide offers a breakdown of pricing and locations for the 2025–2026 academic year and is subject to change.
Resident
Students living in UMD dorms or on-campus apartments are automatically considered residents and qualify for residential parking rates. These permits allow students to park in student lots 24/7, but they’re first-come, first-served and can be impacted by class standing, lot availability and residence hall location. These permits may be the best option for students living on campus who plan to bring their car with them to college.
Lots 2, 3, 6, 15, 16 and Mowatt Parking Garage are available for residential students with required permits.
Commuter
Commuter permits are designed for students living off-campus who need daytime parking for their cars. They do not cover overnight parking and are only valid in their designated lot. These permits are typically valid from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Commuter students can select parking lots based on availability, with students earning 0–29 credits eligible for Lots 6, 9, and 11, while those with 30 or more credits may park in Lots 1, 6, 9, 11, and SDG. All commuters needing overnight parking must register for an overnight storage lot, and Courtyards residents who purchase campus parking will pay the commuter rate and must also use an overnight storage lot if staying overnight.
Bundle pack permits are another convenient option for commuter students who only need to park on campus occasionally. Each bundle includes 10 one-day virtual permits for Lots 4 or 6, costs $75, and must be activated in advance through the parking portal before parking.
Garage Access
While residential permits allow 24/7 access to ground lot parking that may fill up, garage permits guarantee students a spot in garages on campus and allow students to store their car overnight. As the most expensive option, garage access permits offer students guaranteed parking, shelter from the elements and the convenience of storage on campus. Open to both residential and off-campus students, these permits are limited in availability and extremely competitive to score.
To help you see the cost comparison for these on-campus options, we’ve compiled the current 2025 pricing (subject to change):
| Academic Term | Resident Student | Overnight Storage Parking | Commuter Student | Expiration Date |
| Annual | $726 | $936 | $380 | 8/21/2026 |
| Fall Only | $442 | $562 | $228 | 12/20/2025 |
| Spring Only | $442 | $562 | $228 | 8/21/2026 |
| Summer Only | $442 | $562 | $228 | 8/21/2026 |
There are several lots for students and commuters including 1, 6, 9, 11 and Stadium Drive Garage. Commuters may benefit from using a bundle pack with 10 one-day parking permits for lots 4 and 6, costing roughly $75. Be sure to check the UMD DOTS website for up to date details before committing to a plan.
Greek Life Fraternity/Sorority Parking
If you’re involved in Greek life, parking access may differ from the traditional student permits. Many fraternities and sororities offer designated parking areas at their chapter houses or street parking nearby.
Factors to consider when purchasing a parking permit include lot availability and event parking. Spaces may be limited due to the amount of members in fraternities and sororities so this is something to stay on top of. These spaces are typically reserved for members only. During events like Rush, philanthropic events and street cleaning days, there are temporary permits that may be issued for guests and the space may be extra crowded.
Make sure to talk to your chapter regarding options and availability before bringing your car to campus.
Off-Campus Apartment Parking
Many UMD students live off campus in apartments or private residences.
Dedicated Garages
Many apartment complexes offer assigned spots for an additional charge. These offer convenience and security in parking. Some options include: Landmark, The Hub, The Union on Knox, Aspen Heights, The Nine and Rambler College Park.
To explore more about each apartment, check out X Best Student Apartments near UMD
Surface and Street Parking
Street parking nearby is often a mix of resident-only and visitor options, but are often limited. Make sure to check signs and restrictions. For students in a pinch, parking can be bought for an average of $3-$4/hour from 7am-midnight at specific locations on or around campus.
Individuals can also utilize mobile apps to pay for street level parking and on-campus parking. For visitors, Parkmobile app is one that allows seamless transactions by entering the zone number, license plate and payment information. Sometimes these apps extend to on-campus parking, but it is more popular to be faced with parking meters or pay stations. For off-campus parking, the app SpotHero is used in a similar way as Parkmobile.
Choosing off-campus parking allows students to balance convenience, cost and proximity to campus. Consider what features are most important to you.
Read Next: 15 Questions You Should Ask when Touring a Student Apartment in College Park
Game Day Parking Options
Terrapin game days are known to bring the energy. However, outside of the stadium it may be difficult to find parking. Luckily, the University is prepared and offers parking options for fans coming from all over.
Game day parking in College Park for football games requires a parking permit. There are pre-purchased permits available to secure a spot and save money for both single games and season passes. This is done through the UMD Transportation Services website, and tickets are around $27 to $47 depending on the game tier. However, you can also pay on-site for a higher cost of $32 to $52 depending on the game tier, which typically open six hours prior to kickoff for football and 3 hours before tipoff for basketball games.
For students on campus, there are on-campus shuttles and buses who want to avoid the walk to the stadium. These start running 3 hours prior to kickoff until 30 minutes after the game has begun. For detailed information on real-time Shuttle-UM arrival, students should download the Transit App to make the process more efficient.
If you are considering parking in other nearby neighborhoods it is available but limited, so it is best to check the City of College Park’s policies for their on-street parking.
Parking at UMD is available in many forms from commuter lots, resident passes to garage spots and greek life options. Each serves a different need. Choosing the right parking is essential to making the most of your campus life. Take the time to review the parking options before the semester begins, as preparations ensure less stress and more time for studying, socializing, and enjoying your time on campus. With the proper fit, you can navigate UMD confidently and focus on what matters most: academics and your social life.
Curious about Rambler’s parking options? Contact our leasing team! We are happy to answer any questions you may have about life in College Park and the University of Maryland.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: May 18, 2026
Last Updated On: May 21, 2026