Where Undergraduate Students Should Park
For the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and postdocs, parking on campus is strictly regulated. Only vehicles with a valid Vanderbilt University registration permit are permitted to park on campus. The only exception is for visitors who may use spaces specifically designated for them.
University parking lots are categorized by various designations such as annual, daily, undergraduate, or reserved spaces. It's important to adhere to these regulations to ensure orderly parking and safety for everyone on campus.
Kensington Garage Permit Holders
Prior to parking in the garage you must enter your vehicle information in the Metropolis parking system. You will receive an email from no-reply@billing.metropolis.io. Please open the email and enter all required information. After you have entered all information you will be good to go. Prior to receiving this email please park your vehicle in Lot 72E or Lot 72D. If you enter the Kensington Garage prior to registering in the Metropolis system you are responsible for paying the daily parking fees.
Who Can Park on Campus?
Vanderbilt University's parking regulations are designed to accommodate the needs of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, ensuring equitable access to parking facilities while maintaining safety and order on campus. Undergraduate parking permits are exclusively available to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
Please be informed that:
- For Sophomores, parking on campus is a privilege primarily reserved for Upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors). However, a limited number of vehicle parking spaces are allocated to Sophomores on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once these spaces are filled, a waiting list is established in case a spot becomes available. In exceptional cases, Special Reserved parking may be granted to Sophomores, but it's encouraged for all students to wait until they reach Junior status to bring vehicles on campus.
- Juniors and Seniors, on the other hand, are eligible to purchase parking permits and can park in designated areas based on their permit types.
- All undergraduate students are required to adhere to the university's parking rules and regulations outlined on this page.
Please also note the following additional notes for Undergraduate Parking:
- Students are encouraged to utilize their student accounts as an alternative payment method instead of a credit or debit card
- Availability of certain permits may be limited, and specific eligibility criteria may be applicable
- Generally, registrants are only allowed to register their own vehicles, with students having the option to register their parents' vehicles as well (however, exceptions to this rule may be requested in writing)
Useful Parking Maps for Undergraduate Students
You can access all parking maps for the University online by clicking here. Even more useful, the interactive parking map for Undergraduate Students allows you to view all lots and facilities available to you.
To customize your map view, simply click the Layer List in the upper left-hand corner to toggle parking options on or off. Detailed information about each parking option, including accessibility and capacity, can be accessed by clicking on a garage, parking lot, or icon. Additionally, use the Measure Tool located in the upper left-hand corner to estimate distances from garages/lots to buildings, which can assist in planning and navigation efforts.
When You Should Get Your Undergraduate Parking Permit
The vehicle permit registration period for undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year opened on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Students can conveniently log in online using their VUnet ID and password to complete the registration process for the 2024-25 academic year and obtain their permit. For Juniors and Seniors, the option to purchase semester or annual permits will be accessible from midnight. However, Sophomore and Reserved permits will become available online at 9:00 AM Central time.
Undergraduate Students’ Parking Options: Rates and Locations
Undergraduate students have several parking options available to them. Please review the options below and select the one that best suits your needs, keeping in mind that availability is typically on a first come, first served basis. To register your vehicle for the 2024–25 academic year with VUPS Parking Services, undergraduate students may log in online using their VUnetID and password.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors, whether living on or off campus, can obtain academic year parking permits for $864 per academic year. However, sophomore spots are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. In the event that these spots are sold out, a waiting list is established. If a space becomes available, you will be notified via email.
- Please note that no refunds will be issued for any undergraduate student permits. For questions or if you need additional assistance, contact VUPS Parking Services at parking@vanderbilt.edu or 615-322-2554.
Junior and senior students who wish to park on campus for a single semester (fall, spring, or summer) can opt for a one-time semester undergraduate permit priced at $288 each.
Students can register online for reserved parking spaces in Kensington Avenue Garage and Kissam Garage. The parking rate for a reserved space is $2,400 per academic year, which will be charged in full at the beginning of the year. Payment can be made through the student's account or credit card. Reserved spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Undergraduate students can also take advantage of hourly paid parking spaces available in select parking lots and garages across campus to fulfill short-term parking needs. These convenient spaces cater to individuals visiting campus or requiring short-term parking and are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Powered by the parking app ParkMobile, this system provides various contactless payment options for added convenience. You can use this service by following these steps:
- Download the ParkMobile app on the App Store and Google Play
- Scan the QR code on the signs where you park
- Text PARK to 77223
- Individuals without smartphones can call 877-727-5015
Parking in these hourly paid spaces costs $9.00 per hour. When using the pay-by-phone option, each transaction will incur a $0.45 fee, including any extensions of parking time.
You can easily locate parking lots and garages with hourly paid parking on the parking map, as they are marked with signs. Presently, these locations include Lots 5A, 5B, 16B, 18A, 25, 63, 71, 95, 102, 130, 298A, and 301, as well as the 25th Avenue Garage, Terrace Place, Wesley Place Garage, and West Garage.
Please note that some hourly spaces may be affected by campus construction, so it's advisable to check the ParkMobile app for updates.
- Contact Support.ParkMobile.io to reach ParkMobile directly.
2024-25 Academic Year Parking Updates
In this section, you'll find important information regarding parking changes and updates for the upcoming academic year. Staying informed about parking options and updates is crucial for navigating campus efficiently as a student. Please review the following updates carefully to ensure a smooth parking experience throughout the academic year.
Please note the following updates:
- Students with annual or semester undergraduate parking permits can park in any of the following parking facilities for the 2024-25 academic year: Lot 12A, 25th Avenue Garage (must enter off highland, turn to the right and pass pay spaces), Terrace Place Garage, Lot 72D, Lot 72E, Lot 75A, Lot 77, Lot 82, Lot 102, Lot 153, Lot 298A and Lot 298B.
- New for 2024–25 academic year, Terrace Place Garage will allow undergraduate permit parking via the easternmost entrance of Terrace Place Garage, closest to 20th Avenue South and the cathedral. Hourly parking and special event reserved spaces also will be available in the annual permit side of Terrace Place Garage (easternmost entrance).
- Students requiring long-term parking (24 hours or longer) in Terrace Place Garage must park on the top floors (levels 6 and 7). Long-term parking is also permitted on the top floors of 25th Avenue Garage (sixth floor and above) and Lot 127.
- Several lots and garages will not be available in the 2024-25 academic year due to ongoing construction on campus. Please be sure to review all available locations on the parking map and check MyVU for updates.
- As a reminder, first year residential students are not allowed to bring a vehicle to campus.
- No refunds will be issued for any undergraduate student permits.
Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
Vanderbilt University is dedicated to promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint by encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) among Students, Faculty, and Staff who choose to drive to campus. Currently, Vanderbilt maintains 16 electric vehicle charging stations strategically located across campus. These charging stations can be found in the 25th Avenue, Wesley Place, and Terrace Place garages, as well as in Lot 5B.
- For further information on charging your EV on campus, please refer to the details provided here
Sustainable Commute Options
Vanderbilt University is committed to providing diverse transportation options to promote sustainability and ease commuting for its community members. One such option is the opportunity to ride WeGo public transit for free. Additionally, MoveVU offers access to a commute specialist, known as the MoveVU Commute Concierge, who can assist in planning sustainable commute options, group excursions, and parking alternatives.
- For more information or to request Commute Concierge services, please fill out this request form or email MoveVU@vanderbilt.edu
Categories of Permits
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UNG (Upper Class Undergrads)
Juniors and seniors, on or off campus
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Sophomore
Sophomores, on or off campus
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U
Motorcycles, mopeds, Scooters and motorized bicycles, etc.
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KG
Reserved parking within a block of specified spaces in Kensington Ave. Garage (covered & uncovered area) You can start parking in the garage once you register in the Metropolis Parking System. Prior to parking in the garage, you must enter your vehicle information in the Metropolis parking system, You will receive an email from noreply@matropolis.op . Please open the email and enter all required information. After you have entered all information you will be good to go. Prior to receiving this email please park your vehicle in Lot 72E and 72D. If you enter the Kensington garage prior to registering in the Metropolis System you are responsible for paying the daily parking fees.
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Kissam
Reserved parking within a block of specified spaces in the Kissam Garage
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GST
Guests of Vanderbilt residents, only valid on the weekends until 7:00 am Monday morning
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VUF
ROTC and Cross entity students (must show valid ID and not be enrolled at Vanderbilt as a full time student or staff)