Navigating the labyrinthine William & Mary campus can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding a parking spot. With over 20,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff vying for a limited number of spaces, parking can be a source of stress for many. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about parking at William & Mary, from permit types to parking garage locations to tips for finding a spot.
Permit Types
William & Mary offers a variety of parking permits to accommodate the different needs of students, faculty, and staff. The most common permit types are:
- Student Permits: Available to all full-time and part-time students. Permits are valid for the entire academic year and allow students to park in designated student parking lots.
- Faculty/Staff Permits: Available to all full-time and part-time faculty and staff. Permits are valid for the entire academic year and allow faculty and staff to park in designated faculty/staff parking lots.
- Visitor Permits: Available to visitors to the campus. Permits are valid for one day and allow visitors to park in designated visitor parking areas.
Parking Garages
William & Mary has two parking garages on campus:
- James Blair Hall Garage: Located in the heart of campus, this garage has over 1,000 spaces and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Zable Stadium Garage: Located near the Zable Stadium, this garage has over 500 spaces and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Parking Tips
Finding a parking spot on campus can be challenging during peak hours. Here are a few tips to help you find a spot quickly and easily:
- Arrive early: The earlier you arrive on campus, the better your chances of finding a spot close to your destination.
- Check the parking map: William & Mary provides an interactive parking map that shows the location of all parking lots and garages on campus. Use the map to find the closest parking option to your destination.
- Park in the garages: The parking garages offer safe, convenient parking and are often less crowded than the surface lots.
- Be prepared to walk: You may not always be able to find a spot right next to your destination. Be prepared to walk a short distance to get to your building.
Parking Enforcement
William & Mary strictly enforces its parking regulations. Vehicles parked in violation of the regulations may be ticketed or towed. The most common parking violations include:
- Parking without a valid permit
- Parking in a restricted area
- Blocking traffic
- Parking in a fire lane
- Parking in a handicap space without a valid permit
Conclusion
Parking at William & Mary can be a challenge, but by following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding a spot quickly and easily. Remember to always park legally and be respectful of other drivers.