Full Guide to Parking at Rutgers

Introduction

If you have a car, you're going to need parking for it and making that happen at Rutgers can be challenging, but it definitely doesn't need to be. You need to know which permit to buy so you do not get a ticket. This guide will help you find the right permit at the best price so you can avoid being ticketed. Don't think you can park wherever you like in New Brunswick, especially in the Rutgers campus area, they ticket 24/7 365 days a year. Tickets are pretty exepensive too, it'll be a minimum of $50 per ticket.

Students Living on Campus

Dorm Parking Rules: If you live in a dorm, you must buy a Resident Permit. This permit is digital and links to your car's license plate. You do not need a sticker for your car. You can purchase your permit through the Rutgers Parking Portal.

Where to Park:

Your Main Lot: You can park in the lot near your dorm at any time.
Night Parking: After 5:00 PM on weekdays, you can park in commuter lots on other campuses. This is great for visiting friends or going to the gym at night. You can see which lots are open to you on the Rutgers Campus Map.

What it Costs:

Full Year: A permit for the whole school year costs $200.
One Month: If you only need a car for a short time, you can pay $50 for one month. Check the Student Permit Rates for more details.

Commuting Students

Choosing a Campus: Commuters have to pick one main campus to park on. You can park there from 6:00 AM until midnight. You can find more information on the Commuter Permit Page.

Adding a Second Campus: If you have classes in two different places, you can pay $20 extra to add a second campus to your permit. This lets you park at the second spot after 10:00 AM. You can add this option in your Parking Account.

Evening Parking: After 5:00 PM, you are allowed to park in almost any student lot on any campus. This makes it easier to get to the library or gym at night. If you have questions, you can contact DOTS Help.

Students Living Off-Campus

The Parking Problem: New Brunswick is a very crowded city. If you rent a house that does not have a driveway, parking will be very hard. Street parking is hard to find and the city gives out many tickets.

City Street Permits:

How it Works: You must show the city your lease and your license to get a permit to park on the street.
The Risk: Even with a permit, you might not find a spot near your house. You might have to walk a long way to get home at night.

Finding Better Housing on RU Renting: The best way to avoid parking stress is to find a house that has its own driveway or an apartment that offers parking. You should consider this before you sign a lease.

How to Use RU Renting:

Search Listings: Go to RU Renting Listings to find houses near campus.
Check for Parking: Look for houses that say they have "parking available" or a "garage."
Save Money: Having your own parking spot means you will not have to pay the city for a parking permit or tickets. Trust me, it makes living off-campus so much easier.