Obtaining a UMass Boston parking pass can be a straightforward process if you know the right steps to take. With over 15,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff members, parking on campus can be competitive. However, with these 12 expert tips, you can increase your chances of getting a parking pass easily. The University of Massachusetts Boston has a comprehensive parking system, with various options available for students, faculty, and staff, including commuter parking, resident parking, and visitor parking.
Understanding UMass Boston Parking Options
Before applying for a parking pass, it’s essential to understand the different parking options available on campus. The university offers various parking permits, including semester-long permits, daily permits, and special event permits. Commuter students can purchase a semester-long permit, which allows them to park in designated commuter parking lots. Resident students can purchase a resident parking permit, which allows them to park in designated resident parking lots. Faculty and staff can also purchase a parking permit, which allows them to park in designated faculty and staff parking lots.
Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Apply Early
To increase your chances of getting a parking pass, it’s crucial to plan ahead and apply early. The university typically begins accepting parking permit applications in July for the fall semester and December for the spring semester. Applying early ensures that you get a spot in your preferred parking lot. You can apply online through the UMass Boston parking website or in person at the parking office.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Parking Permit
UMass Boston offers various parking permits, each with its own set of benefits and restrictions. Commuter students should choose the commuter parking permit, which allows them to park in designated commuter parking lots. Resident students should choose the resident parking permit, which allows them to park in designated resident parking lots. Faculty and staff should choose the faculty and staff parking permit, which allows them to park in designated faculty and staff parking lots.
| Parking Permit Type | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter Parking Permit | Commuter students | $250/semester |
| Resident Parking Permit | Resident students | $350/semester |
| Faculty and Staff Parking Permit | Faculty and staff | $200/semester |
Tip 3: Use the Online Parking Portal
The UMass Boston parking website allows you to apply for a parking permit online. The online portal is convenient and easy to use, and you can apply for a permit from the comfort of your own home. To apply online, simply log in to the parking portal, select the type of permit you want to purchase, and follow the prompts to complete your application.
Tip 4: Have Required Documents Ready
To apply for a parking permit, you’ll need to provide certain documents, such as your UMass Boston ID number, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure you have these documents ready before applying for a permit to avoid delays in the application process.
Tip 5: Consider Carpooling or Using Public Transportation
Carpooling or using public transportation can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to driving to campus. UMass Boston offers a carpooling program, which allows you to connect with other students, faculty, and staff who are interested in carpooling. You can also use public transportation, such as the MBTA, to get to campus.
Tip 6: Be Aware of Parking Regulations
UMass Boston has strict parking regulations, including parking hours, parking locations, and parking permit requirements. Make sure you’re aware of these regulations to avoid getting a parking ticket or having your vehicle towed. You can find parking regulations on the UMass Boston parking website or by contacting the parking office.
Tip 7: Use the UMass Boston Parking Map
The UMass Boston parking map can help you navigate the campus parking system and find available parking lots. The map shows the location of each parking lot, as well as the type of permit required to park in each lot. You can access the parking map on the UMass Boston parking website or by downloading the UMass Boston mobile app.
Tip 8: Take Advantage of Parking Discounts
UMass Boston offers parking discounts for certain groups, such as students with disabilities or faculty and staff who carpool. If you’re eligible for a parking discount, make sure to take advantage of it to save money on your parking permit.
Tip 9: Consider Purchasing a Daily Parking Permit
If you don’t need to park on campus every day, consider purchasing a daily parking permit. Daily parking permits are available for purchase online or at the parking office, and they can be a cost-effective alternative to a semester-long permit.
Tip 10: Be Prepared for Parking Lot Closures
UMass Boston parking lots may be closed due to construction, events, or weather conditions. Make sure you’re prepared for parking lot closures by checking the UMass Boston parking website or social media accounts for updates on parking lot closures.
Tip 11: Use the UMass Boston Parking App
The UMass Boston parking app allows you to purchase parking permits, view parking lot availability, and receive notifications about parking lot closures. The app is available for download on the App Store or Google Play.
Tip 12: Contact the Parking Office with Questions
If you have questions about the UMass Boston parking system or need help with your parking permit application, don’t hesitate to contact the parking office. The parking office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and you can reach them by phone or email.
What types of parking permits are available at UMass Boston?
+UMass Boston offers various parking permits, including commuter parking permits, resident parking permits, and faculty and staff parking permits.
How do I apply for a parking permit at UMass Boston?
+You can apply for a parking permit online through the UMass Boston parking website or in person at the parking office.
What documents do I need to provide to apply for a parking permit at UMass Boston?
+You'll need to provide your UMass Boston ID number, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to apply for a parking permit.
By following these 12 expert tips, you can increase your chances of getting a UMass Boston parking pass easily. Remember to plan ahead, choose the right parking permit, and be aware of parking regulations to ensure a smooth parking experience on campus.
