Penn State & State College Parking Options and Parking Maps
Parking is very expensive in State College, and therefore you must make the decision of whether or not it makes financial sense to bring your car to school. Here are some things to consider about while discussing this with your student.
- How close to campus are you living? Can you walk most places easily?
- Can you afford the parking fee along with your other expenses?
- Are there places to park at your building, or will your car be parked far away?
- Would you mind if your car took small to medium dings and dents?
The previously stated options should be considered carefully and of course discussed with your son or daughter. Having a car at school is very convenient but sometimes not very practical. The University Park campus is very large, but also very easy to navigate on foot or with a bicycle. Both of which are excellent alternatives to bringing your car.
Parking can be found all over state college but it is most commonly purchased from the place in which you are living. When you buy parking from the apartment building you rent from, it is often very convenient.
However, make sure that it is somewhere you feel safe leaving your car. More than once we have found that parking spaces purchased apartment buildings around State College can sometimes be blocks away, in a back alley, or in damp basements covered with dust and pollutants. If you are going to shell out the money to buy a parking space, make sure it is in a good location!
On Campus Parking at Penn State
Parking can also be purchased on one of the several lots located on campus. They are normally outside and unprotected from the elements, but they are a great deal cheaper than private lots. The on campus spaces are typically given out on a first come fisrt serve basis, so make sure to act fast if you feel this is the option for you!
Public and Private Parking Space Leasing Agents
Parking Map for Penn State at State College
Click on the image below to download a PDF map of allowed parking locations when you have a student parking permit (Right click and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As").
IF you want to know more about parking or talk with other people about parking at Penn State, view our messageboard where we have a whole forum dedicated to parking at Penn State.
