CSUF - Can I Park on Campus Without a Permit?

You certainly can! However, it depends on the time period when the parking permit is enforced.

When do we need a parking permit?

According to CSUF's Traffic and Parking Regulation, it says:

Parking & Transportation Services (657) 278-3082.  Parking legally and knowing parking regulations are the responsibility of the vehicle operator. Parking regulations are enforced Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fullerton and Irvine Campuses. Parking permits are required at all times except Friday after 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. 

In Summary, you NEED a parking permit during the times below, unless the spot states that the rules are enforced 24 hours:

Monday:        All Day 

Tuesday:        All Day 

Wednesday:  All Day  

Thursday:      All Day 

Friday:          Before 5 PM   

Saturday:      Not Enforced All Day

Sunday:        Not Enforced All Day

So, if you are studying on campus over the weekend or after 5 p.m. on Friday you can park in most spots on campus unless otherwise stated. 

You can also park in temporary spots like 15 minutes/ 30 minutes parking zones. The zones will be updated at a later post.

References: CSUF Traffic and Parking Regulations

What is "That Is My Spot!"?

"That Is My Spot!" is often said in astonishment, in anger, in mortification, and in sometimes in desperation. It is most often screamed out when we see our long awaited parking spot being swooped away by drivers who has no respect for others in the struggle to find parking. Everyone has had the time when they are about to be late for their class, appointment and meeting and there is just no open space in sight. It is as if someone is there to make sure you are late! Just when you think you found a parking spot, they charge you $10/day for it. As students we know that tuition are going up every year, I am a current MBA student in CSUF and I have been getting this same notice for the past two and a half years:

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in the published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.

On November 15-16, 2011, the California State University Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition fees effective Fall 2012 by 9%.

If you are a student, I know you've received this notice too. What is worse is that the parking permit price has gone up as well! A student parking permit would cost between $200 - $300! That is outrageous!

**Ok, that's my ranting. Time to be more constructive...**

What if I told you there are ways to park around school that cost $0 and you would never be late for school?  You might say, "Duh! You come to school 1 hour earlier and look for street parking!" Yes, that is true but there is a BIG difference between just "parking" and "smart parking" Personally, if I get to school 10 minutes before I am due for a class I can find free parking 95% of the time. It takes at most 10 minutes to walk to school. The thing is, there are more back streets and side street that people who are just "parking" would not venture into because they are not familiar with the area. Also, sometimes it is difficult look for parking zone rules, "1 Hour Parking from 7 AM to 7 PM" while driving at the same time.

This blog will give you all the parking knowledge for you to be smart park-er. I will introduce different areas for parking around schools starting with CSUF, and you will receive information such as where to park during certain times of the day, best route to take while looking for parking, free parking locations, parking safety, and much more! So, if you want to save some MULAH and don't mind a little walking, check back often and learn how to park smart and FREE.