Unlike many college campuses with paid, priority restricted parking, inconvenient lots and miles between classes, Oakland University provides convenient parking on a first-come, first-served basis for students, faculty, staff and guests. And, there are no restrictions on who can have a car on campus.
Parking on OU's 1,441-acre campus is primarily undesignated — people may park in any of the unrestricted parking spaces in 19 well-maintained, lighted lots or in the 550-spot parking structure.
Parking during busy times
Early in the fall and winter semesters are busy times, and parking lots near the main entrance fill quickly. During these busy times, motorists will find parking available in Lot 32 (near Varner Hall), Lot 11 (Pioneer Drive at Ravine Drive), Lot 3 (Meadow Brook Drive at West Oakland Drive) as well as lots 35 and 37 (Pioneer Drive near Library Drive).
Parking Suggestions
- Minimize stress and anxiety by arriving early to allow enough time to find a parking space.
- Study the campus map to select different parking lots closest to your destination. If the first lot is full or not available, have a second choice in mind.
- Take time to explore the campus to see all the available parking areas.
- Do not risk an accident or ticket by parking illegally. Take time to find a safe and appropriate parking space.
- During construction, expect some parking areas to be closed.
Overnight Parking
For security reasons, OU permits parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. only in Lots 3, 5 and 11.
Restricted Parking
The campus includes a limited number of restricted parking spaces to accommodate people with special needs. Restricted areas include those for university vehicles, head resident, trailer, handicapped and all loading areas. The OUPD may impose restrictions on a limited basis to accommodate parking for special events, including sports and theatre activities. These have been limited to a few days of the academic year. The OUPD issues permits for restricted parking areas. For more information, contact OUPD.
Disabled Vehicles
If a vehicle becomes disabled while on a campus roadway or parking lot, the owner should:
- raise the hood of the vehicle and use the emergency flashing system;
- Contact OUPD to provide the exact location and license number of the vehicle to receive help.
This may help the owner avoid receiving a ticket or having the vehicle towed, or will allow for 24-hour (maximum) parking in a designated parking space.
Parking Enforcement
OU ordinances require that motorists park in designated spaces only. Parking on the grass, on the end of rows, on roadways or in fire lanes will result in a parking citation. Improper parking in areas reserved for the handicapped will result in a $50 citation, and the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. Some areas require a permit, and overnight parking is restricted to designated lots. Short-term, metered parking is available along Wilson Boulevard, Lot 2 and Lot 18. Meters are enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The OUPD enforces campus parking regulations, which are published in the schedule of classes each semester. OU police officers are authorized to tow any vehicle parked or stored in violation of these ordinances.