It’s parking season. Whether you’re paying a premium to park right by your class or praying to the parking gods to find a spot in open lots, every driver feels the pains of trying to find a place to leave your car.
There are four student lots that require a paid permit. But for our more frugal drivers, here’s a breakdown of every free parking lot and your best chance at finding a slot.
Alumni house
If you’re looking for a lot with a near guarantee of spots available, head to the new open parking lot across the street from the Southern Utah Museum of Art. Lot 1 is tucked behind the J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Center; it typically has 30-40 unused stalls everyday.
Although it’s a 12 minute walk from the Sharwan Smith Student Center, it’s an easy five minute walk to the General Classrooms Building or the Science Center. This lot opened last fall and is a hidden gem for those willing to walk.
PE Building
If you’re up early for class or want to embark on a treasure hunt, park in the PE Building lot. Although crowded, if you get up early enough, you might luck out and find a spot. The lot holds the largest number of stalls and is situated directly across from the Dixie Leavitt Business Building. But be warned: If you find a spot in the morning and leave for lunch, chances are you won’t find another when you get back.
300 West
If you haven’t found luck so far and wish to see the ghosts of parallel parking past, head to the strip in front of the General Classrooms Building and the Auditorium. There are fewer spots since the lines were redrawn in 2024, but it’s the closest you can get to many of the Upper Quad buildings.
Bristlecone Hall
Art and dance students alike have the luxury of a massive parking lot near Bristlecone Hall and the Multipurpose Center. If you’re brave enough to cross the street at the intersection, or smart enough to use the designated crosswalk, lot 14 is spacious and waiting for artists to claim their spot.
Facilities Management Shops
Lot 32 probably isn’t the best option, unless you’re headed to the Facilities Management Shops, but it’s worth noting if you’re absolutely desperate. If you’re headed to the General Classrooms Building from here, expect to join the shin splints club by the end of the day.
Eccles Coliseum
Lots 11 and 12 serve as stadium parking, but if you can muster seven minutes of speedwalking to class, it’s usually empty. Take the scenic route and experience the bitter chill of the Cedar City wind.
While construction continues, lot 10 isn’t open. But when the roundabout is completed in October, this lot is made for those looking to see the charming houses of Cedar City as you pass neighborhoods on your walk to school.
The final stop on our parking lot tour is a combined lot. Lots 31 and 32 are across the street from the stadium parking and close to the tennis courts. If you have time to get in a quick game of tennis before class or need parking for the next football game, combined lot 31 and 32 will be your hero.
If you want to skip the permit application and want free parking (almost) anywhere on campus, consider purchasing an SUU license plate. For only $25 a year, you have access to any lot and help fund scholarships at SUU.
For information about parking permits or to view the parking lot map, head to this link.
Author: Hannah Clove
Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University
