Having A Car On Princeton Campus: Is It Allowed?

Whether or not students can have cars on campus at Princeton University is a matter of debate. The university's Transportation and Parking Services enforces rules and regulations for anyone operating or parking a motor vehicle on campus. All commuting university students must have a virtual permit to park on campus, and parking permits are not transferable. Students must register their vehicles to their active virtual permits, and only one vehicle per permit can be parked on campus at a time. Undergraduate students may rent vehicles locally but only through Enterprise. However, one source mentions that Princeton does not usually give parking permits to freshmen. Another source mentions that parking on campus is expensive and inconvenient, recommending that students use public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of bringing a car to campus.

Undergraduate students need an exemption to the parking policy to park on campus

Undergraduate students at Princeton University can request an exemption to the undergraduate parking policy. This is because parking on campus is limited, and parking passes are not usually available for freshmen.

Princeton University has strict rules and regulations regarding parking on campus. All commuting university faculty, staff, and students must have a virtual permit to park on campus. These permits are not transferable, and each permit holder is assigned a specific parking zone.

Even with a permit, a parking space in your assigned zone is not guaranteed. If your assigned zone is full, you will need to park in the Stadium Drive Garage. Lots P8, P9, P15, P22, P52, Campus Club Lot, and Cannon Club Lot, and any unnumbered lot adjacent to campus buildings require special permits at all times.

There is a high demand for parking on campus, and it can be expensive to park in a university lot. It is recommended that students, especially freshmen, do not bring their cars to campus. Instead, they can make use of public transportation or other alternatives, such as walking, biking, or taking the train.

However, if an undergraduate student feels they need to bring their car to campus, they can request an exemption to the undergraduate parking policy. This will allow them to obtain a parking permit and park in the designated areas on campus.

Graduate students can obtain a residential, commuter, or residential guest permit

At Princeton University, graduate students can obtain a residential, commuter, or residential guest permit. All graduate students, faculty, and staff who reside in University-owned housing must have an active virtual parking permit to park on campus.

Each permit holder is assigned a specific parking zone based on their affiliation with the university and primary campus building. University parking lots are shared by multiple departments and are not often reserved for specific departmental use. A university parking permit does not guarantee an available parking space in your assigned zone. If your assigned zone is full, you can park in the Stadium Drive Garage.

It is important to note that handwritten or typed notes, as well as university hang tags from prior years, are not recognised as permits. Vehicles parked without an active virtual parking permit will be cited. All vehicles must be parked in a legal space or be subject to citations and/or a boot/tow.

Princeton University also has specific rules and regulations for the use of electric vehicles on campus. These include electric skateboards, electric bicycles, and hoverboards. While these vehicles are generally prohibited within a designated zone, electric bicycles in "assist" mode are permitted on campus roadways but not on pathways and sidewalks.

Additionally, according to a Princeton University student on Reddit, there isn't good parking available on campus. They mention that it will be a 10-15 minute walk to get to your car, and parking in a university lot will be expensive. They recommend not bringing a car for the freshman year and instead suggest bringing a bike.

Students must have a virtual permit to park on campus

Students at Princeton University must have a virtual permit to park on campus. This rule applies to all commuting university faculty, staff, and students. Each person is allowed only one virtual permit, and it is non-transferable.

To obtain a permit, students must register their vehicle and link its license plate to their active virtual permit. The license plate of the vehicle must be up to date and clearly visible from the drive lane when parked. If driving a rental or loaner vehicle to campus, students must register the rental vehicle through the parking portal.

Students are not allowed to park in any campus parking facility overnight without permission and an overnight permit issued by Transportation and Parking Services (TPS). Vehicles parked without an active virtual parking permit may be cited and subject to fines and/or towing.

Princeton University offers various parking zones for permit holders, and each permit holder is assigned a specific parking zone based on their affiliation with the University and primary campus building. It is important to note that a University parking permit does not guarantee an available parking space in the assigned zone. If the assigned zone is full, students can proceed to the Stadium Drive Garage or any unrestricted garage or surface lot after 4 pm on weekdays and on weekends.

Overall, while students at Princeton University can have cars on campus, it is essential to follow the parking regulations and obtain the necessary virtual permits to avoid any issues.

Students can take a train to NYC and Philly, and there's a weekend shuttle to the mall and supermarket

If you're considering bringing your car to Princeton University, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, parking on campus is limited and expensive, with a 10-15 minute walk to and from your car. Freshmen are generally not allowed to have parking passes, and it's unlikely that the university will grant you a permit. However, if you do bring your car, you will need to obtain a virtual parking permit to park on campus, which must be registered to your vehicle.

Instead of bringing a car, students can easily take a train to NYC and Philly, and there's a weekend shuttle to the mall and supermarket. Nassau Street is also within walking distance. For trips around town, Princeton University offers a free bus service, and there is also a public transit bus. The NJ Transit station on campus provides easy access to NYC.

If you don't have a car on campus, you can always use alternative transportation methods, such as Uber, which can be more cost-effective than maintaining a car. Additionally, bringing a bike and a good lock is highly recommended, as it can make getting around campus and the surrounding area much more convenient.

In conclusion, while bringing a car to Princeton University may provide some convenience, it's not necessary, and there are plenty of alternative transportation options available to students.

Students can use the TripShot Mobile App to check for TigerTransit alerts, see when the next bus arrives, or plan a trip

Students at Princeton University can use the TripShot Mobile App to manage their transportation needs. The app offers a comprehensive solution for managing and tracking routes, schedules, and reservations. It provides real-time updates on arrivals and departures, and notifications about vehicle locations.

The TripShot Mobile App is a powerful tool that helps students navigate their travel options efficiently. With this app, students can check for TigerTransit alerts, ensuring they are aware of any changes or disruptions to their regular transit service. They can also view the arrival time of the next bus, so they can plan their trips accordingly.

The app offers an advanced trip planner that allows students to map out their journey, know the route they will take, and see their expected arrival time. They can set notifications for specific routes or stops to receive real-time updates on arrivals, departures, and delays. The app also provides specific information on all available routes, including schedules, maps, and stop-by-stop details, enabling students to plan their trips with ease.

Additionally, the TripShot Mobile App offers optional features such as on-demand ride requests, reservations, contactless payments through the Wallet feature, and micromobility options like shared scooters and bikes. These features provide students with a seamless and flexible travel experience.

The app is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes it easy for students to access the information they need. It is available for download on mobile devices, offering a convenient way for students to manage their transportation needs while on the go.

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