Commuter Student FAQs

Choosing Your Permit

Q. Which commuter parking permit is right for me?

A. Choose the commuter permit that is closest to where you will spend most of your day on campus.

  • Commuter North (Red): Best for students whose classes, labs or activities are primarily on the north side of campus.
  • Commuter South (Purple): Best for students whose classes, labs or activities are primarily on the south side of campus.

Review your class schedule before purchasing a permit and identify where most of your classes meet. Commuter North and South Permits are subject to availability.

Q. What if my classes are split between the north and south sides of campus?

A. Many students have classes throughout campus.

If your schedule is evenly divided:

  • Consider where your first class of the day is located.
  • Think about where you expect to spend the most time between classes.
  • Select the permit that will be the most convenient for your typical daily schedule.

We recommend choosing a permit based on where your classes are located—not the direction you drive to campus.

Q. What parking areas are included with each commuter permit?

A. Commuter North (Red) includes the following areas:

  • Daniel Parking Center (Levels 3–5)
  • Moody Parking Center (all levels)
  • U1 Surface Lot
  • U5 Surface Lot

Commuter South (Purple) includes the following areas:

  • Binkley Parking Center (Levels 3–5)
  • Hillcrest Parking Center (Levels 3–5)
  • Meadows Parking Center (student commuter area – upper level)

Q. Who should consider the discounted parking option?

A. The discounted parking option is a great choice for students who:

  • Want to save money.
  • Prefer more consistent day-to-day parking availability.
  • Don't mind allowing a few extra minutes to reach campus.

The W3 and W6 lots east of U.S. 75 are available at 50% off the standard permit rate and are served by the free SMU Express shuttles throughout the day.

Parking on Campus

Q. Can I park in both the North and South commuter parking areas?

A. No. Each commuter permit is valid only in its designated commuter parking locations unless otherwise posted.

Q. Where is my Commuter Permit not valid?

A. Residential parking areas (yellow) require residential permits unless otherwise posted. Likewise, parking in visitor parking areas, including ParkMobile spaces or designated visitor levels within parking centers

In addition, commuter permit holders may not park in:

  • Employee parking areas
  • Reserved spaces
  • Accessible spaces without a valid state-issued placard or license plate
  • Fire lanes
  • Service or loading areas
  • The SMU Child Care Center parking area
  • Bishop Boulevard

Always follow posted signage, as restrictions are enforced year-round.

 

Q. What should I do if my preferred parking center or surface lot is full?

A. Commuter students may park in any commuter parking area within their assigned zone.

If your first-choice parking area is busy:

  • Check another parking area within your assigned commuter zone.
  • The upper levels of parking centers often have additional spaces available.
  • Vehicle counters at the entrances to the Binkley, Daniel, Meadows and Moody parking centers display available spaces on each level.
  • Utilize the overflow commuter parking in W6 east of Hwy. 75.

Students looking for more consistent day-to-day availability may also consider the discounted W3 and W6 parking option east of U.S. 75.

 

Permit Changes & Availability

Q. Can I change my commuter permit if my schedule changes?

A. Permit changes may be available depending on space availability. Contact Parking and ID Card Services if your class schedule changes significantly after purchasing your permit.

 

Q. What if my preferred commuter permit is sold out?

A. If a permit reaches capacity:

  • Purchase the commuter permit that best meets your needs from those still available.
  • Join the appropriate waitlist through the Parking Portal, if available.

Permit availability may change throughout the academic year as spaces become available.

 

Additional Information

Q. What other changes are being considered?

A. Parking and transportation needs evolve over time. Parking and ID Card Services continuously reviews parking demand and permit utilization throughout the year and will adjust as needed to better serve the campus community.

 

Q. Where can I find additional information?

A. Additional resources include:

  • Parking maps
  • Permit information
  • Transportation options
  • SMU Express shuttle information

For real-time shuttle schedules and tracking, download the Passio GO! app or visit it from your desktop browser (select SMU as your transit agency).

If you have questions, please contact Parking and ID Card Services at parking@smu.edu.