University of Mississippi’s Parking Dilemma Escalates as Department of Parking and Transportation Seeks Solutions

Crowded university parking lot

Parking Woes Continue at the University of Mississippi

Oxford, MS – If you’ve been around the University of Mississippi recently, you might have heard students grumbling about one persistent issue: parking. With the start of the semester, it seems that the struggle to find a decent parking space has escalated. While students continue to express their frustration, the university’s Department of Parking and Transportation assures us they are on it, working on various ways to ease the commute for students heading to class.

The Parking Situation

To catch a spot in one of the university’s parking lots, students must either fork out for a parking pass or pay for metered parking between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The parking passes are sold at a 2-to-1 ratio, meaning two parking spots are available for every pass holder. Despite having a whopping 11,584 spaces on campus, students are still finding it a challenge to park close to their classes.

Avery Landry, a sophomore majoring in law studies, owns a Commuter Red pass which lets her park in 3,699 spots across 12 different areas. However, she’s not convinced it’s worth it. “I have a Commuter Red parking pass,” Landry shared. “Not only is there barely any parking, but if you’re able to find a spot, it’s a far walk. I stopped using my parking pass and started taking the bus because it takes me over 30 minutes to find a parking spot, then an additional 20 to walk to campus. For as much money as I pay, this should not be as big of a problem as it is.”

And she’s not alone! Junior finance major Reid Miller echoed her frustrations. “With the distance to parking, on-course parking is almost entirely pointless for me. I take the bus, which takes around 30 minutes to get to school from my apartment and almost an hour to get back, but that’s better than walking two miles a day.”

Looking at Solutions

So, what’s causing these parking headaches? According to Sam Patterson, the director of Parking and Transportation, the issue isn’t the total number of spaces but rather the lack of options near academic buildings or residence halls. “There are still some lots on the campus perimeter with ample parking availability,” he stated.

To tackle the distance issue, Patterson assured us there have been changes already implemented this year. “We’ve switched one lot from Commuter Red to Commuter Blue on Jeannette Phillips Drive,” he explained. “This lot has historically been Commuter Blue, and the change allows for more Commuter Blue spaces closer to the core of campus.”

Furthermore, Patterson mentioned that there are plans to enhance the bus system and explore other transportation methods. “We plan to maximize parking options, increase bus routes from perimeter lots to the heart of campus, and even negotiating for a supplemental transportation service to provide golf cart-type rides to fill some gaps in bus transportation.” This sounds promising!

Concerns at the Jackson Avenue Center

Another hotspot for chaos seems to be at the Jackson Avenue Center, which is also a part of the Commuter Red pass. Senior criminal justice major Robert Neal had his own experience to share: “My classes are at the Jackson Avenue Center, and never in my four years have I ever seen parking so messed up.” The Department of Parking and Transportation acknowledges the growing traffic in that area and encourages students to utilize the free university-provided public transportation.

Oxford University Transit bus system and the new Bird e-bikes, providing some relief from parking stress.

New Parking Garage on the Horizon

Long-term solutions are also in progress. A new parking garage is anticipated to be built near the existing residential garage, expected to add more than 1,300 parking spaces. This is projected to be available by fall of 2026, which is certainly something to look forward to!

Patterson also wanted to remind students that the hectic parking demand seen in the early weeks of the semester is fairly normal. “The first few weeks typically see higher parking demand as students adjust to their new schedules. However, this tends to settle down as the semester progresses.” So, hang in there, students!