Parking and Transportation
Parking guidelines and options for getting around the area.
UC is a busy place with students, faculty, staff and visitors using our campus parking lots.
Because we are a smaller campus, every parking space is within walking distance to classes, dining halls and other campus facilities. However, be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your class, keeping in mind that you may need to park farther away if there is an event or large group on campus.
Note: There are times during special events that students, faculty and staff will have to park in the parking garage or remote parking areas due to the parking lot/lots being closed for a specific period of time. The community will be notified via email in advance of closures whenever possible.
New students. If you are driving a car to campus, you will need to register your vehicle with the Office of Public Safety every semester while completing the automated check-in process. You will need to provide license, registration, ownership, insurance, and other details about your vehicle in order to obtain your parking permit.
Returning students or employees. If your information is already on file with Public Safety, you only need to provide information about recent changes online before picking up your permit. If you have a new vehicle or your insurance or license number has changed, please make sure you update your record online.
Student Permit Stickers: Student permit decals should be placed on the bottom, right-hand corner of the rear windshield outside of the vehicle.
If you have a convertible or vehicle with a removable top, you may place the decal on the upper right-hand corner of the front windshield or on the right rear bumper of the vehicle.
All students are expected to park in designated University parking areas. Neighborhood and city street parking near campus is strictly prohibited. If you have any questions about the designated parking areas, refer to our campus map.
Commuter Students: A commuter student is allowed to register no more than two vehicles and be issued no more than one parking permit per vehicle. Commuter students are assigned a “C” Commuter permit and are allowed to park on any surface lot (excluding the Visitors Lot) and in the parking garage. A commuter student is allowed to park only one car on campus at any given time. Commuter student vehicles parked in unauthorized areas or contrary to University policy may be ticketed, immobilized and/or towed.
Residential Students: Residential students are assigned an “R” Resident permit. They are allowed to register only one vehicle and receive one parking permit decal. Residential student vehicles parked in unauthorized areas or contrary to University policy may be ticketed, immobilized and/or towed. Residential students are allowed to park on any surface lot (excluding the Visitors Lot) and in the parking garage.
Garage Parking: Residential students living in East Hall Apartments are required to park in the garage and are issued and required to display a “GR” decal. Student vehicles parked in unauthorized areas or at unauthorized times may be ticketed, immobilized and/or towed.
If you don’t have a car on campus, or prefer not to drive, you have other options to get around Charleston.
UC is served by the Kanawha Rapid Transit (KRT) bus system. The bus can take you downtown, to shopping malls, the state capitol and more. Schedules are available in the Office of Student Life.
The Charleston area is also served by Uber and Lyft, as well as the C&H Taxi company.