Parking & Road Restrictions
Visitor Event Information

None at this time.


General Information

Unlike many college campuses with paid, priority restricted parking, inconvenient lots and miles between classes, Oakland University provides parking on a first-come, first-served basis for students, faculty, staff and guests. Also, there are no restrictions on who can have a car on campus.

Parking on OU’s 1,443-acre campus is primarily undesignated — people may park in any of the unrestricted parking spaces in well-maintained, lighted lots or in one of two campus parking structures.

View Parking Map

Parking during busy times

Early in the fall and winter semesters are busy times, and parking lots near the main entrance fill quickly. During these busy times, motorists will find parking available in P32 (near Varner Hall), P11 (Pioneer Drive at Ravine Drive), P3 (Meadow Brook Drive at West Oakland Drive), as well as the P35 and P37 lots (Pioneer Drive near Library Drive).

Parking Suggestions
  • Minimize stress and anxiety by arriving early to allow enough time to find a parking space.
  • Study the campus map to select different parking lots closest to your destination. If the first lot is full or not available, have a second choice in mind.
  • Take time to explore the campus to see all the available parking areas.
  • Do not risk an accident or ticket by parking illegally. Take time to find a safe and appropriate parking space.
  • During construction, expect some parking areas to be closed.
Enforcement of Parking Laws & Ordinances

OU ordinances require that motorists park in designated spaces only. Parking on the grass, on sidewalks, on the end of rows, on roadways, or in fire lanes will result in a parking citation. Improper parking in areas reserved for disability placards will result in a $100 citation, and the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense. Some areas require a permit, and overnight parking is restricted to designated lots. Short-term, metered parking is available in high-traffic areas. Enforcement times and time limits of meters are indicated on each meter.
OU Police Officers and Service Aides are authorized to tow any vehicle parked or stored in violation of these ordinances.

The failure of OU Police to issue a citation in one or more instance shall not be construed as permission to ignore parking ordinances. All regulations remain in full force and effective twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.