Campus Parking Update: Impacts and Current Availability  

This bulletin provides an overview of the current parking situation on campus, which is significantly impacted by the ongoing dorm construction and Sustainable Infrastructure Plan (SIP) Project. The loss of the Woodland St and Hales Parking lots (150 spaces total) has necessitated adjustments to parking arrangements for faculty, staff, and students. 

Key Changes and Current Availability: 

Lost Parking: 150 spaces lost due to construction (Woodland St. and Hales lots). 

New/Expanded Parking: 

• Mudd Lot Extension 
• East Lot Extension 
• Lord/Saunders Lot Extension 

Modified Parking: Philips Lot, Stevenson Lot, Hollywood Lot, and Grey Gables Lot. 

Staff Parking: Staff parking has been removed from Grey Gables, but an extension to the Mudd Lot was added to compensate for this. 

Enforcement: 

Campus Safety Officers enforce parking rules and regulations, issuing citations as needed. Complete information on campus parking policies and enforcement can be found here.

Parking Fees and Registration: 

• Students: $200 per school year. 
• Faculty/Staff: Up to two vehicle registrations free of charge. The current four-year registration cycle ends after the spring 2026 semester. 

Future Improvements: 

Upon completion of the new residence hall this summer, approximately 200 parking spots will become available, significantly alleviating current parking constraints. Facilities Planning and Construction is also exploring the addition of more parking lots to further address the issue. 

Recommendations: 

• Stay Put (If Possible): If you have a good spot, avoid moving your car during the day unless absolutely necessary. This prevents you from having to search again. 
• Embrace Walking: Oberlin is a walkable campus. Factor in walking time when planning your day. A 5-10 minute walk might be faster than circling for a parking spot. 
• Carpool: Consider carpooling with colleagues or classmates, especially for those who live nearby. This reduces the number of cars on campus. 
• Explore Different Lots: Don’t just focus on the closest lot to your destination. Check other lots within a reasonable walking distance. They might have more availability. 
• Parking Regulations: Be thoroughly familiar with all campus parking regulations. Avoid parking in restricted areas, fire lanes, or other no-parking zones. 
• Arrive Early:  There is more availability in the parking lots earlier in the day.