Do You Need a Permit?

There is Limited Parking At Western!

yellow flowers
waffle diagram showing that there are about 2,223 student parking spaces for roughly 15,000 students, or about 1 space for every 7 students.

Before You Arrive

Campus parking is extremely limited. There are only about 2,200 student parking spaces total for WWU's approximately 15,000 students — about 700 for resident (on-campus) students, 1,100 for commuter (off-campus) students, and 400 additional spaces off-campus. Most students will not receive a parking permit.

Before you plan around having a car:

  • See How to Get a Student Parking Permit for waitlist timing, purchase steps, and which lots you're eligible for.
  • Check Campus Maps to find your residence hall and the Transportation Services office (Old Main 120).
  • If you don't get a permit, most students get around campus and Bellingham without a car — see the Bus, Bike, Walk, and Starlight Shuttle links on the New to Campus hub.