If you’re new to North Campus, or just want to check out some possible options for parking around the Leinweber Building, here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Remember: Because parking is always an issue in and around the campus, details and availability may change without notice.
What resources are available right now?
- MGOPark website and mobile app: Real-time updates on parking availability in gated campus structures and lots, plus maps showing all U-M parking spaces and permit requirements. Note: Ungated surface lots often fill up, and there is no tool to be able to track capacity. According to the current North Campus parking map, only NC43 and NC60 are gated; all others are ungated.
- U-M Bus Trip Planner: Point-to-point walking directions (including which bus to catch) for anywhere around town. Includes AAATA (city bus) as well as U-M buses. Plus bus routes, schedules and other resources. Noteworthy: The Leinweber Building is now a valid “destination” you can specify in the Trip Planner.
- Bus schedules and maps: For those who prefer a PDF format.
- Parking permits: Details on permits, privileges, and pricing.
- Accessible parking: Info on availability and how to apply.
- Paratransit: Curb-to-curb service for students, staff, and faculty who are unable to use the campus bus system.
- After-hours/emergency ride assistance: SafeRide and other commuting safety services.
What daily parking strategies are there?
Gold, Blue, and Orange permit lots are in the general area. The closest Blue lots are NC27 (which also includes Gold spaces) and NC48. Yellow lots are a bit further out.
The Orange permit is likely to be the most cost-effective option for most:
- Park in NC46, walk or take U-M bus to Leinweber (16 minutes).
- Park in NC53, walk or take U-M bus to Leinweber (11 minutes).
- From either of those lots, it is possible to walk to G.G. Brown and at that point one should be able to have an indoor walk (via hallways in HH Dow and Beyster) to Leinweber.
We have been told that there may be increased parking options on North Campus in the near future. If implemented, any increases may not be permanent, but it’s a start.
What is available to students?
Jr./Sr./Grad students have access to some parking tags.
- Jr./Sr./Grad students: Student Orange permit
- Grad students only: Student Yellow/After Hours permit, Student After Hours permit
What is the current/expected availability of parking in North Campus lots?
Parking on North Campus is challenging. This is a known issue.
NC46 and NC53 are very popular and may be full by 9:30-10 a.m.
Some new lots may be made available for an uncertain duration.
- NW1 (Northwood 1): Closer to Plymouth Road; likely to be Orange
- NC43: Behind Art and Architecture; generally has open spots
- NC45, NW10: Near North Campus Recreation Building; may be available
What options exist for people whose work regularly requires being on both campuses?
- We have been told that updates are coming to the parking permit system to provide more parking flexibility.
- If you need to move between campuses, bus transport is highly suggested, especially when a return trip is expected, to avoid parking difficulties on multiple campuses and support sustainability.
What do we need to know for mastering bus transportation to North Campus and between campuses?
- All U-M bus routes through North Campus stop at Pierpont Commons.
- On Central Campus, CCTC (Central Campus Transit Center, 1109 Geddes Ave., at the northern end of the Diag, is the main hub. A Rackham Graduate School (915 E. Washington) stop is serviced by some lines.
- François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB Building) has a stop at Beal and Hayward and provides a more level, if longer, walk to Leinweber.
- From NC46 or NC53, it is possible to walk to G.G. Brown, and at that point one should be able to have an indoor walk (via hallways in HH Dow and Beyster buildings) to Leinweber.
- The addition of a new bus stop for Leinweber is unlikely. Safety is partially an issue, but overall route timing is also a factor.
- For individuals with mobility issues, ECRT, SSD, and/or Paratransit should be contacted for assistance.
What are the commuting and parking options for bikes and scooters?
There will be about 22 new bike parking spots (in the space between Leinweber and the Beyster Building).
Current map of bike parking on North Campus
- The new bike parking spots will be in the space between Leinweber and the Beyster Building; one rack on the north end of that space, one on the south end.
- We are still investigating whether these new spots will be covered and what the security arrangements (e.g. cameras) might be.
Bikes are not to be brought inside Leinweber.
What about visitor parking?
There is limited visitor parking in NC48 and in NC27. Payment is made by the Passport Mobile Payment System (required for all visitor parking on all U-M campuses). The system allows users to pay for parking from any internet-capable device. To use the system, download the app, complete the verification security process and enter your payment method. Enter the parking ZONE number (8636 = U-M), space number and duration of stay. Find the app at the iPhone App Store, Google Play, the Passport website, or dial (734) 274-6183.