First-year University of Tampa residential students are not permitted to bring cars to campus for the duration of their first year (fall through spring semesters). For the purposes of this policy, a first-year student is defined as anyone who has graduated from high school within one calendar year. This includes students who have enough credits to be considered upperclassmen at any time during their first year. This policy does not apply to students who live off-campus and commute to campus.

Medical Parking Waiver Exceptions

Please note that medical exceptions will not be granted for the purpose of providing care for a family member or relative. The documented medical need must apply to the student filling out the appeal.

The University recognizes that in some instances there are medical needs that necessitate students who do not otherwise qualify to have a motor vehicle on campus. To be granted a medical exception for a vehicle as a first-year campus resident, the student making the request must first be formally accepted to the University.

If you have a permanent disability or medical condition that necessitates the use of a vehicle, we suggest you apply for a handicapped placard from your home state or from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. First-year students with this placard will be approved for a vehicle.

First-year students who have a permanent disability or medical condition that necessitates the use of a vehicle but do not qualify for a handicapped placard must submit their request through Accomodate. Student Accessibility Services will review the medical need, along with any supporting medical documentation to determine if a waiver should be granted. If granted, Student Accessibility Services will work with Campus Safety to have the parking pass issued. The decision of the Office of Student Accessibility Services is final. 

First-Year Parking Policy Frequently Asked Questions

Why are first-year students unable to bring cars on campus?

Parking restrictions have been applied to first-year students, as it is our belief this policy will optimize students' potential to succeed and transition to college life. The University of Tampa is a compact campus, and its location adjacent to downtown Tampa makes walking, biking, or using public transportation extremely convenient to travel throughout the city. For more information on transportation options, please visit our Transportation Resources webpage.

If I come in with enough credits to be classified as a sophomore student, will I be able to bring a car?
No. This policy does not consider credit hours earned but rather has to do with “freshman” admission status as defined by the University admissions policy. A first-year student is anyone who has graduated from high school within one calendar year. Freshman who graduated from high school more than one calendar year before attending the University, are eligible to submit a waiver request by contacting freshmanparking@ut.edu. 

Is obtaining an off-campus job or internship grounds for an appeal? No. If students choose to work during their first year, the University encourages students to work on campus or obtain a job close to campus. Career Services is a great resource for students who are looking for employment. Find on-campus jobs and nearby off-campus jobs at www.ut.edu/hireut or by emailing hireut@ut.edu.

Can I bring a car anyway and park it somewhere else? We ask that students comply with the spirit of this policy by not bringing cars to campus. There are public parking garages and lots in the surrounding downtown Tampa area where students can rent parking spaces monthly. However, it is the student’s responsibility to research this information, and availability is extremely limited. We strongly prefer students adhere to UTampa’s parking policy regarding first-year students. For more information about off-campus parking locations, visit the City of Tampa's parking webpage.

I’m a first-year student, but I plan to live off-campus and commute. Can I park my car on campus?

Yes. Commuter students are exempt from this policy.

Will any exceptions other than medical be considered?
1. Military Service.  The University of Tampa recognizes that residential first-year students may be required to participate in drills and other reserve military duties during their first year on campus. If residential first-year students are required to complete training off-campus for Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Navy ROTC, or other military service, they may be granted a parking decal waiver. Residential first-year students requesting a Military Service Waiver should contact freshmenparking@ut.edu. Residential first-year students will be required to provide documentation regarding their service requirements and the need for a parking decal.

2.  Specific Athletic teams. Documented acceptable waivers with a letter from the coach: (2) members of the Men’s Ice Hockey Club, (2) members of the UTampa Equestrian Club, and members of the varsity Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams. 

3. Students who graduated high school over one calendar year prior to attending the University are not considred first-year students within the purpose of this policy. These students should contact freshmanparking@ut.edu to file an appeal. 

What if I have guests visit me?
Visitors are required to obtain a free visitor parking pass between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or when visiting overnight. Guests, including family members, may stay a maximum of three days per academic year in the residence halls. Visitors may park in designated visitor areas in Rick Thomas Parking Garage; entry to this level is located on North A Street, West Parking Garage second floor and Admissions parking areas can be used outside of Admissions business hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

What other options do I have for transportation as a first-year student?

The University of Tampa has partnered with many local resources to assist students with their transportation needs. They can be found on the UTampa website.

Falsifying Information

First-year students who obtain a parking permit by providing falsified information, as well as upperclassmen who attempt to purchase a permit for a first-year student, will have future parking privileges revoked and may face student conduct action.

Please note that any decision of the First-Year Parking Committee is final. The entire university policy is available by request. Please send all requests to freshmanparking@ut.edu.