1. What’s new about the resident parking permit process this year?
Resident parking permits will now be issued by lottery, not on a first-come-first-served basis. This applies to:
- Gables
- Woodside
- Strafford
- Resident East
- Resident West
- Non-Resident (Storage)
Commuter, moped, and motorcycle permits will NOT be sold by lottery; see question 10, below.
2. Why is UNH no longer using a first-come-first-served system?
In past years, the rush to secure permits meant that permits were gone in an instant, preventing many--including even the most proactive and prompt applicants who logged in at the start of sales--from having a chance at a permit. The lottery system gives everyone a fair, orderly enrollment period and helps keep the system equitable.
3. Why isn’t the process based on class year or seniority?
Parking permits were not distributed based on seniority last year, nor will they be in the upcoming year, due to the sophomore residency requirement and the goal of providing equal opportunity regardless of class standing or individual circumstances. Sophomores are required to live on campus, and giving them last priority would penalize them for something out of their control. The lottery ensures equal access for all eligible residents.
4. Why can’t I get an exception if I have an off-campus job, internship, or family commitment?
We understand that many students have important responsibilities off campus. However, we receive too many exception requests to fairly evaluate each one, and we do not have the capacity to review supporting documentation or verify individual circumstances. To keep the process equitable and manageable, we do not offer exceptions based on work, family, or personal commitments.
5. Have the residency eligibility requirements changed?
Yes, for Strafford and Resident East categories.
- To be eligible for a Strafford permit, you must reside in a residence hall NORTH of Main Street, Durham (Congreve, Lord, Jesse Doe, Adams Tower, Stoke, Sawyer, Scott), sophomore or above.
- To be eligible for a Resident East permit, you must reside in a residence hall SOUTH of Main Street, Durham (Hetzel, Alexander, Mills, Devine, Engelhardt, Hunter, Gibbs, Hitchcock, Randall, Babcock, Hubbard, Christensen, Williamson, Hall, Eaton, Richardson, Marston, Haaland, Peterson, Handler) sophomore or above.
Unchanged: Gables & Woodside permits require Gables & Woodside residency, respectively, and Resident West permits require residency at any campus residence hall/complex, sophomore or above. Those residing in private off-campus apartments, fraternities, sorrorities, etc. are eligible for Non-Resident (storage) permits only.
6. When can I enroll in the resident permit lottery?
Enrollment is open from June 2 (around 8 AM) to June 15 (11:59 PM).
Important: There is no advantage to enrolling early—just be sure to enroll before the deadline.
7. How do I enroll in the resident permit lottery?
- Visit: www.unh.edu/parking
- Review your eligibility and available permit types
- Click through to The Permit Store to enroll
Campus residents, sophomore and above, may enroll in:
- One core lottery (Gables, Woodside, Strafford, or Resident East)
- AND the Resident West lottery
Off-campus students, sophomore and above, may enroll only in the Non-Resident storage lottery.
8. What happens after I enroll?
- Your order for a resident permit will be marked “pending”.
- If selected, you’ll receive an email the week of June 16.
- Your order will be completed, decal mailed, and the fee posted to your student account.
- If not selected, you’ll be notified and given information on joining the waitlist, which is also lottery-based.
9. Will I be charged if I’m not selected in the lottery?
No. If you are not selected, your order will be canceled and no charges will be posted.
10. When do Commuter, Moped, and Motorcycle permits go on sale?
June 2. These permits do not sell out, and no lottery is needed. Apply anytime over the summer.
11. How do I apply for a Commuter, Moped, or Motorcycle permit?
- Go to www.unh.edu/parking
- Review eligibility and proceed to The Permit Store
- Orders may be approved immediately or after manual review (check your email for updates)
12. What if I have unpaid parking tickets?
All outstanding parking tickets must be paid prior to applying for a parking permit or lottery enrollment. Unpaid parking tickets at the time of application will result in the denial of the parking permit application.
13. How do I pay for my parking permit?
Once approved, your permit fee will be charged to your student account.
14. When will I receive my permit decal?
Decals will begin shipping on or after July 1. A temporary permit will be emailed upon approval so you can park until your decal arrives.
15. Who can I contact with questions?
Call 603-862-1010 or visit UNH Parking Home
