Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What steps do I need to take to get a parking permit for on-campus parking?

Providence College offers a one-time annual parking lottery for on-campus juniors and seniors. Eligible students may apply for a residential parking permit for the full academic year ($400 fee), Fall semester ($200 fee), or Spring semester ($200 fee).

Please note:

• Only on-campus juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
• Freshmen and sophomores are not permitted to have cars on campus or apply for this permit.
• Off-campus students of any class year are not eligible for residential parking permits, unless they live in PC housing. Students living in PC housing should contact Residence Life to ensure they are on the list for parking for the upcoming year.
• Resident Assistants who wish to obtain a parking permit are eligible to do so, but must contact Residence Life to ensure they are on the list for parking for the upcoming year.

Q2. I live off-campus and would like to apply for a parking permit. How do I request one?

The following permits are available and can be requested through the ARMS Parking Application (Safari not supported):  

• Commuter Permit: A commuter student is an undergraduate who lives off-campus and travels to Providence College for classes. This includes students who live at home as well as those residing at least 1/2 mile from campus and commuting to campus daily.
• Off-Campus Permit: This permit is available to junior and senior undergraduate students living in off-campus housing within 1/2 mile of campus. It allows parking on campus only between 4:30 PM and 2:00 AM.
• Grad/SCE Permit: A Grad/SCE student is someone who is in our graduate school/SCE program, is not living on-campus, and needs to bring their vehicle to campus for evening classes.
• Graduate Assistant Permit: Graduate students working as a Graduate Assistants for Providence College are allowed to park in some of the same areas as faculty/staff during the day, but not all.
• Faculty/Staff Permit: Employees living on campus may contact the Office of Transportation & Parking for a residential parking permit. Regular Faculty/Staff Permits do not allow overnight parking.

Q3. How do I become an approved driver for the college vans?

The vehicle and golf cart use and approval process is determined by the Office of General Council. Once approved, Qualified Campus Drivers may request to utilize one of the department’s seven (7) and twelve (12) person vans using the Van Reservation Form. For more information about the Van Reservation Program, please visit the Van Services & Requests page.

Q4. I am a freshman or sophomore who needs a car on-campus for a couple of days. What are my options? 

The Office of Transportation & Parking provides temporary parking permits for the Schneider/Annie Lots. We recognize that there are emergency situations that call for students to bring their car onto campus for a short time, however, students must obtain approval to park on campus prior to bringing a vehicle to campus.

Students may request one (1) Temporary Parking Permit for their vehicle per semester using the Temporary Permit Request Form. Temporary permits are not a long-term solution and are provided for up to five (5) consecutive nights. 

Students may not request a Temporary Parking Permit for another student’s vehicle.

Q5. I’m an education major and wasn’t selected in the parking lottery. Since I need to drive to my off-campus placement, what options are available to me for obtaining a permit?

he Office of Transportation recognizes that education majors often need transportation for their field placements. If you’re unable to secure a parking permit through the Parking Lottery, please reach out to the Education Department. They work closely with the Office of Transportation to assist students facing extenuating circumstances and may be able to provide alternative arrangements or support in obtaining a permit.

Q6. I have a guest speaker coming to campus to present on a topic. How can they get a day pass?  

Please email transportation@providence.edu to request a Department Visitor Permit for your guest. We will send the permit to you, and your guest should print it, complete the required information, and display it on their windshield.

Q7. I’m a student expecting a guest for the weekend. Is it possible for them to get a temporary parking permit?  

Once you’ve registered your guest with Residence Life, you can visit the Office of Public Safety to obtain a temporary parking permit for them. Please note that the Office of Transportation does not manage guest parking for students.

Q8. I’m an undergraduate student with a medical condition. I need a parking permit to attend medical appointments. Who should I contact to apply for a permit?

If you require temporary parking, the Office of Transportation will assist you to the best of our ability. However, for long-term parking accommodations related to a medical condition affecting your academics, you must submit an Accessibility Accommodations application.

The Office of Transportation cannot guarantee on-campus parking availability while your medical accommodation request is being reviewed. Students should refrain from bringing a vehicle to campus until they have received approval and the parking permit. 

Q9. I received a parking ticket while parked on campus. What are the steps to pay the fine, and how can I appeal the ticket if I believe it was issued in error?  

To appeal a ticket, please ensure your vehicle is associated with your profile in the ARMS Parking Application, click on the citation number, and then provide a valid reason for your appeal. Appeals must address the citation in question and must be submitted within 10 days of the citation issuance.

Q10. I received a ticket for parking on campus and must make a payment. How do I submit a payment?

To pay a citation, please visit CashNet and follow the instructions on the screen. All payments must be made online using a bank routing number and account number. Payments are not accepted in person.

Q11. I have an off-campus job that requires me to drive. Am I eligible to receive a parking permit for this situation?

Unfortunately, Providence College does not issue parking permits specifically based on off-campus employment needs. Parking permits are primarily allocated based on student residency status and academic requirements. If you live on campus or meet other specific criteria, you may be eligible to apply for a permit through the designated processes. However, having an off-campus job alone does not qualify as a reason for obtaining a parking permit.

Q12. What kinds of transportation options are available for students who do not have a car on campus?

The Office of Transportation hosts the FriarNite and Shopping Shuttles to assist students with some of their transportation needs. We also provide transportation on campus to students and employees who have mobility issues through the Medical Shuttle.

In addition, RIPTA Bus Service is free to all students, faculty and staff to travel throughout Rhode Island. Simply swipe/tap your PC Card when entering the RIPTA bus.

Q13. How do I find the Office of Transportation?

You can find us in Alumni LL06, by walking past the ROTC office, taking a right, and then proceeding to the end of the corridor. The Office of Transportation is the office at the end of the hall.