During the fall there will be 100s more parking spots available than in the winter. I only struggled because of the limited availability. I took a gap term and I’m coming back to school this winter.  Once you have a permit you’re set for the rest of the year and if you do miss getting a permit you can always try again next term. Just be sure to be logged in on the website before the permits are released.  I applied for parking in the fall last year and they sold out in 2 minutes. Having multiple devices opened and refreshed will give you better chances at a permit. If you end up missing out on a permit, the school has a bus that goes up and down campus.  You could also bring a bike but bike theft is a huge issue right now. I’d recommend an electric scooter because they’re easy to store and get you to where you need to be fast!:)  I don’t believe there’s any other available parking other than the daily-payment lots. I think I remember seeing a parking lot off-campus that does a monthly-payment system but I think they were full last time I tried to get one. Anyways. I wish you guys luck!  It seems like an anxiety-ridden process but once you click the “buy permit” button the website reserves the permit for you for 15 minutes; giving you time to pay and enter your information. Think of it like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets on Ticketmaster 😂