FAQ

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions.


Q: How to register or make changes on AIMS?

A: Click Infographic samples below:


Q: When can changes occur?

A: Employee - anytime between May 15 - June 15

A: Students - July 1

A: New parking registration - anytime your ready to park!

Contact us if you have any questions at (713) 348.7275/7277 or email us at parking@rice.edu


Q: How much does parking at Rice cost?
A: Visitor parking costs will vary, depending on the lot and duration of stay. Please refer to our Visitor Lot Rates for details. Please note that all lots are by credit card only (no tickets issued).

Contract parking has a set fee for each respective lot, which can be broken down by semesters. Please refer to the Contract Parking Rates found under the Registration navigation page.

In special circumstances and with the approval of the Parking Manager, temporary short-term contract parking can be arranged. Please call the Parking Registration Office at 713-348-7275 for more details.


Q: As a registered parker with two parking permits, because I am an employee or married student, am I allowed to provide any permit(s) to another employee or student so they do not need to register for parking?
A: No, your parking permit(s), gate access card and RFID tags are intended only for you and a vehicle you park on campus. If you receive two permits they are meant to give you the flexibility of bringing one of the two vehicles to campus without having to stop by the Parking Office for a temporary hangtag. Should both vehicles be on campus at the same time, one may use your parking access and park regularly, the other must use a paid visitor lot on campus.

Rice Parking does have spouse/partner permits an employee may purchase if the spouse/partner is not a current Rice student or employee. Rice students or employees must register for themselves for the vehicle they are using to park on campus.


Q: Is there any free parking at Rice?
A: Rice does not offer free parking. However, we like to be able to accommodate everyone, and therefore do provide very economical parking solutions and plans to suit all needs.


Q: How do I register?
A: Registration for contract parking may be done online or in person at the Parking Registration Office. Individuals registering online will need to have an existing Esther account.

A: If you were selected to get a Colleges Lot space you need to visit our office (M-F;7a-3p) to register your permit in the first ten days of classes.

A: If you are just registering for the Fall or Spring semesters of parking please visit our office to register.


Q: When do I contract?
A: First time registrants may contract at any time during the year. Pre-existing parking registrations must contract prior to their permit's expiration if they wish to renew their parking.


Q: Can I park in any lot?
A: Visitors are allowed to park in any paid parking lot that has spaces available. Registered parkers are restricted to their lots other than the noted hours and days when permit holders are allowed to "move forward" into specific lots. Parking in a lot without the appropriate decal can result in a fine or if warranted a tow. For permit access details, please refer to the Permit Rights found in the Registration navigation page.

Q: Parking spaces/area needs for a project/events on campus.

A: Football Map

A: FE&P Parking Lot Map

A: Buses needs on 9.24.22 and Bayou Bucket on 9.25.22

A: Lovett South Lot - day closure for painting

A: YES Prep 5K Run

A: Football Map


Q: How do I pay for contract parking?
A: Employees may opt for pre-tax payroll deduction for a three year permit or pay yearly by check at the Parking Registration Office. Students will be billed to their Cashier account. Individuals holding an event at Rice are encouraged to call the Parking Office to coordinate parking arrangements and details.


Q: I have an event to attend to at Rice: where do I park?
A: Rice has several paid visitor's parking lots located around campus. Please refer to our campus map to determine which lot best suits your parking needs. Please note that all surface lots are credit card only; The BRC and Central Garages accept both credit card and cash as suitable forms of payment. Parking rates will vary by location.


Q: How do I get to Rice?

If logging in an address to find us use 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005
A: From 59 N/S: Exit Greenbriar. If traveling North, move into the far two right lanes immediately after the exit and turn right onto Greenbriar. If traveling South, turn left under the underpass and continue straight on Greenbriar. Drive straight on Greenbriar until University Blvd. At University Blvd turn left and drive straight until Stockton, or entrance 8. Turn left into this entrance. The West Lots 1 (Alice Pratt Brown) and 5 will be almost immediately to the left. Other lots are accessible by traveling the one-way campus loop.

From Downtown: Travel South on Main to University Blvd. – the Rice Track and Soccer field will be visible to the right. At University Blvd. turn right and go straight to Stockton, or entrance 8. Turn right at Stockton into Rice University. The West lots 1 (Alice Pratt Brown) and 5 will be almost immediately to the left. Other lots are accessible by traveling the one-way campus loop.

From 610 E/W: Exit Bellaire (Holcombe) Blvd and travel East to Main St. Turn left onto Main St. and drive until University Blvd – the Rice Track and Soccer field will be visible ahead and to the left. Turn left onto University Blvd. and drive to Stockton, or entrance 8. Turn right at Stockton into Rice University. The West Lots 1 (Alice Pratt Brown) and 5 will be almost immediately to the left. Other lots are accessible by traveling the one-way campus loop.

From 288: Exit Old Spanish Trail and travel to Main St. Turn right onto Main St. and travel to University Blvd – the Rice Track and Soccer field will be visible ahead and to the left. Turn left onto University Blvd and drive to Stockton, or entrance 8. Turn right at Stockton into Rice University. The West Lots 1 (Alice Pratt Brown) and 5 will be almost immediately to the left. Other lots are accessible by traveling the one-way campus loop.

Can't find your question here? Contact us at x 2020 or parking@rice.edu and we'll be happy to help.


Q: Can you clarify what NO OVERNIGHT PARKING (NOP) means on your visitor lot signage?
A:
NOP means that Rice employees, students, and our visitors should come and go from visitor lots each day. If you are leaving your vehicle overnight in one of our lots then read below to see what each parker should do:

Rice employees or students with a permit from another lot, only using the lot or garage in the window of time allowed within the rules - you are ok. Please do not exceed the time your permit allows or your vehicle may be ticketed or towed. If you are a contract permit holder for that facility - you are ok. There is no storing of vehicles in the garages or lots. If you are leaving your vehicle at any of our facilities while you are away please contact us at parking@rice.edu and we will inform you where it may be parked for the time needed.

Visitors (this includes employees and students that choose not to register for permit parking) staying overnight should press the gate intercom button upon their entry and announce their intention to say overnight. The attendant will ask a number of questions that we need to know in case we need to reach you. Not doing so may result in the visitor's vehicle being towed since they didn't announce the multiple days of stay.