Parking Info

Student Housing Parking Information

CSUSM paid parking session is required at all times while parked on Campus.

Resident parking is located on CSUSM campus. Student residents can park in General lots with a valid General parking permit/paid session. Semester and Academic Year permits available to purchase online.

Closest parking lots to student housing are:

• Lot K (located near UVA, next to UPD Building)
• Lot N (located to the east of PS1)
• Parking Structure 1 (PS1)- levels 1-5
• Parking Structure 2 (PS2)- level 6 only
  No Parking in Parking Structure 2 (PS2) levels 1 - 5 between 2 AM - 5 AM.

There is no parking allowed at the UVA Vendor Lot or in the QUAD's back lot.
Violators may be towed at owner's expense.  

Purchase Your Permit Online

Guests visiting the UVA or QUAD are required to have a paid parking session while parked on campus.   Hourly/Daily/Overnight parking sessions may be purchased through the CSUSM App or Pay Station located in Lot N. Visitor Information

Ways to get around without a personal vehicle

There are many alternative transportation options to try out if you choose not to bring a vehicle to campus. Explore around San Marcos and San Diego with the commuter options below.

Discounted Transit Passes

CSUSM students are eligible for a discounted San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) student regional transit pass. To be eligible for this pass, you need a valid CSUSM ID and be currently enrolled at CSUSM. The MTS Regional Student Monthly transit pass is sold through your online Parking Account. Route 347 runs in conjunction with the arrival and departure of the SPRINTER beginning at the Cal State SPRINTER station. For complete information on the stops and schedule please go to Go NCTD Website

NCTD+ On Demand rides.

Get on-demand rides by downloading the free NCTD+ mobile application.

NCTD+ is available:

• Monday - Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Saturday - Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (excluding holidays)

NCTD+ does not have a set route. This program will serve San Marcos and starting May 19, will also serve Vista.

*Pronto pass not eligible.       

Youth Opportunity Pass

Youth 18 and under ride public transit free with Pronto. Unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER. Sign up for the Youth Opportunity Pass.

Zipcar

Open to all 18+ CSUSM students, faculty, and staff with a valid driver's license. Two vehicles are located in PS1 on the first floor. Annual membership  $25/year. Driving rates start at $10.50/hr and $87/day. Join at Zipcar - CSUSM.

Metrolink

Students can ride Metrolink, Southern California’s six-county regional passenger rail provider. Students can ride to the nearest Metrolink Station by taking the Orange County or Inland Empire-Orange County Lines to the Oceanside Station. As the Student Adventure Pass pilot program concludes, Metrolink will introduce a new 50% student discount.

For more information, please see Commuter Programs.

Move In/Move Out

Move In

More information to come closer to Move In.

Move Out

Please remember to remove bicycle from bike racks at the end of the Spring Semester.
Bicycles left over the summer will be removed.