Student housing or parking? These 4 Universities in Utah take different approaches

The U. of Utah plans to convert a former commuter campus into a community campus.

A parking lot at the University of Utah was demolished last August, angering students at the lack of space on campus for their cars.

The lot to the east of Lassonde Studios will eventually house the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter, which can accommodate up to 775 students. While this means fewer parking options, it’s part of the university’s plan to convert a historic commuter campus into a community campus.

The university’s chief experience officer, Andreas Thomas, said it was responding to student demand for more housing.

“After the pandemic, students really wanted to work on campus in larger numbers. They experienced that they kind of missed that connectivity,” she said.

There are still options for commuting students. Everyone receives a Utah Transit Authority bus/train pass through their student ID card. Students can also purchase parking permits or use paid parking. Most buy underground parking permits, which cost $150 for fall and spring terms. Thomas said they are looking into additional parking after taking out the lot next to Lassonde Studios.

To read more, visit KUER.org.

This article is published by the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of Utah news organizations dedicated to educating readers across the state.