Student car parking in University accommodation
Student car parking permits for University accommodation are extremely limited. Find out where you can park your car and how to apply for a student car parking permit.
On this page
You should only bring a car to Bristol if it is essential, for example because of a disability.
If you need to bring a car, you must have successfully applied for a student car parking permit. Student car parking and permits are very limited.
Car parking facilities and permits are available in select residences. See you residence guide to find out if parking is included.
When allocating student car parking permits, priority will be given to students who:
- are a Blue Badge holder (mobility impairment);
- have a disability or ill health that means they need the use of a car;
- have caring responsibilities that cannot be performed without a car; and
- have an academic placement for their course that can only be reached by car.
Student car parking permits allow entry to the residential parking areas, but they do not guarantee a car parking space.
Types of student car parking permits and costs
Listed in the table are the types of student car parking permits you can apply for, and the residences which have car parking facilities.
| Accommodation | Permit type | Permit dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Annual permit | Valid from 15 September 2025 to 7 June 2026 | £108.00 |
| Spring/Summer permit | Valid from 6 January 2026 to 7 June 2026 | £64.80 | |
| Summer permit | Valid from 13 April 2026 to 7 June 2026 | £21.60 | |
| Summer Top-Up 2026 | 1 June 2026 to 6 September 2026 | £21.60 | |
|
|
Annual permit | Valid from 15 September 2025 to 7 June 2026 | £196.90 |
| Spring/Summer permit | Valid from 6 January 2026 to 7 June 2026 | £118.14 | |
| Summer permit | Valid from 13 April 2026 to 7 June 2026 | £39.38 | |
| Summer Top-Up 2026 | 1 June 2026 to 6 September 2026 | £39.38 |
If you are a Blue Badge permit holder, you will receive your permit free of charge.
The main University campus is contained within the Kingsdown Residents’ Parking Scheme area (KRPS). Most on-street parking in and around the campus is subject to residential permits, meters and time limits.
How to apply for a student parking permit
New students moving into university accommodation in the 2025/26 academic year can apply for a student parking permit from the 29th of August 2025. Applications remain open throughout the academic year.
To apply, you need to:
-
Register for a Student Account from PermitSmarti.
- Complete the relevant online form for the permit you are applying for. You will be asked to provide evidence to support your application, e.g a copy of your tenancy agreement or University accommodation invoice.
- You will then be notified by email within 48 hours if your application has been successful. You will be asked to pay for the permit you require.
Using alternative transport options
Sustainable travel is embedded within University culture and the University actively encourages the use of alternative methods of travel.
A U1/5/77 bus pass is available for students living in the Stoke Bishop University residences for 2025/26. Further information about this, and other transport options can be found on the Buses, car parking and transport page.