LMU parking included apartments near campus
- Ong Ogaslert
- Dec 3
- 4 min read
Introduction
Parking is one of the fastest ways LMU students accidentally overpay for housing. A listing might look like a great deal until you realize it comes with no parking at all, parking costs extra each month, or the “included” spot is actually tandem (meaning you’re constantly coordinating with a roommate). Some places advertise “parking available” when the reality is street parking competition, confusing permit rules, and tickets that add up quickly.
That’s why students searching for LMU parking included apartments should treat parking like part of rent—not a minor detail. Parking affects your budget, your safety routine at night, your commute time, and your daily stress. This guide breaks down what “included” really means, how garages and street rules differ, what to ask about guest parking, and how to compare apartments fairly when parking is a make-or-break factor.
LMU parking included apartments: what “included” actually means
“Included” can mean several different things, and the difference matters a lot.
Type 1: Assigned reserved spot included (best-case)
You have a specific spot number
It’s yours every day
Usually the most predictable
Type 2: One spot included, additional spots cost extra
Common for 2-bedroom or larger units
Great if you have one car, expensive if multiple roommates have cars
Type 3: First-come, first-served lot “included”
Sounds included, but isn’t guaranteed
Can be frustrating at night or on weekends
Type 4: Tandem parking “included”
Two cars share a space in a line
One car blocks the other
Works only if roommates have compatible schedules
Type 5: “Included” but limited by rules
Included spot exists, but:
cannot be used by guests
has strict vehicle size limits
has hours or access constraints
requires registration fees
So the key isn’t just “is parking included?” It’s “what kind of included is it?”
1) Garages vs lots: what students should compare
Garage parking
Pros:
Better security and lighting (often)
Weather protection
More predictable access
Cons:
Can cost more
Some garages have tight turns or height limits
Break-ins still happen if access control is weak
Outdoor lot parking
Pros:
Easier access and fewer height constraints
Sometimes cheaper
Cons:
More exposure, potentially less security
Less consistent spot quality
More likely to be “first-come” instead of assigned
What to check either way
Lighting quality
Gate/access control
Camera coverage (if any)
Walk distance from parking to your unit
Whether you feel comfortable doing that walk at night
Parking isn’t just about convenience—it’s part of your daily safety routine.
2) Street parking reality: the rules that create stress
Even if a place has “parking,” many students still rely on street parking sometimes—roommates, guests, or second cars.
Street parking questions to ask
Is street parking generally available near the building?
Are there permit zones?
Are there street cleaning days/times?
What’s the ticketing/towing risk?
What happens during busy weekends?
Why street parking can be expensive
Tickets, towing, and wasted time searching for a spot can become a real monthly cost. If your plan depends heavily on street parking, you should treat that as a risk factor and be realistic.
3) Guest parking: where apartments quietly become inconvenient
Many students don’t ask about guest parking until friends visit or family comes to town—then it’s chaos.
Ask these guest parking questions
Is guest parking available? Is it free or paid?
Do guests need permits or registration?
Are there time limits?
Are there restrictions on overnight guest parking?
What’s the policy during weekends and holidays?
A place can be perfect for your car but impossible for guests, which affects your social life and family visits more than you expect.
4) Parking costs: always convert to true monthly cost
If the listing doesn’t include parking, the deal may not be a deal.
Calculate true monthly cost
Use:True Monthly Cost = Rent + Parking + Utilities + Monthly fees
Parking can be:
$50–$250+ per month depending on building type and area
Add even more if you need multiple spots
If a unit needs two paid spots, that can raise the effective monthly cost dramatically.
5) Tandem parking: it’s not “bad,” but it needs rules
Tandem parking can work well for roommates if:
Schedules are compatible
Communication is easy
There’s a clear routine for swapping cars
But it becomes stressful if:
One roommate leaves early and returns late
One roommate has unpredictable shifts
People don’t want to coordinate daily
Questions to ask about tandem
Is tandem optional or required?
Could you pay to get a non-tandem spot?
How wide is the space (SUV fit)?
Is there room to safely walk around cars without scraping?
Tandem is livable when it’s predictable. It’s miserable when it’s constant negotiation.
6) Safety basics: parking access control matters
Students often focus on the unit and forget the parking pathway.
Parking safety checklist
Is the parking area well-lit?
Is it gated or open access?
Do hallway/stairwell doors lock?
Are there cameras near entrances?
Does management fix broken gates quickly?
A “parking included” place can still feel unsafe if you’re walking through dark corners every night.
7) Questions to ask before you apply (copy-paste)
Is parking included? If yes, is it assigned, first-come, or tandem?
How many spots are included per unit?
What is the monthly cost for additional spots?
Are there vehicle size limits?
Is the parking area gated and well-lit?
Is guest parking available? What are the rules and fees?
Is street parking permitted nearby? Are there permit zones?
Are there street cleaning schedules that cause tickets/towing?
What happens if a gate breaks—how fast is it repaired?
These questions turn parking from a vague promise into a clear part of your housing decision.
8) How to choose among LMU parking included apartments
Use a scorecard so you don’t get distracted by staged interiors.
Score 1–5:
Parking type quality (assigned vs first-come vs tandem)
Parking security and lighting
Guest parking practicality
Street parking risk (if needed)
True monthly cost after parking and fees
Sometimes the right choice is the slightly smaller unit with reliable parking—because it saves you daily stress and real money over time.
Conclusion
The best way to shop for LMU parking included apartments near campus is to treat parking like part of rent and verify the details in writing. “Included” can mean assigned, first-come, tandem, or included with restrictions—and those differences change your budget and your lifestyle.
When you ask the right questions, calculate true monthly cost, and evaluate the safety and convenience of your parking routine, you’ll avoid one of the most common LMU housing regrets: signing a great-looking lease and then realizing parking is a daily headache.
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