The start of the fall semester is likely the most challenging point of the year with respect to both traffic and parking for many UK students.

This year, parking is even more challenging with a large number of new students, staff and faculty navigating the campus at the same time.

“It wasn’t this bad last year, but this year it’s been horrible,” said sophomore Micheala Just. “It’s just bad– like I’ll just have to move my car or come here because I commute. I commute from Frankfort so then I’d have to – say my class is at 9 a.m., I’d have to wake up at probably 6 a.m. to get a parking spot.”

Worry not: UK Transportation Services is taking steps to alleviate the issues, specifically in the Kroger Field area.

A number of things are currently underway to ensure a smoother process for everyone, according to UK Personal Relations Executive Director Jay Blanton.

Students may be able to save time and help with these efforts, Blanton said.

As a reminder to all students, staff and faculty, K permits are valid in the Red, Blue, Greg Page Overflow and Soccer/Softball Lots.

“The lots tend to fill in the order listed, so we recommend that those who arrive later save time by skipping the first lots on the list,” Blanton said.

Transportation Services has placed members of its staff on site to assist students with finding available parking spots. These staff members are wearing neon yellow shirts and standing near the entrances to the lots, so they are easy to spot.

“They are here to help, so we hope students will use them,” added Blanton.

An opportunity for a limited number of residential students to change their K permits to a remote (X) permit is being offered currently.

In addition to accommodating parking needs for the residents of south campus graduate and family housing areas, remote parking may be an ideal option for other on-campus residents who infrequently use their automobile or are seeking a cheaper campus parking alternative.

These limited remote permits will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to students with housing assignments in Greg Page and Shawneetown, in addition to 200 on-campus residential students with housing assignments for all other residential facilities.

By choosing this option, students will avoid having to relocate their vehicle on days of home football games, save money (as much as $124 for those who purchased permits for the entire year), and benefit from a more predictable parking option, according to Blanton.

Remote parking is served by the Green Route connector shuttle, which provides access to campus via a bus transfer to the Blue and White routes, according to Transportation Services.

They are also in the works to finalize some parking lot improvements and efficiencies, which will result in the addition of approximately 365 spaces for students, faculty and staff.