Student parking

Students generally do not need a private car during their studies at Loughborough, as the town is compact and most amenities, including the University, are within easy walking or cycling distance. A free shuttle bus service is also provided by the University.

If you plan to use a motor vehicle while studying, you must register it with the University through the Student Self Service Portal — even if you don’t intend to bring it onto campus. We also request that students keep their term time address up to date also using the Student Self Service Portal as this may inhibit approval of a permit. Please wait 24 hours after amending your address to re apply for a permit.  .

Unregistered vehicles may incur charges under Ordinance XXIII. Campus parking is managed through an automated system, and drivers must either purchase a valid permit or pay a visitor parking fee.

Students living in Claudia Parsons, John Phillips, Hazlerigg-Rutland, Elvyn Richards and Robert Bakewell Halls are not permitted to bring personal vehicles to the LE11 area without a permit to park. This is a restriction placed on the use of motor vehicles as part of their accommodation terms and conditions.

Who cannot be considered

(Unless exceptional circumstances apply)

  • First-year undergraduates and new postgraduate students living on campus.
  • Students living in Harry French, The Holt and William Morris Halls are not eligible for campus permits and should instead contact: Unite Students – Loughborough

Who can apply for a student permit

Student parking permits are available to the following groups:

  • Returning students (undergraduate or postgraduate) living on campus in halls of residence.
  • Students commuting from outside the LE11 postal area.
  • Students living off campus within LE11 (excluding in the halls listed above). A limited number of permits are available for this group on a first come, first served basis.

Applying for a student permit

Permit applications for the 2025/26 academic year open on 1 September 2025.

New students who meet the criteria for a parking permit: There are no parking charges for arrivals week (22 to 28 September) so there is no need to apply until you have moved in and collected your ID card.

Please ensure that:

  • You do not park on campus until your application is fully approved.
  • Submitting a student ID does not equate to holding a permit.
  • You pay the visitor fee if you must park on campus while awaiting approval.
  • Your home and term-time addresses are up to date via the Student Self Service Portal before applying.

Student parking is available in the following designated car parks:

  • Car Park 1 (Multistorey)
  • Car Park 7
  • Holywell Car Park

Parking in any other area may result in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Permit cost: £25 per month
Campus access: Via the East Entrance (Epinal Way) or West Entrance (Ashby Road)

Exceptional circumstances permits

Students who believe they meet the criteria for an exceptional circumstances permit must contact the University’s parking team for an application form. These permits are subject to approval and must be paid for.

Exceptional circumstances criteria

Sport

  • Receiving a University scholarship (see registration process below.)
  • Competing at international level (e.g., European Championships)
    • Proof of a selection/squad membership needs to come from a performance director at a recognised National Governing Body and those students need to demonstrate that they are working towards a major competition, such as European Championships

Medical

  • Short-term conditions – The applicant will need to provide supporting documents (e.g. GP letter, hospital appointments)
  • Long-term (12+ months) physical or mental health conditions affecting access around campus – contact Student Wellbeing before applying

Work

  • A work placement that is part of your Loughborough University course

Family circumstances

  • Short-term: Urgent family support needs (within the next 1–2 weeks)
  • Longer-term: Only considered in cases where:
    • There is a new, ongoing caring responsibility developed after starting studies
    • Frequent travel is required, and public transport is not feasible

Students are advised to consider transport needs when selecting their University and accommodation, as parking cannot be guaranteed in long-term family-related cases.

The University is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable environment that is accessible for everyone. We aim to make travelling to, from and around campus better for everyone and ease pressure on the environment at the same time. Please visit the sustainability travel web page for further details.

Registration process

  • Step 1: Visit the Loughborough University Apcoa website.
  • Step 2: Choose ‘Loughborough University Login’.
  • Step 3: Login using your university credentials. Please note: If you login off campus, you will need access to the VPN and will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Step 4: Choose ‘Document Upload Management’.
  • Step 5: Upload a copy of your student ID card.
  • Step 6: Select ‘Submit New Document’. Until your documents have been approved by the Parking Team, you cannot proceed with your permit application. You will receive a confirmation email when your document has been approved.
  • Step 7: Use the link in your confirmation email to progress your application.
  • Step 8: Choose ‘Blue Badge Holders and Permits’.
  • Step 9: Choose to pay monthly.
  • Step 10: Select ‘Add Vehicle’ and complete your vehicle details.
  • Step 11: Select 'Renew Automatically' to have your parking permit renewed each month without needing to reapply.
  • Step 12: Agree terms and conditions are understood and select ‘Validate Permit’.
  • Step 13: Select ‘Add Payment Method’.
  • Step 14: Add your payment details. Please note: your bank may require you to verify the transaction. This a one-off process and adds a further layer of security to the process.

On completion, there is no email confirmation or finish to the process. Once you have added your vehicle and card details, please just exit the system.

Please note: Only active student permits can be renewed. Please follow the steps above to apply for a new permit if your current permit has expired.

  • Step 1: Visit the Loughborough University Apcoa website.
  • Step 2: Choose ‘Loughborough University Login’.
  • Step 3: Login using your university credentials. Please note: If you login off campus, you will need access to the VPN and will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Step 4: Choose ‘Document Upload Management’.
  • Step 5: Upload a screen shot of your student ID card and confirmation of your parking adjustment (found on the disability tab on your student self-service)
  • Step 6: Select ‘Submit New Document’. Until your documents have been approved by the Parking Team, you cannot proceed with your permit application. You will receive a confirmation email when your document has been approved.
  • Step 7: Use the link in your confirmation email to progress your application.
  • Step 8: Choose student permits, staff permits and blue badge holders.
  • Step 9: Select your free permit.
  • Step 10: Select ‘Add Vehicle’ and complete your vehicle details.
  • Step 11: Agree terms and conditions are understood and select ‘Validate Permit’.

On completion, there is no email confirmation or finish to the process. Once you have added your vehicle and card details, please just exit the system.

Log in on the Loughborough University Apcoa website and click on the Payment History tile and then Change Vehicle Details on your active permit (black buttons – expired permits show blue buttons). From here, click Add Vehicle and fill in your vehicle details and add the vehicle to your permit. Please note, only one vehicle can be added to a permit.

Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity
Parking FAQs
Student Campus Parking Map