For new students, parking on campus is a mess due to all the different signs and full lots. Sower has compiled need-to-know information to make your parking experience less confusing.

Vicky Holland, marketing specialist for Parking and Transportation, says the biggest misconception about parking is that there are not enough spaces.

“There’s plenty of parking, just not enough right outside of students’ classrooms,” Holland says.

Any valid permit can be used for multipurpose lots. Parking at the Jenkins Avenue lot by the stadium (and duck pond) is always free. If you are not sure you parked in the correct area and no signs are in sight, check the cars’ permits around you. All permits can be bought online here and in the Parking Office in Robertson Hall. The permit fee can be charged to your bursars account or paid for at the time of purchase.

Running late and have no choice but to park somewhere you are not permitted? Park at meters rather than faculty lots. Meter tickets cost less than faculty tickets. If you have any type of permit you can park at a meter without getting a ticket after 5 p.m. Rick Adamo, operations manager for Parking and Transportation, states that most citations are given for “no valid permit.”

“Parking personnel may void your citation immediately if it’s your first offense. If it’s not your first offense then parking personnel will place your appeal on the docket for Student Traffic Court,” Vicky Holland, marketing specialist for Parking and Transit, says.

If you receive a citation, try to appeal the ticket.

To appeal a parking ticket go here . Click the link on the right side of the web page that says “Appeal Citation.” From that point you will type in your 4x4 and it will lead to a page where you enter your parking citation information. Once submitted, the appeal process can take up to four months. You’ll receive mail stating why or why not your citation has been appealed. Make sure you appeal within 14 days of receiving your ticket.

“It’s easy to appeal, I just followed the directions online,” Nikki Smith, communications junior, says.

With parking tickets ranging from $15 to $150 with an average of 62,000 citations given each year, appealing is worth a try.

For more information on parking around campus follow @OUParking on Twitter. They will keep you updated on parking availability or construction.

OU offers several different permit types. Here are a few:

1. A housing permit is a requisite for those living in the dorms who have brought their own car. Housing permits allow you to park around the dorms.

2. A priority housing permit is for those still residing in the dorms who have lived in the university resident halls the past two semesters obtaining 24 credit hours. With a priority permit, parking is available in areas designated for housing or priority housing permits

3. Those not living on campus need a commuter permit. Commuter permit holders can park in commuter designated areas or at the Lloyd Noble Center and ride the CART shuttle.

4. There is also and evening permit if all your classes fall after 3:30 p.m. An evening permit is valid from 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. and costs $69.