Moving on or off campus can feel daunting. It’s important to look at parking and safety on campus to feel secure.
Safety on Campus
The public safety and security office on UI’s website states: “The University of Idaho Office of Public Safety, Security and Parking is committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment where all students, employees and visitors feel supported. Through a proactive, community-based approach, we work to deter crime, promote personal safety and respond quickly to any concerns.”
These services can include:
24/7 campus security patrols and access
The Vandal Security team is always patrolling campus, even on holidays and breaks.
Safe Walk
Safe Walk is a feature that every student has access to. Students can call 208-885-SAFE (7233), if they need a ride or escort anywhere on campus.
Vandal Alerts
Vandal Alerts are the official emergency notification system which delivers important safety information to students’ emails. Students can sign up for these alerts on MyUI, or can contact the campus security at [email protected].
Rave Guardian app
This app is used around many college campuses. The app allows students to have safety timers, emergency alerts and anonymous tip reporting.
Moscow Police Department
Along with Vandal Security, Moscow PD has a strong presence patrolling campus and making it safe. Call 911 for an emergency. For all other calls, you can reach them at 208-883-7054. For more information, you can go to their website by searching for the Moscow Police Department.
Parking on campus
The UI Parking and Transportation website states: “University of Idaho Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) keeps the Moscow campus moving. Getting around our compact, walkable campus and bustling downtown is easy — whether you walk, bike or use personal transportation.”
Free SMART transit buses
These buses have two fixed routes with eight stops through the UI campus and go to several other locations throughout Moscow. This is a great option for students who can’t drive while in Moscow.
Bikes and scooters
For other students who don’t want to drive, they can purchase bikes or scooters to get around campus and town. There are also scooters on campus available for students to rent. There are bike and pedestrian lanes for bikers or scooters to get around safely on the road.
Temporary parking
Daily and hourly parking is available throughout campus for temporary parking. These can be purchased through parking and transportation, or students can pay at the parking meters.
ADA accommodations
Parking and transportation have many different disability accommodations through campus for different needs. Students need to have a valid disability permit through parking and transportation so they can park where they need to. More information can be found on their website.
Parking permits
For students who will have a car on campus for at least a semester, they need to purchase a parking permit. These permits are for on campus students, Greek life and commuters. For the 2025-2026 school year, residential permits ranged from $105 to $347. For commuters, permits were $111 to $470. Permit pricing for next year has not yet been released. Students can expect permits to become available for the next school year around mid-summer. For more information, visit the parking and transportation website.
Andrea Roberts can be reached at [email protected].