Best options for UT student parking?

Hi, I’m attending UT Austin in the fall, and I’m trying to get my parking situation ironed out. I’m planning to take my car with me (so it’s easier to travel home, etc.) but I’m wondering what’s the best way to keep my car on campus. I’m staying in the dorms so I’m going to need 24/7 parking, and it seems that my only two options there are the garages (which are expensive and in high demand, so it’s probably unlikely I’d get one anyway…) or the overflow parking / Longhorn lots (which is much cheaper but will also probably be pretty crowded, not to mention a long walk from my planned dorm).

I’m not really sure which option is the best. If I do plan to try for a garage spot I imagine I’d have to do it quickly, as they’re already waitlisted. I don’t really plan to be using my car all that much, aside from when I’d have to drive home, so really accessibility isn’t that much of a concern. I’m leaning toward the Longhorn lots but I’ve heard they have unlimited permits, so I just want to make sure I can get a spot.

Is anyone else in the same situation? Any advice??

I wouldn’t have survived this year without purchasing an R permit. Shelling out the $765 was seriously painful, but the Longhorn Lots are far away and I still haven’t found a bus that gets you back to campus in a timely manner. Plus, I use my car every day going to work and/or to visit my boyfriend. It depends on how much you plan to use your car!

Get a garage spot. It’s not that difficult and it makes life so much easier.