Students are returning to campus: What employees need to know
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2026) — The return of students to campus brings renewed energy and activity, along with an increase in demand for parking. Move-in for the fall academic semester is Aug. 16-19, with classes set to start on Monday, Aug. 24.
Below are tips for employees to help navigate the first few weeks of the fall semester.
- Keep in mind that many new students are unfamiliar with campus. UK Transportation Services sends notices to students ahead of time explaining where they can park based upon their permit type, and staff will be stationed in lots to direct students during the first week of classes. However, some students may inadvertently park in an incorrect lot until they become familiar with campus.
- During the first two weeks of classes, expect increased demand for parking as well as an increase in traffic.
- Use less popular lots if your permit allows and have a backup parking location in mind if your preferred lot is full.
- Lot allocations in the Kroger Field area have changed this year, with the North and South Red lots now reserved for employees. This was done to offset the closure of University Drive Garage and other surface parking lots associated with the Chandler Hospital expansion project.
- Construction in the vicinity of University Drive will slow both traffic and transit, so consider avoiding that area if possible.
- Take advantage of designated walking paths from the Kroger Field area to central campus. Learn more about those and see an online map of the area.
- Take advantage of Transit, an app that allows you to track campus buses in real time.
- While driving, watch for additional pedestrians, cyclists and individuals on scooters.
Students are central to the university’s mission, and we look forward to their return. The university appreciates the patience and flexibility as parking and traffic demands increase during the first few weeks.
If you have questions or need more information, email UK Transportation Services at transportation@uky.edu. To stay in the loop about parking, traffic and transit updates, sign up to receive Transportation Services notices and follow Transportation Services on X @UKParking and Instagram.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.