Thousands of parents are set to descend on Leeds to help their children move into university accommodation. However, with city centre student accommodations, permit-only residential streets, limited waiting bays and private car parks monitored by ANPR cameras, what should be an exciting milestone can quickly become an expensive headache.
Parking fines issued by councils can reach up to £70 for standard contraventions, while private parking charges typically range between £60 and £100. Parents unfamiliar with local restrictions could unknowingly face a hefty bill while unloading boxes and suitcases.
To help avoid steep parking fines, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has identified the best places to park near Leeds's largest and most popular student accommodations, alongside advice for navigating driving and parking during move-in day.
- Parking in residential permit-only zones
- Overstaying supermarket or retail park time limits
- Using loading bays outside permitted hours
- Stopping on double yellow lines while unloading
- Blocking dropped kerbs, driveways or access roads
- Parking in university staff-only car parks
Car park | Address | Price (4 hours) | Price (all day) | Walking distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Woodhouse Lane (Leeds City Council) | Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AX | £7 | £16 (24h) | 6-8 mins |
Rose Bowl (Underground) | Portland Crescent, LS1 3HB | £6.70 (Mon–Fri), £5.90 (Sat–Sun) | £16 (24h) | 8-10 mins |
Merrion Centre (CitiPark) | 5 Merrion Way, LS2 8BT | £11 | £20 (24h) | 10-12 mins |
Car park | Address | Price (4 hours) | Price (all day) | Walking distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Burley Road Car Park | 54 Burley Road, Leeds LS3 1JZ | Check board on arrival | Check board on arrival | 2-3 mins |
West Street Car Park | West Street, Leeds (near city centre) | £3.90-£5.00 | Around £5-£7 | 15-18 mins |
Woodhouse Lane (Leeds City Council) | Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AX | £7 | £16 (24h) | 5-7 mins |
Car park | Address | Price (4 hours) | Price (all day) | Walking distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Merrion Centre (CitiPark) | 5 Merrion Way, LS2 8BT | £11 | £20 (24h) | 2-4 mins |
Woodhouse Lane (Leeds City Council) | Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AX | £7 | £16 (24h) | 5-7 mins |
Q‑Park The Light | The Headrow, LS1 8TL | (hourly from c. £3.70) | £34 (24h) | 8-10 mins |
Car park | Address | Price (4 hours) | Price (all day) | Walking distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Woodhouse Lane (Leeds City Council) | Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AX | £7 | £16 (24h) | 6-8 mins |
Rose Bowl (Underground) | Portland Crescent, LS1 3HB | £6.70 (Mon–Fri), £5.90 (Sat–Sun) | £16 (24h) | 6-8 mins |
Q‑Park The Light | The Headrow, LS1 8TL | Hourly from £3.70 | £34 (24h) | 10-12 mins |
Area | Why avoid? |
|---|---|
University staff car parks | Authorised permit holders |
Supermarket car parks beyond free period | ANPR cameras may trigger parking charges |
Bus stops & taxi ranks | Immediate enforcement risk |
Double yellow lines | Restrictions often apply even when unloading |
- Book parking in advance to guarantee a space and potentially save money.
- Arrive early before the busiest check-in periods begin.
- Check university arrival guidance as some halls provide temporary unloading areas.
- Allow extra time for carrying belongings into accommodation.
- Don't assume a short stop is permitted. Parking restrictions can still apply even if you're only unloading for a few minutes.
“Moving into university is an exciting milestone for students and their families, but it can also be one of the busiest and most stressful days of the year. By knowing where to park legally and affordably, families can avoid unexpected parking charges and focus on enjoying this important moment”
Originally posted: 28th September 2026
