Frequently Asked Questions
Parking & Transportation
How much does a parking permit cost & how long will it last?
Permit costs vary based on the permit types. Typically, if you plan to be on campus for one day, it’s cheaper to pay the hourly rate. If you come to campus two or more days weekly, semester permit options may be less expensive overall.
Take our parking quiz to see our recommended permit options for you.
Are there assigned parking spots?
No. Your permit is associated with a particular lot(s) or deck. There is not a specific space in that lot or deck that is assigned to you. For the reserved lots and parking decks, the number of permits sold ensures that you will have a space in the lot or deck under regular conditions.
Once I purchase my parking permit, am I allowed to park at any parking lot without getting a ticket?
No. A parking permit is for a designated area (e.g., Lot I permit holders can park at a non-restricted parking space in Lot I at all times), and each permit has specific regulations about where it can be used. For details on all parking permits and their associated regulations, please visit: Where is my permit valid?
How does parking work if I have a motorcycle, a moped, or an electric scooter?
A vehicle that requires a license plate must be included as a vehicle on a parking permit.
If only driving a motorcycle, a specific motorcycle permit should be purchased in the Parking Services office. Motorcycles and scooters requiring license plates should park in designated motorcycle areas around campus.
An electric scooter does not require a parking permit but must be parked at a bike rack.
Please note: electric vehicles – scooters, skateboards, bikes, etc – cannot be stored or charged indoors in a residence hall or any Mason building. If you register your scooter or bike with Parking and Transportation, you may charge them at designated outdoor outlets. Please see bike.gmu.edu for details (scroll down on the biking resources tab).
Can I buy fall semester parking right now?
Not yet. Fall 2024 parking permits will be available online at parking.gmu.edu at the end of July. The start date for purchase depends upon your class standing:
- Graduate students and seniors: Coming Soon
- Sophomores and Juniors: Coming Soon
- Freshman: Coming Soon
Am I able to buy a parking permit for a full year? Instead of per semester?
No. Parking permits are only available on a by-semester basis.
Do I need different permits for each car, or can I add multiple cars to one permit?
Resident students may have one car on their virtual permit.
Non-resident students may have up to two cars on their virtual permit, but only one vehicle may be parked on campus at a time.
Is there public transportation throughout campus, or do we have to walk?
There is transportation to the Mason Square, SciTech, and Fairfax campuses, but when you arrive, you generally get around campus by walking.
On the Fairfax campus, you also have access to
- Patriot Bike Checkout Program (Free)
- Capital Bikeshare ($25/yearly student membership)
- E-scooters (cost)
- Mason Shuttles (Free): The West Campus Route travels between the West Campus and East Campus and travels around Patriot Circle as part of its route.
Is it cheaper to ride the shuttle to Mason or buy a parking permit?
Mason Shuttles is free with your Mason ID so it would be cheaper to use rather than purchasing a parking permit.
We also encourage carpooling among our students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity for permit rebates, carpool zones, and complimentary parking permits. To assist in finding a ride or sharing a ride, visit MasonCommutes.com.
Dining & Meal Plans
Do you have meal plans for off-campus students?
Yes, off-campus students can purchase any meal plan, but we recommend the Dining Dollar and Patriot plans.
What are the benefits of Dining Dollars? Where can they be used?
Dining Dollars are tax-exempt, so you save 6% by spending with them versus a credit or debit card. They can be spent at any retail dining location on campus, such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, The Halal Guys, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, Blaze Pizza, and more!
What are the $100+ Dining Dollars used for?
All Independence, Liberty, and Patriot meal plans start with $100 Dining Dollars, which are used at our retail locations, such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, etc. You can also use them to deliver on Starship and GrubHub.
Dining Dollars $100 is the default selection and will be assigned if no amount is specified. Dining Dollars options are $100 $200 $350 $500.
Is there a menu available online for what is being served on that day?
Yes! Just download our Everyday app to see:
- Nutritional info
- Filter options by allergies and preferences
- Location-specific options
Overall, our meal plans are built based on different lifestyles and preferences. Some are smaller, fitting the commuter lifestyle, and others are abundant for those living on campus with no kitchen access.
Take our dining meal plan quiz to find out what the best meal plan is for you.
What is the price for the dining halls without the meal plans?
The dining hall at-door price is listed below:
- Breakfast – $10.50
- Lunch – $12.00
- Dinner $13.00
With a meal plan, you can save up to 20% per meal cost depending on the meal plan options.
How do I select/change my meal plan? When are the meal plans due?
You may select/change your meal plan at the Online Mason Card Office. The meal plan is due on the first day of school via the Student Account Portal. Payment plans are available for monthly installments.
When and where can I pick up my ID card?
Mason Mobile ID—Download the “Atrium Campus Connect App” and log in with your Mason Net ID to add your Mason ID to your mobile wallet. See detailed instructions here.
Physical Mason ID—Bring a government-issued photo ID to Student Union Building I, Suite 1203. See office hours here.
Where do I go to have a picture taken for our Mason ID?
Visit Student Union Building I, Suite 1203, to get your photos taken. See office hours here.
You may also upload your photo online. Log in to the Online Mason Card Office and upload one valid government-issued photo ID and one headshot that meets the photo guidelines.
Is it true that you can only choose 1 type of card (virtual vs physical)?
Yes. Both Mason Mobile ID and the physical ID card provide the same access level and capabilities around campus.
You may choose between a physical Mason ID card and the Mason Mobile ID. Once users activate their Mason Mobile IDs online, their existing physical Mason ID cards will automatically deactivate or vice versa.
Do I need a Mason ID as a commuter?
Mason ID is required for many campus services, including meal plans, printers, library or equipment rentals, fitness facilities, Mason shuttles, major events, and so much more! We strongly encourage all students to obtain their Mason ID for easy access to services around campus.
How do we get Mason Money? Can we use it only at certain places/restaurants?
You can deposit Mason Money to your Mason ID online, in mobile apps, or in person. Click here for detailed instructions on depositing Mason Money to your Mason ID.
Mason Money can be used for on-campus services and off-campus Mason Merchant locations.
How do I select/change my meal plan? When are the meal plans due?
You may select/change your meal plan at the Online Mason Card Office. The meal plan is due on the first day of school via the Student Account Portal. Payment plans are available for monthly installments.
Do I have a mailbox on campus?
On-Campus Students: All students living on campus are automatically assigned to a personal mailbox.
Off-Campus Students: You may rent a personal mailbox for $25 (6 months) or $40 (12 months). Visit the Mailroom in Hub ground level with a payment method of Mason Money or credit/debit card. We do not accept cash payments.
Where do I pick up mails or packages?
You can pick up your packages from smart lockers at the Mail Hub, located on the Hub’s lower level.
When we receive your mail or packages from your carriers, we will notify you by email or text with the locker number and a unique one-time code to retrieve the package.
What address should I use to send mail or packages to the campus?
To send mail or packages to campus, use the below format:
First Name, Last Name
4450 Rivanna River Way #Mailbox Number
Fairfax, VA 22030
All on-campus residents will automatically receive a personal mailbox number via email. Off-campus students may rent a mailbox for $25 (6 months) or $40 (12 months).
How do parents sending package to students?
To send mail or packages to campus, use the below format:
First Name, Last Name
4450 Rivanna River Way #Mailbox Number
Fairfax, VA 22030
- When sending mail or packages, write the student’s name as shown on their Mason ID. Nicknames or names that do not match may result in mail being returned.
- It is also important to include their specific mailbox number, as shown above. Be careful NOT to mark this mailbox as a PO Box. The student mailboxes are not PO boxes.
Do I need to bring a printer to campus?
It’s optional to bring your own printers. We have printers with 24-hour printing access available in all housing neighborhoods and numerous locations around campus.
Printing costs are $0.10/page for black and white and $0.25/page for color. Deposit Mason Money to your Mason ID, and you can tap and print anywhere.
How to send print requests to print on campus?
There are three ways to print:
All print requests can be fulfilled through any of the pay-for-print devices across the campus. When you are ready to print, simply tap your Mason ID to release the job.
Can you use your Mason email to sign up for student plan accounts like Spotify?
Yes. Many companies offer student pricing or discounts with your school email. Signup guidelines and processes vary. Please check individual service providers for details.
How do I check all the discounts?
Visit PatriotPerks.gmu.edu for a full listing.
Can I still get discounts after graduting from Mason?
The perks are a lifetime for our Mason community. With your Mason ID or Alumni Association Member Card, you can continue getting discounts from selected businesses. Check discount eligibility under each listing.