We tried every University of Tennessee parking lot under the new rules. Here's our advice

University of Tennessee at Knoxville has overhauled its parking system, and a learning curve is to be expected as the campus community adjusts to the new core, intermediate and remote zones assigned to each permit.

Knox News wants to make parking a breeze for anyone who purchased one of the 21,360 permits sold as of Aug. 15 ? and for visitors looking to pay and park on campus. So, we checked out every lot in every zone and compiled some tips.

Permits are still available for all students. Seniors and graduate students were given first priority for purchasing permits, with final dibs going to freshman, who are being encouraged by the university not to bring a car on campus.

So far, these are the permits that have been sold:

• 10,255 commuter permits

• 4,154 noncommuter permits

• 5,658 employee permits

• 1,293 park-and-ride permits

UT split its parking lots and garages into zones, limiting where students can park based on the permit they purchased. Commuters can purchase either a core, intermediate or remote pass, while those who live on campus can only choose between core or remote lots.

There's a new park-and-ride option that allows students to park across from the downtown Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and ride a bus to campus.

Knox News sent higher education reporter Keenan Thomas to observe each parking location before classes start and to share what each parking lot has to offer, helping you find the right space for your schedule.

Our criteria is based on parking lot quality and location, and we have included a GPS walking estimate from each lot to John Hodges Library.

UT students and family: Important dates and costs you should know before fall semester

University of Tennessee commuter core parking spots

Note: These pins are close estimates of where the parking areas are located.

The $390 commuter core pass is the most expensive and gives students access to seven parking locations, most of which are larger and closer to the heart of campus.

From best to worst:

1. G10 Neyland Garage: This garage has tons of spaces — more than 1,800, according to the sign — and is generally well kept. However, nearly 250 spots are reserved for visitor parking. Its proximity to sports facilities, the College of Communication and Information and the Tickle College of Engineering make it ideal for a large number of students. Walk to Hodges: 14 minutes

2. G16 Volunteer Boulevard Garage: This garage is near Stokely Hall, the Student Health Center and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Noncommuters and staff members use this garage, and it's large enough to accommodate them all. Walk to Hodges: 9 minutes

3. G13 11th Street Garage: This might be the best option for students attending classes in Ayres Hall or the science buildings on Circle Drive, especially with the pedestrian bridge over Cumberland Avenue. Walk to Hodges: 13 minutes

4. Agricultural campus parking lot next to Animal Science Building: A nice and large parking lot that agricultural students can use, but it might not benefit other students. Walk to Hodges: 23 minutes

5. G12 White Avenue Garage: Only the top level is for commuters, while staff members use the rest. The garage has a strange layout but is fine overall and close to the College of Law, Volunteer Hall and the Student Union. Walk to Hodges: 5 minutes

6. Agricultural campus lot next to Veterinary Medical Center: This tiny portion of the large parking lot near the Veterinary Medical Center and the UT Gardens is barely enough for students, who also share part of the lot with visitors. Walk to Hodges: 23 minutes

7. Top of Administrative Garage: This location should be treated as a last resort, despite being connected to the communications building and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. The random dips and tight spaces are made worse by nearby construction. Walk to Hodges: 7 minutes

University of Tennessee commuter intermediate parking spots

The intermediate pass for commuters is $250 and comes with 10 parking options. These parking locations cover more of the core campus than the more expensive passes but include fewer spaces at each location.

From best to worst:

1. G17 Terrace Avenue Garage: The G17 garage gets a slight edge over the neighboring G11 for being more commuter-focused. The garage is well kept and has a lot of space for students. It's located between the Strip and campus near Hodges Library, the Carousel Theatre and multiple dorms. Walk to Hodges: 16 minutes

2. G11 Lake Avenue Garage: Similar in style and structure to the Terrace Avenue Garage, G11 has lots of room and doubles as a commuter and noncommuter parking location. Be mindful of the construction along Terrace and Caledonia avenues, which may delay getting into the garage. Walk to Hodges: 16 minutes

3. Parking lot next to TRECS: This parking lot is compact and is shared with staff members. It's perfect for those going to the athletic training facilities or eating at the Vol Dining Hall. It's near LaPorte Stadium, the Student Aquatic Center and the Student Recreational and Fitness Center. Walk to Hodges: 10 minutes

4. Parking lot off Clinch Avenue and James Agee Street: This lot is a part of UT, according to the parking map, though no UT signs were visible. It's a decent lot near Vol Hall, the College of Law, the Student Union and Ayres Hall. This could be a good option for those looking to park on the outskirts of campus. Walk to Hodges: 9 minutes

5. G7 West Campus Garage: Only the first floor of this garage is open to commuters. It's a good option for students who need to be near the Student Aquatic Center or Vol Dining Hall, although it might fill up quick. Walk to Hodges: 15 minutes

6. Parking lot by Second Creek off Cumberland Avenue: This is a well-kept parking lot split in half for staff members. Parking here puts you close to downtown, which some students might prefer, and the lot is near Ayres Hall and the science buildings. Walk to Hodges: 12 minutes

7. Shared lot with Greek Life off Todd Helton Drive: The lot is fine, with several sections and tons of spaces, but commuters have to share it with Fraternity Park residents 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Walk to Hodges: 15 minutes

8. Small lot near Herbert College of Agriculture: This lot is hard to find and might not be worth the effort. It's tiny, out of the way and cumbersome. It's right next to several buildings on the agricultural campus and near University Commons, but that's overshadowed by the cats lounging around and the confusing directions to get there. Walk to Hodges: 26 minutes

9. Parking lot on the corner of Todd Helton Drive and Volunteer Boulevard: This fenced-in lot has one entrance and an industrial feel thanks to nearby trucks and tankers. Only RecSports and Fraternity Park are close by, so only park here if necessary. Walk to Hodges: 19 minutes

10. Gravel lot off Todd Helton Drive behind Lindsey Nelson Stadium: The small patch of pavement looks like it will shred tires, and the barely visible lines painted on the gravel look cheap. Paying $250 to park on gravel must sting, but at least it's not baseball season yet. That's when students might have to worry about home runs and practice balls crashing through their windshields. Walk to Hodges: 14 minutes

University of Tennessee commuter remote parking spots

Commuter remote permits cost $198 and come with four parking options. After parking, students take a bus to the heart of campus.

From best to worst:

1. University Commons parking garage: This fantastic option is one of the biggest surprises. Students with a commuter remote pass can park in the shade, take a bus to campus and get groceries at Publix. Just have a backup in case the garage fills up quickly. Walk to Hodges: 22 minutes

2. Parking lot off Stephenson Drive: This giant parking lot is by Regal Soccer Stadium and the Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. It is also the furthest option from the center of campus. Walk to Hodges: 43 minutes

3. Parking lot connected to Church Street Methodist: There are a decent number of spaces, and students who need to be near Ayres Hall or the science buildings could benefit from using this lot. Walk to Hodges: 16 minutes

4. Front Street parking lot behind Church Street Methodist: When you first enter off of Front Street, everything seems OK ... until the lot drastically slopes downhill. Make sure to apply your parking brake! Walk to Hodges: 20 minutes

University of Tennessee noncommuter parking spots

Noncommuter students have 12 options to park their car throughout the school year, but they must choose between a $450 core pass and a $310 remote pass. Most parking locations are near student residential areas, so it makes sense to choose a spot near your dorm.

From best to worst:

1. Parking lot on 16th Street and Highland Avenue (core): This is a great parking lot north of campus that's big and spacious, with direct access to the Laurel Residence Hall. The lot is close to Fort Sanders and Vol Hall. Walk to Hodges: 10 minutes

2. G7 West Campus Garage (core): This garage gets a high ranking here thanks to the middle levels being reserved for noncommuters. It's a good option for students who need to be near the Student Aquatic Center or Vol Dining Hall, and it's the best option for students living in Dogwood and Magnolia halls. Walk to Hodges: 15 minutes

3. Two parking lots on Lake Avenue and Volunteer Boulevard West (core): These two lots are connected and, together, offer a great option near the Strip, Vol Condos and Dogwood Hall. However, there's just a single entrance and exit. Walk to Hodges: 16 minutes

4. G16 Volunteer Boulevard Garage (core): The garage can be used by commuters and noncommuters with a core pass. This garage is the best for Stokely Hall residents. Walk to Hodges: 9 minutes

5. G11 Lake Avenue Garage (core): Similar in style and structure to the Terrace Avenue Garage, G11 has lots of room and doubles as a commuter and noncommuter parking location. Be mindful of the construction along Terrace and Caledonia avenues, which may delay getting into the garage. Walk to Hodges: 16 minutes

6. Parking lot on Caledonia Avenue (core): This is a fine parking lot near Dogwood and Magnolia halls with a decent number of spaces. It's primarily limited by its size. Walk to Hodges: 15 minutes

7. Parking lot on Laurel Avenue (core): The other parking option for Laurel Hall, this small sloping lot shouldn't be a go-to choice. It's only accessible through one entrance on a one-way road. If the north lot is full, park here. Otherwise, skip if possible. Walk to Hodges: 8 minutes

8. Remote parking lot at UT Culinary Institute (remote): The lot is connected to the UT Culinary Institute and is located across from Sorority Village. It's not a bad option for noncommuters to catch a bus, especially since the busy intersection might deter walkers. But if you do walk ... Walk to Hodges: 30 minutes

9. G15 Volunteer Hall Garage (core): The bottom portion is public parking, with the third through fifth levels reserved for noncommuters. The layout is confusing and the turns are tight, making parking an uncomfortable experience. This really only benefits Vol Hall residents. Otherwise, avoid it. Walk to Hodges: 7 minutes

10. Parking lot by Kingston Pike Building (remote): This remote lot starts poorly with a huge gravel section, but the big parking lot past the Kingston Pike Building is its saving grace. Noncommuters should try to park in the back portion and save the gravel for a last resort. Walk to Hodges: 29 minutes

11. Parking lot connected to Reese Hall (core): This tiny lot connects to Reese Hall, and residents of the dorm should be the only ones parking here. There aren't a lot of spaces, and there isn't a lot of space to navigate. Walk to Hodges: 10 minutes

University of Tennessee at Knoxville visitor parking

It's not just University of Tennessee students who will experience major changes to parking this school year. Visitors will notice some differences, too, namely the addition of 1,000 visitor parking spots across campus for just $2 per hour at most locations.

Look for signs at the following parking areas to scan a QR code for payment, which also is accepted through the ParkMobile app.

• Circle Park: 40 spaces between the park and Communications Building

• G7 West Campus Garage: 196 spaces on the top level

• G10 Neyland Garage: 238 spaces on the top and bottom levels

• G15 Volunteer Hall Garage: 176 spaces on the first and second floors

• Pat Head Summitt Street: 11 on-street spaces

• Phillip Fulmer Way: 82 on-street spaces

• Todd Helton Drive: 65 on-street spaces

• Volunteer Boulevard West (from Todd Helton Drive to Cumberland Avenue): 176 on-street spaces

• Morgan Circle Drive: Six spaces by the Herbert College of Agriculture

• Service and Jacob drives: 10 spaces in the lot next to the UT Veterinary Medical Center and UT Gardens

Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing to subscribe.knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Where to park on University of Tennessee campus with new parking zones