» Do I Need a Car?

The short answer is: no. Deciding whether to bring a car to Chapman is entirely up to you, but it’s far from a necessity. In fact, only about one-third of first-year students bring their car to campus.

If you decide not to bring a car, don't worry—there are plenty of things to do within walking distance of Chapman and alternative transportation options. On this page you can find information on the various ways to get around campus and Orange, helping you find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

Key details for students not bringing a car

These transportation options make it easy to navigate campus and explore the surrounding area without needing a personal vehicle:

Walking

All Orange Campus departments are within walking distance of our Residence Life area, making it easy to get to class, the library, and other campus facilities.

Additionally, Old Towne Orange, with plenty of shops and restaurants, is just two blocks from campus. You can learn more about Old Towne on our virtual tour!

Biking

Biking is a popular mode of transportation at Chapman, especially for students living on or near campus. 

Bikes are permitted everywhere on campus except inside buildings, and there are numerous bike stands for easy parking. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the special traffic rules for bikers on and off campus.

Visit the Bicycle Rules and Regulations page for more information.

Chapman’s shuttle service

Chapman operates a shuttle service for students with a valid Chapman ID.

The shuttle runs between the west side parking areas and Schmid Gate, the Orange Campus and Chapman Grand, the Orange Campus, and Panther Village, and between the Irvine Train Station and the Rinker Health Sciences Campus.

If you end up living in Chapman-owned apartments after your first-year, the shuttle can help you conveniently commute to and from campus, ensuring you always have a reliable way to get to your classes and other campus activities.

Train (Metrolink)

The Metrolink train system is a great option for traveling to the beach, San Diego, or Los Angeles. Even better, the Orange train station is conveniently located within walking distance of campus, right across the street from the K Residence Hall.

You can also bring your bike on the train, making it a great option for exploring Southern California.

Zipcar

Zipcar offers a convenient solution for occasional trips where you need a car. You can rent a car by the hour or even by the day, providing flexibility without the hassle of owning a car.

All Chapman students receive a discounted Zipcar membership with valid student verification.

Bringing a car

As mentioned, a car isn't required to make the most of your Chapman experience. However, if you decide to bring one, here are some important details to consider:

Parking permit and registration

All vehicles parked in university-owned parking areas must display a valid Chapman parking permit associated with the vehicle's license plate. Registering for a student parking permit is completely free, and permits must be renewed every academic year.

Visit the Parking Permit Registration page for more information.

Electric vehicle charging stations

Chapman has electric vehicle charging stations all around campus and in major parking structures, but you’ll need to create an account with ChargePoint to utilize these chargers.

For further details and instructions on how to sign up, visit the Transportation page.

Valid driver’s license

You can still legally drive in California without a California license if you are from out-of-state. However, you must have a current and valid license from the state where you reside permanently, and that license must apply to the type of vehicle you are operating.

Parking over breaks and holidays

You can leave your car on campus during winter and spring breaks, but please note that summer parking is only available for students residing in Chapman summer housing.

Ask a student

Have questions about transportation at Chapman or student life in general? Our student ambassadors are here to help. Feel free to reach out!