Facility Overview

Situated within the prestigious University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus in zip code 92617, Lot 82 is an expansive open-air surface parking facility strategically positioned within the university's rapidly expanding Health Sciences District. Bordered by the scenic academic grounds along Health Sciences Road, this well-maintained asphalt lot provides vital ground-level parking organized into clearly delineated stalls, designated permit zones, and accessible parking bays. Because Lot 82 is a wide-open surface lot free from low-hanging ceilings, overhead beams, or restrictive architectural overhangs, it accommodates a broad range of vehicle types with ease. Standard compacts, sedans, crossover utility vehicles, full-size SUVs, and large pickup trucks can navigate the drive aisles smoothly. Additionally, high-roof delivery vans and vehicles equipped with cargo racks or rooftop attachments face no vertical height constraints, making it a stress-free alternative to multi-story campus garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 82 serves as a primary access gateway to the university's medical, health, and biomedical research sector. It is situated steps away from the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Building, the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, and the UCI School of Medicine education facilities, including Medical Education Building 836 and the Gross Hall Stem Cell Research Center. The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and the Hewitt Research Hall are both within a 3 to 6-minute stroll (under 0.3 miles).

Beyond medical academics, campus visitors can walk north approximately 10 to 12 minutes to reach Aldrich Park, the leafy heart of the UCI Ring Mall, or stroll about 12 to 15 minutes to reach the Bren Events Center, Crawford Hall, and Anteater Stadium for collegiate basketball, volleyball, and track & field matches. Commercial amenities are also nearby; the University Research Park business campus sits immediately adjacent across California Avenue, and the shopping, dining, and cinematic venues of the University Town Center (UTC) are roughly a five-minute drive away.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle access to Lot 82 is exceptionally convenient, directly reachable via Health Sciences Road off Michael Drake Drive and California Avenue. Commuters arriving via regional expressways will appreciate immediate connections to California State Route 73 (San Joaquin Hills Toll Road) via the Bison Avenue interchange, allowing travelers to bypass heavier municipal traffic. Quick arterial routes also connect seamlessly to Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway), State Route 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway), and MacArthur Boulevard, simplifying commutes from throughout Orange County.

Public transportation riders benefit from comprehensive connectivity. Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus lines serve nearby stops along California Avenue and Campus Drive. On campus, the student-run Anteater Express shuttle service operates frequent routes during the academic year, picking up passengers within the Health Sciences complex and transporting them directly across the central campus, student housing communities, and nearby commercial centers.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air surface parking layout with wide driving corridors and zero vertical clearance restrictions.
• Clearly marked standard commuter stalls, departmental spots, and fully compliant ADA-accessible parking spaces.
• Equipped with high-intensity campus night illumination for round-the-clock safety and visibility.
• Regular security sweeps and patrol coverage by the UC Irvine Police Department (UCIPD) and campus security escorts.
• Digital payment and virtual permit integration powered by UCI Transportation's PARKbyPLATE system, myCommute portal, and automated on-site permit dispensers.
• Close proximity to Level 2 EV charging facilities located within adjacent Health Sciences parking areas.
• Pedestrian walkways and curb cuts providing step-free connectivity directly into academic buildings and clinics.

Ideal For

• Medical students, healthcare residents, researchers, and faculty commuting to the UCI Health Sciences Quad and School of Medicine.
• Patients, research participants, and clinical visitors attending appointments at nearby campus laboratories and medical centers.
• Conference attendees, visiting lecturers, and delegates attending workshops at the Samueli College of Health Sciences and colloquium spaces.
• Spectators and sports fans heading to athletic events at Anteater Stadium and the Bren Events Center.
• Daily university commuters seeking reliable open-air parking without the tight navigation of multi-level garages.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking at UC Irvine is actively regulated, and a valid digital permit or pay-by-plate receipt is mandatory at all times. Visitors should purchase their daily parking permit prior to arrival online via the UCI Transportation myCommute portal or immediately upon parking using the nearest electronic dispenser. Commuters should verify whether their permit matches the appropriate zone—Lot 82 typically falls under Zone 2 commuter designations during academic peak times. To secure prime spaces nearest the medical quads, aim to arrive before 8:30 AM on weekdays. For GPS route guidance, enter 'Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92617' or navigate toward the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, following posted directional signage once entering the Health Sciences complex.