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Auxiliary Services has implemented improvements to facilities across campus to ensure that the 2025-2026 academic year is the most outstanding yet for students, faculty, staff, and visitors at the University of Georgia.

More than 1,800 new parking spots have been introduced on campus, while commuters will notice new bus routes and updated route titles along with enhanced service to park-and-ride locations.

Campus diners will benefit from a wider selection and greater convenience due to expanded franchise collaborations throughout the area and an autonomous market at the Tate Student Center.

This summer, the UGA Bookstore underwent a complete renovation, refreshing its appearance and improving the shopping experience for textbooks, spirit merchandise, and various essentials.

Enhanced parking options

A new parking structure, referred to as West Campus Parking Deck II (Lot W18), is adding close to 1,100 parking spaces. This garage is situated next to West Campus Deck (Lot W09) and Brumby Hall. West Campus Parking Deck II will primarily cater to students residing in adjacent Brumby Hall, Russell Hall, Creswell Hall, Black-Diallo-Miller Hall, and other dormitories.

College Station Park-and-Ride (Lot E23) has expanded by nearly 650 spots. UGA community members will benefit from improved bus service to both park-and-ride facilities — College Station Park-and-Ride (Lot E23) and East Side Park-and-Ride (Lot E26) — this upcoming fall.

The parking area next to Joe Frank Harris Commons close to the Ramsey Student Center (Lot E09) has added 70 spots.

Updated bus routes and titles

New bus routes and titles will go into effect on Aug. 11. Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) along with leaders from the Student Government Association (SGA) have proposed these changes to boost accessibility to campus and enhance operational effectiveness. TPS sought community feedback on the proposed modifications from June 6-22 and utilized the suggestions received to optimize the new routes further.

UGA bus passengers can expect improved service to key campus locations and park-and-ride lots surrounding the campus perimeter. For the first time, TPS will provide night service on selected routes following football games, starting at 4 p.m. or earlier.

The new routes will also enhance connections to regional transit networks and align bus capacity with route demand. The sole bus stop removed was the one at Clarke Central High School, due to low usage. New titles have been developed to correspond with the new routes, ensuring consistent naming within the UGA transit system.

New dining establishments

Among the forthcoming retail dining establishments is Blenz Bowls, which specializes in fruit smoothie bowls and beverages. Blenz Bowls will be located at The Creamery.

Dunkin’ and Newk’s Eatery are set to open within the Rothenberger Café at Amos Hall.

Your Pie, a custom pizza venture started by UGA alumnus Drew French, is launching a new outlet in Bulldog Café at the Tate Student Center. Your Pie will take over the prior location of Niche Pizza Co. and will utilize a hearth oven to prepare individual-sized, custom pizzas for patrons.

Additionally, at Bulldog Café, Chick-fil-A has broadened its menu, evolving from an express outlet to a full-service location. Dunkin’, Newk’s Eatery, Your Pie, and Chick-fil-A will implement their unique apps for mobile ordering at their UGA establishments. Chick-fil-A will also leverage the Transact app for students wishing to utilize Paw Points for payments.

Autonomous market at Tate Center

Following the success of the autonomous market at Russell Hall, Dining Services has transformed the Market at Tate into a checkout-free space as well.

Both markets utilize AiFi (rhymes with WiFi) technology, which employs a camera-based spatial intelligence system enabling customers to purchase their desired items using a credit card or Paw Points without the need to check out at a cashier.

A request from the SGA to extend the hours of operation for the Market at Tate prompted this transition.

“SGA is extremely thankful for Auxiliary’s ongoing dedication to addressing student concerns, particularly regarding a matter as important as food accessibility,” stated SGA President John Neely. “We initially contacted them about the Tate market’s limited operating hours, which closed before many student organization meetings were complete. While our aim was solely to extend the closing time, Auxiliary exceeded our expectations.”

Bookstore renovation

The UGA Bookstore has just completed a substantial renovation, modernizing its appearance and enriching the Georgia Bulldog experience. Students will enjoy newly designed areas for textbooks, technology, and dorm necessities. Bulldog supporters will find a dedicated game day shop, a special Uga-themed section, and a wider selection of premium apparel. The upgrades also feature stylish new fixtures, marble flooring, and eye-catching wall designs. This renovation was facilitated by the bookstore’s business partner, Follett Higher Education.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will occur at the bookstore on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. It will be opened to the public, and the bookstore will be accessible.

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