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Edens Hall, 360-650-2950
housing.wwu.edu
infodesk@wwu.edu
University Residences supports Western’s mission to serve the people of Washington, the nation, and the world by investing in programs that ensure the successful academic and social integration of new freshmen, transfers, and international students. Research indicates that students who live in university housing typically have higher GPAs, are more fully engaged and connected to the university, feel better about their university experience and are more likely to graduate. Western’s residential communities engage students in a diverse and inclusive learning environment of 15 residence halls, one apartment complex for upper-division students, and three residential dining centers.
The residential program promotes Western’s vision of a student-centered university and helps develop the potential of learners by engaging students in: (1) diverse and inclusive communities; (2) learning about leadership, sustainability and social responsibility; and (3) self-reflection. Residential students will find opportunities to develop as global citizens and as local leaders in positions: appointed, elected, hired, paid and volunteer. Returning students provide peer leadership for first-year freshmen and transfer students. Social and recreational activities support students making friends and personal connections on an intimate scale. Programs are specifically designed to help students transition to life at Western in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
The diverse and inclusive residential communities support students who have historically experienced discrimination, including members of groups who have been marginalized due to their race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or other social identity. Diversity enriches the educational experience. Inclusive learning helps educate all students, increases college retention, and better prepares graduates to participate in society. Our goal is to incorporate the uniqueness of each student into the fabric of the community.
Professional and upper-division student staff members live in residence to provide academic support, personal advisement, University resource information, conflict management and crisis intervention. They assist residents in developing a sense of community where students can feel “at home” at Western.
University Dining Services complements the campus learning community by providing high-quality service and attractive environments. The program supports the University’s sustainability initiatives in a variety of creative ways, including a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options, local foods, and food composting. The quality and character of the dining experience reflects the culture of the campus and the active, healthy lifestyle of Western’s students, faculty, and staff.
Meal plans are required in the residence halls, and are optional for students who live in Birnam Wood. Meal plans operate on an “all you care to eat” basis, with options for unlimited meals or a set number of meals. Meal plans include dining dollars used like cash at retail and residential dining venues. University Dining Services operates three residential facilities that include late-night dining options, and 10 retail venues located on campus in academic and support areas. During intersession (break) periods, campus retail locations are open, when residential dining meals are not available.
Residence Hall and Apartment Information
Most residence halls and apartments are coeducational by floor, wing or suite. Gender Inclusive Housing is available to non-freshmen. Residential communities maintain courtesy and quiet hours, and several different living-learning clusters are available as well. The typical residence hall room is designed for occupancy by two people. A limited number of single occupancy and triple occupancy rooms are available. Student rooms are furnished with a:
- Twin bed with mattress and pad
- Wardrobe or closet
- Desk and desk lamp
- TV cable
- High-speed Internet connection
- Optional local phone service
Students furnish linens, towels, alarm clocks, telephone and other personal necessities.
Birnam Wood apartments can accommodate up to four people, or one family. Public areas provide lounge, study and recreational space. Each furnished, two bedroom apartment includes all utilities, and has a:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Living room
- Dining area
- Deck
- TV cable
- High-speed Internet connection
- Optional local phone service
Students furnish items such as dishware, silverware and appliances.
Generally, the residence halls are open only during the academic terms. Buchanan Towers is open during winter and spring breaks: Birnam Wood apartments have a 12-month living option for students continuing their residency through the following academic term. Both meet the extended housing needs of out-of-state and international students.
Applying for Housing
Applications to live in the residence halls and apartments are made online at housing.wwu.edu. To obtain a hard copy application call (360) 650-6565, or at housing@wwu.edu. Housing priority is determined by the date of application for admission. Space in a particular hall or apartment is assigned according to Housing priority and upon student status. Roommate assignments are based upon student responses to the roommate assignment questionnaire; requests for roommates are made via the Roommate Request form at www.housing.wwu.edu. Students who wish to search for a roommate are encouraged to use the roommate search tool at the website
Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds
No deposit is required with the housing application. A deposit is requested when a housing offer is signed. The security deposit will be retained by the University as a damage and/or reservation deposit for as long as the student lives in the housing system. At the end of the agreement, the student’s account will be cleared and a refund of the deposit made after all housing and other University charges are paid in full.
An assignment to a University apartment or residence hall does not guarantee a parking space or permit. Students should apply for on-campus parking at www.ps.wwu.edu/parking/.
Costs
On-Campus Housing
The trustees of Western Washington University set room-and-board rates and apartment rents. The standard double room/125 block meal plan rate for the 2011-2012 academic year is estimated to be $8,755. Residence hall rates include room, food and utilities. Apartment rates are estimated to be $2,866 per person for a space in a double room in a two bedroom apartment; and $11,544 for a family residing in one apartment. Apartment rates do not include the cost for food service, and optional meal plans are available. Contact University Residences for more information.
*Housing rates shown above are estimates only; final rates are subject to board of trustees approval in April 2011. For more information call 360-650-2950 or e-mail housing@wwu.edu.
Summer Housing
Summer housing information and rates are posted at housing.wwu.edu/financial/ratesheets/.
Off-Campus Housing
For information regarding off-campus housing visit the Viking Union website at union.wwu.edu/, or see the Viking Union section in this publication.
Evacuation Guide
Western’s Evacuation Guide for Persons with Disabilities is now available. You are encouraged to obtain this publication and learn about tips for the person with a disability for responding in an evacuation; for assisting persons with disabilities in an evacuation; and a guide for establishing an individual written evacuation plan. To read or download a copy, go to http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/hr/disability/EvacGuideForPWD.pdf.
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