|
 Return to: Student Services
Edens Hall, 360-650-2950
housing.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 house 4,100 students in 16 residence halls and one apartment complex.
The residential program promotes Western’s vision of a student-centered university and engages students in diverse and inclusive, healthy, safe and sustainable communities that foster academic success and personal growth. Our 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.
Leadership and work opportunities for residents are a key component of our program. Returning students provide peer leadership for first-year freshmen and transfer students, and all residents are encouraged to volunteer for hall council, as well as apply for desk attendant or resident advisor positions. 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.
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 student learning environment is enhanced by dining venues that intentionally reflect educational messages supporting the University’s mission, and that facilitate informal interactions between students and faculty in convenient and comfortable locations. Western’s dining services are characterized by a collaborative partnership that achieves the best in innovation within the context of rich enduring traditions while creating opportunities for the development of community. The program also 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.
Meal plans are required in the residence halls, and are optional for students who live in Birnam Wood apartments. 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 dining commons 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 is 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, while freshmen may petition for entrance. Residential communities maintain courtesy and quiet hours, offer alcohol-free areas, and include several different living-learning communities. 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 the following:
- Extra-long twin bed with mattress and pad
- Wardrobe or closet
- Desk and desk lamp
- Cable TV jack
- Wireless Internet
- Telephone capability for an additional fee
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 includes the following:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Living room
- Dining area
- Deck
- Cable TV jack
- Wireless Internet
- Telephone capability for an additional fee
Students furnish items such as dishware, silverware and appliances.
Generally, the residence halls are open only during the academic terms. Buchanan Towers and Buchanan Towers East are 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 contact Housing at (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 specific roommates can be made via the Roommate Request form at 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, although students are still held responsible for any future charges placed on their student account.
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 2012-2013 academic year is estimated to be $9,019. Residence hall rates include room, food and utilities. Apartment rates are estimated to be $2,973 per person for a space in a double room in a two bedroom apartment; and $11,889 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 2012. 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/.
Housing Parking
An assignment to a University apartment or residence hall does not guarantee a parking space or permit. Students should apply for on-campus at www.ps.wwu.edu/parking/.
Off-Campus Housing
The Off-Campus Housing Listing Service allows students to find local housing. There are two services for off-campus housing: the Viking Union has a Website with an off-campus registry at www.union.wwu.edu/, and a bulletin board on the fifth floor. Bulletin board listings may be made in person between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Website has 24-hour login capacity for eligible users.
Return to: Student Services |
