HOUSING TIMELINE
When to Apply for Housing
Western uses the quarter system and new students start each quarter. The housing process differs for students incoming for fall quarter and students starting in winter/spring. Follow the steps below depending on which quarter you are applying for!
New students starting at the university in spring or summer should plan to submit two housing applications: one for spring/summer housing, and one for housing during the academic-year starting in fall quarter.
For more information on this, contact Housing at housing@wwu.edu.
Incoming for Fall 2026?
This page is undergoing updates for the upcoming application cycle. Please check back in January for the most up-to-date information!
Incoming for Fall
First Come, First Served
All incoming students who meet the deadlines are guaranteed a spot in on-campus housing.
For students incoming for fall, the earlier you apply and confirm with the $250 housing prepayment, the sooner you gain access to room selection. This means you'll get more options to choose from when picking your room!
Follow the four steps below to confirm your housing and claim your ideal spot!
1. Apply for Housing
The priority period to apply is Feb 1 - May 1
Once the online housing application opens on Feb 1 for the 2026-27 academic year, you can apply for housing. Select the application for the term you’ve been admitted, then complete the housing application. Select your housing preferences, take a roommate survey, and accept the Housing Agreement.
After you submit your application you can track your status in MyHousing. Late applications may be subject to temporary assignment or space availability.
2. Submit Housing Prepayment
The prepayment deadline is June 15
Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in MyHousing to pay the $250 housing prepayment. Once you’ve received the message that your housing prepayment is due, follow the instructions to pay.
Submitting your prepayment secures your spot in on-campus housing. The $250 will be applied towards your fall quarter charges. If you have not paid by the June 15 deadline, we will cancel your application.
3. Roommate Manager
Roommate Manager is available from when you submit your prepayment through June 30
Roommate Manager is only available for incoming Fall residents. Once you submit the $250 housing prepayment, you become eligible to use Roommate Manager in the MyHousing portal, where you can search for a compatible roommate.
To be roommates with a specific student, you will want to select the same room while Room Selection is open in MyHousing. For more information, visit Roommate Options.
4. Room Selection
Room Selection is available from when you submit your prepayment through June 30
Room Selection is only available for incoming Fall residents. Once you submit the $250 housing prepayment, you will be assigned a timeslot to select your room!
Room Selection opening times are based upon your Housing priority date (when you confirm admission to Western & submit your housing prepayment). If you do not select a room by the room selection deadline, we will assign your room. Visit Room Selection for more information.
You will select a meal plan during Room Selection. For meal plan options, visit Dine On Campus.
Incoming for Winter or Spring
Winter and Spring Application Process
All incoming students who meet the deadlines are guaranteed a spot in on-campus housing. Follow the three steps below to apply for housing for a winter or spring quarter arrival.
1. Apply for Housing
The priority period to apply:
- Winter: Oct 15 - Nov 30
- Spring: Jan 15 - Mar 1
Once the online housing application opens you can apply for housing. Select the application for the term you’ve been admitted, then complete the housing application. Select your housing preferences, take a roommate survey, and accept the Housing Agreement.
After you submit your application you can track your status in MyHousing. Late applications may be subject to temporary assignment or space availability.
2. Submit Housing Prepayment
The prepayment deadline:
- Winter: Dec 15
- Spring: Mar 15
Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in MyHousing to pay the $250 housing prepayment. Once you’ve received the message that your housing prepayment is due, follow the instructions to pay.
Submitting your prepayment secures your spot in on-campus housing. The $250 will be applied towards your winter/spring quarter charges. If you have not paid by the deadline, we will cancel your application.
3. Room Assignment
Your room assignment will be posted:
- Winter: late December
- Spring: late March
You will select a meal plan after you receive your room assignment. For meal plan options, visit Dine On Campus.
Requirements & Eligibility
New students who complete the housing application process by the appropriate deadlines are prioritized for housing their first year at Western (or for the rest of the academic year if admitted mid-year).
To live on campus, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of eight credits per quarter during the academic year, and five credits during summer quarter.
When you apply, you also accept Western’s Housing Agreement. The contract states that you plan to live on campus from your move in date through the end of the academic year. Moving out before the end of the school year will result in a contract breakage fee, except in cases of graduation, school withdrawal, study abroad or internship.
While new Western students receive housing priority, University Residences may grant housing requests to other student applicants as space allows.
Housing Appeals
University Residences provides an avenue for students who experience contractual difficulties (such as Housing Application on hold due to space availability, disagreement with the assessment of a housing charge against their account, etc.).
For more information visit Housing Appeals.