Moving In: FALL 2025
Check Back Soon!
This page is currently being updated. Check back later this summer for specifics. For now, feel free to browse general information on the arrival process, packing list & more!
Arrival Process Overview
Fall 2025 Move-in is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18 - Saturday, Sept. 20.
Check back later this summer for specific arrival instructions. Here is an overview of what to expect for move-in (subject to change).
- Timeslot: Sign up for a move-in date & time in the MyHousing portal. Timeslot sign-up will become available in mid-August for students with a room assignment.
- Photo ID: Bring a government-issued photo ID with you and your building/room number for checking in.
- Check-in Location: You will be assigned a specific location for check-in depending on your building. You will be emailed directions to your check-in location, and directions will also be posted here later this summer. Plan to arrive as close to your move-in timeslot as possible.
- Receive Keys: At check-in, you will receive your keys and/or fob. This gives you access to your building and room.
- Unload at Building: After checking in, you will be directed to your building to unload. Park near your building in a 20-minute unload zone to unpack your vehicle. Move-in volunteers will help unload your car.
- Long-term Parking: Once your vehicle is unloaded, move it to one of the C-lots for long-term parking.
- Set Up Your Room! Return to your hall to set up your room, meet your hall staff, and connect with other students!
If you arrive after hours, call the RA On-Call number. You can find it posted at your building's entrance.
Volunteer at Move-in!
Western Welcome Team is a volunteer opportunity for students to welcome new on-campus residents while assisting with move in. Move-in early, meet new people, make friends, and help others!
Building & Room Access
At check-in you will receive a set of keys and/or fob that gives you access to your community, building, room and mailbox. You are financially responsible for lost or damaged keys/fobs. Lost or damaged keys/fobs create a security risk to you and your community and must be reported to your front desk immediately.
Where to Arrive
Check-in Locations
Depending on what residence hall you'll be moving into, you will be assigned a specific check-in location. Check back later this summer for details on where to arrive for check in! You will also be emailed arrival instructions.
At check-in, you will receive your keys and welcome bag. After checking in, you will proceed to your building's unload zone to unpack your car.
Don't Get a Parking Ticket
After you unload your car, please park it in one of the WWU parking lots:
- Free parking available on Sunday (Mar 30): C lot
- Pay to park: 6V, 7G and 14G lots
Here's how to get to popular destinations from Western on the bus:
Questions? Visit www.ridewta.com. Plan your trip and track your bus in real time using BusTracker.
After Hours Arrivals
If you arrive outside the check-in window, go to your community desk. If the building is closed call the number posted outside for the RA on call for assistance checking in.
Free Bus Rides for Students!
Consider traveling all weekend on foot, by bike and by Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus. WWU students receive a quarterly benefit code for the Umo Mobility app. Family members can pay $1 cash per ride or pay via mobile app. Review Student Bus Pass for an overview of Western bus services.
What to bring
Resident Checkout Program
Before you buy, check out for free! Western’s Resident Checkout Program offers on-campus residents free short- and long-term checkouts of residence hall essentials, games, cleaning supplies, and more. For more information about inventory and reservations, visit the RCP website.
Bed Options
- Twin XL sheets will fit any of our mattresses on campus.
- Rooms are configured as high singles (except triple rooms, which require lofts).
- For disability accommodation, contact the Disability Access Center.
- For more information, visit Bed Options.
Recommended Packing List
- Approved appliances: electric tea kettles, coffee makers, blenders, electric fans, air purifiers, rice cookers, microwave ovens up to 900w, mini-fridges.
- Clothing: be ready for rain, snow and sun; bring warm clothes, good shoes, a rainproof jacket with a hood, a warm coat, waterproof boots, a scarf, hat and gloves.
- Emergency kit with rechargeable flashlight
- Environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies
- Flashlight: plan for shorter daylight hours in the winter.
- Laundry gear: laundry bag, hamper or basket, detergent, hangers.
- Linens: extra-long twin sheets, mattress pad or topper, pillows, blankets, comforter, sleeping bag, towels.
- Medical: prescription medications, pain reliever, cold remedies, tissue, thermometer, antacid, allergy medicine.
- Official documents required for employment: Social Security card, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate.
- Personal technology: laptop, tablet or desktop computer, USB-connected printer, game console, TV, fire-safe surge protector.
- Security items: fireproof lockbox or locking storage chest, laptop cable lock.
- Storage: food, dishware, clothing, hangers, outdoor gear.
- Toiletries: shower caddy and bathroom supplies.
- Travel toolkit: half-inch socket wrench for bunking or lofting your bed.
- Face Coverings
Prohibited Items
- Firearms or weapons
- Flammable materials or explosives
- Hazardous appliances: electric hotplates, burners, toasters and toaster ovens (allowed in suites with kitchenettes), space heaters, halogen lamps over 300w, hoverboards, any appliance that is not UL approved.
- Non-university beds or accessories
- Pets are prohibited, but fish in tanks under 10 gallons are allowed. Assistance animals are not considered pets.
- Wireless Routers
- See: Prohibited Items
Assistance Animals
If you plan to bring a service dog or an emotional support animal, see Animals in Residence.
Technology
Connecting to the Internet
Wi-Fi is provided throughout the residence halls and is included in your room rate.
Wireless routers are prohibited on our network. You can access the Internet through WWU Wi-Fi using your Western login.
Note: wireless printers connected to our network can be seen and possibly used by other students. For more information, visit: restek.wwu.edu/get-online/other-devices.
Tech Support
Need help? The Academic Technology and User Services (ATUS) Help Desk provides tech support for students, staff & faculty! Use the Help Desk portal to request assistance or browse helpful articles.
- Submit a request form - the fastest and most convenient way to request help
- Browse or search for helpful articles
- Call the Help Desk at (360) 650-3333
- The ATUS office is in Haggard Hall 123
- For all ATUS help contacts, see: How to Get Help
Residential Computer Labs
Each community has access to a 24-hour computer lab. For computer lab location(s) in your community, visit your community page section on community features.
Dining Services
Residential Dining Commons
All dining commons will open for dinner on Thursday, Sept 18, 2025.
- North Campus: Viking Commons
- Ridgeway: Ridgeway Commons
- South Campus: Fairhaven Commons
Visit Dine On Campus and/or download the app for dining commons hours, menus, events, and more!
Each residential meal plan comes with a quarterly allowance of meal swipes plus Dining Dollars (for use at any retail dining locations). Meals are available at any dining commons: swipe your Western ID card when you enter the commons and one all-you-care-to-eat meal will be deducted from your dining balance.
Meal plans for the 2025-26 year are on a weekly schedule. Meals replenish on Sundays and unused meals will expire at the end of the week.
Dining Dollars may be spent in any of the campus cafés, markets, or dining commons and carry over from one quarter to the next. Meal plan changes can be made by visiting Dine On Campus. Upgrades are accepted anytime, and downgrades are accepted through the second Friday of each quarter.
- Apartment residents can purchase an optional meal plan at dineoncampus.com/WWU.
If you are living with food allergies, you are familiar with managing your health and wellness. Western works hard to provide the tools you need to maximize your dining experience on campus. We encourage you to meet with our registered dietitian and executive chef when you arrive on campus.
Things to Know
Room and board are billed to your student account before the start of each quarter, and your student account is accessible through MyWestern. Housing and meal plan rates are available at Financial Information.
The term of the Housing Agreement is the length of the academic year, or remainder thereof if you moved in midyear. Termination of occupancy before the last week of spring quarter may result in checkout penalties and a contract breakage fee. For more information, visit Housing Agreement.
As a member of the residential community, you are responsible for understanding and abiding by the residential policies and procedures, including the Housing Agreement, the Community Standards and Conduct Procedures. Read the Policies & Procedures carefully before moving in.
Students wishing to change rooms may initiate a transfer request through the MyHousing portal no sooner than the second week of the quarter. Transfer requests may take several weeks or longer to process depending on available housing and resident requests. For more information, visit Transferring Rooms.
Once you register for classes, you are eligible for an official Western ID card. Your card covers:
- WWU official photo ID
- Swipe-access to your meal plan and Dining Dollars
- Student bus pass and shuttle
- Rec Center access
- Athletic events
- Library Services
For more information on Western Card, visit westerncard.wwu.edu.
Laundry Facilities
Each residential community is equipped with energy-efficient front-loading washers and dryers. Laundry is included in your room cost. No laundry card, coins or tokens are required. You can check the status of available laundry machines online!
Housekeeping
Residents are responsible for the regular cleaning of their room, suite or apartment, including the proper disposal of trash and recyclables. Toilet paper is provided in the residence halls; Birnam Wood residents must provide their own toilet paper.
You and your suitemates are also responsible for cleaning your bathroom. Environmentally friendly cleaning products are strongly encouraged.
Please note: suite-style bathrooms will be cleaned once per month.
Custodial staff clean your bathroom daily if you live in a building with community bathrooms.
Custodians clean and disinfect public spaces at least three times per day.
Standard Amenities
Every room comes with Wi-Fi, window coverings, a recycle bin, compost bucket and trash can. Standard furnishings for each student include: dresser or built-in drawers, closet or wardrobe for hanging clothes, a desk and a chair.
Bringing a Car?
Make sure to sign up for a parking permit prior to arrival. Visit the Parking Portal for more information.
Bicycles
Racks designated for bicycle storage are provided throughout campus and within each residential community. Bicycles stored anywhere else are subject to impound. To see bike storage available in your building, go to Explore the Buildings. We also encourage you to register your bike with University Police.
Keep Your Stuff Safe
The University assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to your personal property from any cause. We strongly recommend you obtain Student Property Insurance or request Renters Insurance through your family insurance company.
Communication
Official Communication
Your WWU email is the University’s official method of communication. Housing staff regularly send official, time-sensitive communication by email. You are accountable for all information sent to your student email. You may set up email forwarding to redirect your Western email to a personal email account.
Receiving Mail & Packages
To ensure your mail successfully reaches your residence hall, address mail and packages as presented below, using your official first and last name. You should always use trackable, insured options when mailing cash or anything of value. When tracked items arrive, pickup notice is sent to your university email account.
Your Full Name
Hall Name + Room Number
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
For more details on resident mail, visit Mail & Deliveries.
Shipping Items Before You Arrive
If you are coming from another state or country, it may be practical to ship some of your things in advance. Use this address format:
Your Full Name
Hall Name + Room Number
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
- Packages are accepted a maximum of seven days prior to your arrival; any packages sent more than seven days in advance, may be returned to sender.
- To ensure proper delivery, address the package in the format presented above and use trackable insured options.