MOVING IN: WINTER 2026
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Email Instructions
The information on this page is subject to change. You will also be emailed specific move-in instructions, so be sure to check your email!
Arrival Process
Official Winter 2026 Move-in is on Sunday, Jan. 4th from 10am-3pm.
- Timeslot: Sign up for a move-in date & time in the MyHousing portal! Once you receive your assignment, you'll be able to sign up for a move in time.
- Photo ID: Bring a government-issued photo ID with you and your building/room number for checking in.
- Community Front Desk: Follow our specific directions (see below) to arrive at your community desk for check in. If you arrive outside of desk hours, you will need to call the RA On-Call number (posted around the building) for assistance.
- Keys: At the desk, you will receive your room keys/fob & welcome bag.
- Unload at Building: After receiving your keys, park in one of your building's unload zones.
- 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!
Please note that there will be no personnel available to assist you with unloading, so plan on bringing help as needed.
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.
If you arrive after hours to check in, contact your building's RA On-Call number (posted around the building).
Where to Arrive
Check In at Your Community Front Desk
At your building's community desk, you will receive your room keys and welcome bag. Follow the specific directions below to arrive at the correct desk. Jump to: North Desk, Ridge Desk, Buchanan Towers, Fairhaven, Birnam Wood.
Directions to North Desk
Residents of Edens, Edens North, Higginson, Mathes and Nash check in at the North desk located inside Higginson
Northbound on I5
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Southbound on I5
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Directions to Ridge Desk
Residents of Clark Glass, Beta, Gamma, Kappa, Sigma, Omega, Delta, Alpha check in at the Ridgeway Commons desk
Northbound on I5
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Southbound on I5
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Directions to Buchanan Towers Desk
Residents of Buchanan Towers & Buchanan Towers East check in at the desk located inside Buchanan Towers
Northbound on I5
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Southbound on I5
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Directions to Fairhaven Desk
Residents of Fairhaven check in at the desk located inside Fairhaven Commons
Northbound on I5
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Southbound on I5
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Directions to Birnam Wood Desk
Residents of Birnam Wood check in at the desk located inside the Birnam Wood community building
Northbound on I5
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Southbound on I5
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Don't Get a Parking Ticket
After you unload your car, please park it in one of the WWU parking lots:
- Free parking on Sunday, Jan 4: 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
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
- Reusable water bottle and coffee cup (receive $0.10 off at Starbucks on campus for bringing your own cup!)
- 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 three dining commons will reopen for winter quarter starting with dinner on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
- 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.
Sustainability
Waste Mindfulness for Move-in
Check out our tips for how to have an environmentally friendly move-in!
Getting Ready to Pack
Pack only what you need! Many students overpack and realize they don't need as much as they thought once moved into their residence hall.
- Bring what you already have from home
- Buy only what you think you'll really need & use
- Connect with your roommate on what you can share (microwave, electric kettle, etc.)
- Choose to reuse before buying new
- Wait until you've tried out your bed before buying a mattress topper
- Know what on-campus resources will be available to you
- Short-term checkout items (vacuums, brooms, etc.)
- Community space amenities (print labs, kitchens, etc.)
Packing Your Things
Help reduce Western's footprint by following these suggestions!
- Unpackage as much of your new purchases as you can at home and recycle according to local guidelines
- Do your best to limit cardboard boxes brought to campus
Western's Three Waste Streams
Get familiar with Western's three waste streams: recycling, composting, and landfill.
Recycling is split into two categories, commingled and cardboard.
- Commingled recycling: all plastic, tin, aluminum, glass & mixed paper go in one drop-off container. Make sure everything is clean, empty and dry before placing in the container. Recycling containers are labeled for ‘commingled recycling’ & have a sorting poster as well to help you!
- Cardboard only: for corrugated (thick) cardboard, flatten/collapse it and place it in the cardboard only dumpster. The dumpster will be labeled clearly!
Common Contaminants!
Styrofoam, plastic binding and plastic bags are landfill, so be sure to place these in the trash. If you see containers out for plastic film during move in, you can place your film there for recycling!
Commingled Recycling
- Plastic: clean, rigid plastic bottles, cups, jugs and tubs
- Tin & aluminum: clean aluminum & tin cans
- Glass: clean glass bottles & jars
- Mixed paper: paperboard, paper bags, newspaper, office paper
Cardboard Only Recycle
- Flattened cardboard: only corrugated (thick) cardboard that has been flattened/collapsed
Landfill/Garbage
Everything you cannot compost or recycle goes into the landfill dumpster.
- Styrofoam, plastic binding and plastic bags are landfill, so be sure to place these in the trash.
All waste bins are clearly labeled as commingled, cardboard only, compost, or landfill and have a sorting poster!
Commingled Recycling Toters
Cardboard Only Recycling Dumpsters
Compost/Food Waste Toters
Garbage/Landfill Dumpsters
Unsure of where to sort an item? Use the Waste Wise Guide to search for items and find out which container to use.
Composting Tips
- It’s important to compost correctly; contaminated compost toters will go into landfill. Be sure to pay attention when tossing compost into a toter/bin—double check the label and make sure you're placing your compost in the correct one.
- Each resident's room/suite is equipped with a composting bucket and a roll of biodegradable liners!
- Food scraps and uncoated paper and cardboard can be composted.
- When determining if a material is compostable or not, look for one or more of the following: the word 'compostable,' green, beige, or brown color, tint, or stripe, compostable labels.
| ✔ COMPOSTABLE | ✗ NOT COMPOSTABLE |
| Vegetables, fruit (all parts) | PLU stickers (labels on vegetables & fruits) |
| Meat, bones | Fat, grease, excessive oil |
| Coffee filters, tea bags (remove staples) | Rubber bands & twist ties |
| Coffee grounds | Plastic, metal |
| Dairy | Plastic-coated paper (paper cups, some takeout containers) |
| Compostable plates, utensils, takeout boxes with proper labels | Food soiled plastic |
| Food soiled, uncoated paper & cardboard | Pet waste |
Compostable labels:
Look for this poster on the compost toters to help you compost!
How to Sort Waste in Your Room
All residents will receive a recycling bin, compost bin and liners, a trash can, and waste sorting guide for their room.
We recommend:
- Hanging the waste sorting guide above the bins to reference while sorting
- Placing corrugated cardboard behind the bin
- Double bagging your compost toter, emptying it weekly and rinsing between uses
- If in doubt, use the Waste Wise Guide!
Waste Dropoff Areas
Not sure where the nearest waste sorting area is to your residence hall? Click from the menu below for a map of recycling, compost, and landfill depots.
