Welcome to the Western Washington University community.
We are thrilled that you have chosen Western to be your home for the next few years. At Western, we truly value the unique perspectives and experiences that each student brings to our learning community. We are committed to advancing your success through an inclusive, student-centered environment that fosters your well-being and enables you to grow academically, personally, and professionally.
Please feel free to contact our Admissions Team if you have any questions about life as a Western student or the next steps in your Western journey. They are eager to help with the transition to college and will make sure that you are connected with peers, advisors, and any other resources you need to succeed at Western.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community and wish you a productive and successful tenure at Western.
Again, welcome to Western.
Sincerely,
Sabah Randhawa President
Life in Bellingham
Western Washington University offers an ideal location to live and learn. Located in the charming coastal city of Bellingham, students enjoy the benefits of city life and the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is famous for. Students make lifelong friends here, land meaningful internships, and contribute to causes they’re passionate about.
Did You Know?
Students who are most involved on campus tend to get higher grades and enjoy their college years more. So take initiative and explore the variety of ways you can participate in campus life.
Learn more about the city and region you will soon call home.
Getting Connected on Campus
The Ethnic Student Center is comprised of 24 multicultural clubs and is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for BIPOC students and allies.
Join one of the 250+ student-run clubs on campus – or start and lead your own!
Western’s Student Engagement team makes it easy to get involved. Visit engage.wwu.edu to learn about upcoming campus events, community service opportunities, programs, and more.
Whether you play sports or prefer to cheer from the stands, there’s a place for you here. Western has won 13 NCAA Division II championships, offers 23 club sports, and a popular intramural sports program that includes basketball, flag football, and soccer, among others.
From independent theater, live music, and art walks in downtown Bellingham, to the sculpture garden and student-led exhibits on campus, art is a vital part of the Western community.
For those who love to explore, Western’s Outdoor Center provides an immediate community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and offers equipment rentals and guided group excursions.
On-Campus Housing
Living on campus is optional, yet nearly 90% of first-year and 25% of new transfer students do. That’s because residence halls aren’t just places to sleep — they complete the Western experience.
Did You Know?
Students choose residence halls for community, safety, convenient access to classes and faculty, leadership opportunities, academic support, sustainable living, and personal growth. Residents get involved by participating in and organizing programs and events that include music, education, social responsibility, community service, and more. So make Western your home and our beautiful 215-acre campus your playground.
86% of residents recommend living on campus to new students*
98% of residents feel safe living on campus*
88% of residents are satisfied with their experience living on campus*
* based on 2024 spring survey
Housing Options
Everything you want to know about campus housing is right here: housing.wwu.edu/future-students
Western’s 16 unique residence halls and apartment complex feature a variety of sizes, architectural styles and vintages. And with several types of housing options available, including All-Gender, Black Affinity, La Comunidad, Pride, and substance-free, you can find a space where you feel comfortable.
Customize a housing plan that fits your budget by selecting the type of room and number of roommates you prefer. Double rooms are the campus standard, but some residence halls offer triples and singles.
From informational presentations to community events and dinners, our residence halls offer a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, meet friends, and build community.
Interested in living off campus?
Western’s Off Campus Living website features available listings, can help you learn the basics of renting, offers advice on how to create community, and provides information regarding safety and commuting: offcampusliving.wwu.edu
Applying for Housing
The date you applied for admission will serve as your priority date during the entire Housing & Room Selection process. Beginning February 1, you can follow these easy steps to secure your spot.
Apply for Housing: housing.wwu.edu | May 1 Priority Deadline
Admitted Students can apply for housing from February 1 to May 1. Visit MyHousing and log in using your WWU email and password to apply for the Fall 2026 term. After you submit your application, track your status in the MyHousing portal. 1
Check MyHousing for Notice of Prepayment
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Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in MyHousing to pay the $250 housing prepayment. Do not pay until you receive notice of housing prepayment due; early payments will be returned.
Submit Your Prepayment | June 15 Deadline
After receiving notice that your prepayment is due, follow the payment instructions to submit your prepayment. Check your prepayment status in MyHousing a few business days after submitting your payment to make sure it was processed.
Use Roommate Manager | June 15 Deadline
Applicants who submit the $250 housing prepayment become eligible to use Roommate Manager in the MyHousing portal. Search for a compatible roommate and create a roommate group. 4
Select Your Room | July 15 - August 15
Check MyHousing for your room selection window. When your room selection time opens, you can select your room (and if you are in a pair you can pull in a confirmed roommate) in the MyHousing portal. Regardless of whether or not you know your roommate, be sure to touch base and discuss what each of you plans to bring for your room. 5
Tips for Navigating University Dining
More information, including menus, an interactive dining map, and resources can be found at: dineoncampus.com/wwu
All 3 dining halls are open 7 days a week and serve all-you-care-to-eat meals for breakfast, lunch, light lunch, dinner, and weekend services. Enjoy buffet-style dining with great views, comfortable seating, and lots of natural light.
Choose from a full range of retail locations that satisfy any craving: from sandwiches and salads to smoothies, coffee, and bagels. We also offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Meal plans are required for students living in residence halls and recommended for offcampus students. Each meal plan comes with a weekly or quarterly allowance of meals and Dining Dollars. A tap of your mobile Western Card deducts a meal from your balance. Weekly meal swipes will reset every Sunday, while quarterly meals expire at the end of each quarter. Dining Dollars may be spent in campus cafés and markets, or used to buy additional meals in our dining commons.
Most students with moderate to severe allergies successfully navigate campus living and dining by working with our registered dietitian, speaking with our executive chefs, staying informed about food options available, and requesting alternatives as necessary. Our dining team is always readily available to meet with guests.
You’ll find details about special events, retail specials, free pop-ups, and more by following @DiningatWWU on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok or by checking our events page: dineoncampus.com/WWU/events
Paying for a College Education
College is a big investment, and Western is committed to keeping its tuition low and academic quality high. There are also a number of resources available to help your family with college expenses. More than 65% of students at Western receive financial aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, scholarships, work studies, and/or loans.
Did You Know?
Western is consistently ranked among the 100 best values in the nation for combining educational excellence with economic value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
Western students incur less debt: Our alums graduate with 24% less than the national average.
Western grads are finding opportunities: Nearly 90% of Western grads are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
Tuition
Western’s 2026-27 estimated cost of attendance will be available later in the spring. Beyond tuition and fees, there are also variable costs, such as housing and meals, books and other expenses.
View the most up-to-date info: admissions.wwu.edu/cost
Scholarships
The Office of Admissions awards merit-based scholarships based on the information provided in students’ applications for admission. Students who are awarded scholarships are generally notified starting in January.
Learn more about Admissions scholarships: admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships
Financial Aid
A few weeks after admission, students will receive an email from Western’s Financial Aid Office with instructions on how to access their financial aid status and scholarship information. In addition, students who complete a 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA and qualify for financial aid will be notified of their offer by mail beginning in early April 2026.
Apply for Financial Aid: admissions.wwu.edu/cost/financial-aid
Employment
There are 3,000+ student jobs available annually. All students are invited to apply for campus jobs, where they are recognized as students first and employees second. On-campus employers will allow you to work around your class schedule and these jobs provide outstanding opportunities for professional development and a built-in network of support. For students who need help finding work, Western’s Work Study Center can help — it’s a free resource that connects students with on- and off-campus jobs and volunteer opportunities.
Find Jobs on Campus: finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs
In and Beyond the Classroom
Western students receive a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences before choosing from 175+ majors or designing a program of study that more closely aligns with their interests. So whether students know exactly which major they want to pursue or are undecided, they’ll have time to explore their options.
At wwu.edu/majors, you’ll find an overview of each program, as well as career opportunities, similar majors, and contact information for departments.
For a deeper dive, visit admissions.wwu.edu/catalog, where we provide general university requirements, course descriptions, and additional indepth information.
Did You Know?
If you have questions about specific academic programs, reach out to the department directly. When planning a visit to campus, make sure you connect with the department well in advance to set up a time to talk in person.
average class size
99% of classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students
Bring Your Big Ideas to Life
Our students receive a cross disciplinary education that teaches them how to think critically, reason their way through complex problems, and communicate effectively. Students learn how to think outside the box and develop a strong sense of personal and social responsibility, skills that they will need to succeed in whichever career they choose to pursue.
Even before earning their degrees, Western students have:
Developed an interactive, educational game on the life-cycle of Salmon for the Sitka Sound Science Center in Alaska.
Helped several towns and cities in Whatcom & Skagit counties plan for inclusive & sustainable urban development.
Co-authored research on a harmful greenhouse gas that was published in the American Chemical Society’s flagship academic journal.
Rediscovered a species of bumblebees that were previously thought to be locally extinct.
Illustrated murals of the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest to be displayed in windows of downtown Bellingham.
Organized an inclusive, recreational day camp for adults with disabilities.
Collaborated with local fire & rescue crews to help the town of Glacier, WA develop its first wildfire plan.
Orientation & First Year Programs
Western’s orientation and advising programs are designed to help students get off to a good start.
Required for First-Year Students: Western’s Advising and Registration (A&R) program for new first-year students provides critical support as students navigate the academic advising and class registration experience. Students will complete a required, virtual A&R Session with small group and 1-on-1 advising and will register for their first quarter classes. In addition to developing core academic preparation skills, students will also learn about campus life and services, meet with helpful faculty, staff, and students advisors, and begin connecting with other new and current Western students.
Encouraged for First-Gen students: First-Generation Navigational Seminars are a series of 1-credit seminars designed to help first-gen students successfully navigate their first year of college. A different seminar will be offered each quarter, and the topics will cover how to access university resources, how to engage with on-campus partners, community relations, extra-curricular programs, and much more.
Optional for First-Year Students: Viking Launch allows students to move into select residence halls a week early and, before the quarter begins, take a two-credit, experience-based seminar designed to prepare them for a major or professional field.
Optional for First-Year and Transfer Students: Western Outdoor Orientation Trips (WOOT!) aim to support, enhance, and ease the transition to Western through outdoor adventure. WOOT! program trips are typically offered in summer and early fall before classes begin.
Strongly Encouraged for Transfer Students: Western’s A&R also provides critical support for new transfers. The program is not required, but strongly encouraged, and is usually students’ earliest opportunity to register for their first-quarter classes. Students will also learn about campus life and services, meet with helpful faculty, staff, and students advisors, and begin connecting with other new and current Western students.
Tips for Succeeding on Campus
We want to help students reach their goals during their time at Western and beyond. While there’s no straightforward path to success, we’ve learned students tend to thrive when they:
Keep themselves healthy by becoming actively involved in their own wellness and the health of their community.
Actively manage their time, keeping a calendar and setting aside daily blocks of time for studying and exam preparation.
Take advantage of campus academic resources early, visiting the Tutoring Center, the Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center, and faculty office hours prior to midterms — even if things are going well.
Form multiple support networks through student clubs, academic departments, extra-curricular activities, recreation activities, faith-based organizations, and campus events.
Know there will be setbacks and struggles, and develop an approach for overcoming adversity, while also practicing self-compassion.
Reflectively consider why they are in college, and what they want to achieve by the time they graduate; they consider how each course brings them closer to their hopes and goals.
Seek out advising at least once per quarter at Western to ensure they declare a major and graduate on time.
Gain Real World Experience
It’s not just about the degree. At Western, students are encouraged to expand upon their education and are presented with opportunities to explore their interests outside the classroom. Our students challenge themselves, and our graduates go on to make their mark on the world.
Did You Know?
There are so many ways to gain on-the-job experience and make connections while earning your degree. Do you want to study abroad, volunteer with local organizations, participate in relevant internships, join student projects? You can! These experiences all look great on resumes, and will give you an advantage when applying to graduate schools and jobs.
Student Success Stories
Western students rank among the most successful in the country. Their rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size.
Western has been ranked in the top 5 nationally – among more than 600 institutions – for graduates who go on to earn a PhD.
In 2024, Western was named the #1 all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers among medium sized colleges & universities.
Western was named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for both the 2023-24 and the 2024-25 academic years.
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni provides excellent opportunities for students to network with 150,000+ alumni who can help make a difference in your career. WWU students have interned with Fortune 500 companies, regional organizations, local schools & small businesses, and more.
Students who are the first in their family to attend college will receive strong support at Western, which was recently awarded the FirstGen Forward designation by The Center for First Generation Student Success.
Alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, the inventor of the board game Pictionary, a Washington Teacher of the Year, members of the musical groups Death Cab for Cutie and Odesza, the creator of the hit TV show Severance, and more.
Resources for Families and Supporters
Your student’s success and well-being are top priorities at Western. Our accessible faculty, career counselors, peer advisors, tutors and countless others on campus are here to support them. Please encourage your student to take an active role in planning their future and taking care of themselves by utilizing the many valuable resources here.
Staying Connected
We recognize that “family” means different things to different people, and families need support and resources, too. As your student launches their journey at Western, you are encouraged to come along.
New Student Orientation is an onboarding process that begins from home, utilizing a checklist to guide your student through their required and recommended tasks, including registering for their virtual Academic Advising & Registration session before their first quarter. orientation.wwu.edu/welcome-new-students
Family Orientation resources, such as checklists, weekly family office hours by appointments via Zoom, and other useful tools, are available to help you navigate the university experience from home. With convenient 24/7 online access, you can deepen your understanding of campus services and processes at your own pace. orientation.wwu.edu/parents-and-families
Fall Family Weekend is a great time to visit Western, and connect, explore, and enjoy a variety of events with your student. foundation.wwu.edu/event/fall-family-weekend
You will automatically receive updates, notifications of upcoming events, and helpful tips regarding the resources available to your student through the WWU Family Connection monthly newsletter. orientation.wwu.edu/wwu-family-newsletter
Sign up for Western Today to receive our campus newsletter. westerntoday.wwu.edu
Academic Support & Registration
Academic Advising & Student Achivement Center (AASAC)
The AASAC connects students with professional and peer advisors who can assist with course selection, registration, choosing a major, and more.
aasac.wwu.edu
Office of Student Life
The Office of Student Life provides resources to students on navigating university policy, building community across campus, and ensuring student wellbeing and success.
osl.wwu.edu (360) 650-3706
Disability Access Center (DAC)
The DAC connects students in need of disability counseling, housing access, exam accommodations, interpreter services, note taking services, print enlargement/brailing, and more.
disability.wwu.edu (360) 650-3083 for Voice (360) 255-7175 for VP
Registrar’s Office
Contact the Registrar’s Office for questions regarding registration, wait-listing, residency, transcripts, degree evaluations, and applying to graduate.
registrar.wwu.edu (360) 650-3432
Tutoring
Between the Tutoring Center and Math and Writing centers, students have easy access to academic support.
General: wwu.edu/tutoring/services
Math: mathematics.wwu.edu/mathcenter
Research & Writing: library.wwu.edu/rws
Health & Safety
Counseling,
Health & Wellness
Western’s Student Health Center and Counseling and Wellness Center offer multiple pathways to ensure students’ physical and emotional wellness. Counseling and Wellness Center: cwc.wwu.edu (360) 650-3164
Office of Student Resilience: resilience.wwu.edu (360) 650-2127
Student Health Center: studenthealth.wwu.edu (360) 650-3400
Public Safety
The Public Safety Department includes University Police, Parking Services, and Sustainable Transportation, all working together to provide a safe, secure, and accessible educational environment.
Police (Non-Emergency): wwu.edu/department-public-safety (360) 650-3555
Social Support
Student Engagement
Student Engagement connects students to clubs and provides a variety of programs and services to help them engage with the community and explore their interests. engage.wwu.edu
The Centers
The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement – also known as The Centers – is where students will find the Office of Multicultural Student Services, the Disability Access Center, and LGBTQ+ Western. thecenters.wwu.edu
Basic Needs Hub
The Basic Needs Hub is where students can access comprehensive support for their essential needs, including food insecurity, housing concerns, and financial instability. basicneeds.wwu.edu
Finances & Employment
Career Services Center
The Career Services Center connects students and alumni with job and internship opportunities, supports career & major exploration, teaches networking skills, and provides counseling for career success. Plus, Western alumns can access these services for life!
wwu.edu/careers (360) 650-3240
Work Study Center
The Work Study Center connects work study and non-work study students to available jobs on campus and in the surrounding community.
finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs (360) 650-3158
Scholarship Center
New student scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions. However, the Scholarship Center helps continuing Western students identify additional scholarships from a wide variety of sources.
finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships
Financial Aid
Contact the Financial Aid Department for questions about financial aid awards, grants, scholarships, or loans. finaid.wwu.edu (360) 650-3470
Student Business Office
Contact the Student Business Office with billing questions related to tuition and fees, room and board, and refunds. sbo.wwu.edu (360) 650-2865
Support for Families
Office of Orientation & Transition
Orientation & Transition supports new students and family members in their transition to the academic, personal, and social experience of Western.
orientation.wwu.edu (360) 650-3846
Explore more resources: orientation.wwu.edu/viking-resource-hub
Countdown to Western
January 31
Encouraged for All Students
May 1
Required for All Students
May 1
Optional for All Students
When Notified
Required for First-Year Students
Encouraged for Transfer Students
Before Course Registration
Required for All Students
Submit Your Financial Aid Application admissions.wwu.edu/cost/financial-aid
File the FAFSA: fafsa.gov - Western’s Federal School Code is 003802 or
File the WASFA: wsac.wa.gov/wasfa
Financial aid is available to help meet the costs of tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, and personal expenses.
To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)*. While January 31 is Western’s financial aid priority filing date, it’s never too late to apply!
*Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA.
Confirm Your Enrollment admissions.wwu.edu/confirm
Once you’re ready to commit to Western, you’ll need to confirm your enrollment to secure your place in our incoming class.
A new student enrollment fee of $450 will will be due when you pay your first quarter tuition and fees. This one-time fee helps pay for new student orientation, advising, and academic support and cannot be waived. Financial aid can be applied to this fee.
Submit a Housing Application housing.wwu.edu/housingtimeline
Living on campus is optional, yet 90 percent of first-year students and 25 percent of new transfers choose this option. If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll need to apply by the May 1 priority housing deadline.
If you’re interested in living off-campus, please visit offcampusliving.wwu.edu for information and resources.
Sign Up for Orientation, Advising & Registration orientation.wwu.edu/welcome-new-students
Orientation, Advising & Registration programming supports your transition to campus with orientation, academic advising, and class registration. Additional orientation opportunities are also available to all students.
Claim Your Universal Account wwu.edu/activate
Please claim your WWU Universal Computer Account as soon as possible. All you need to do is set a password. If you have any questions about your account please visit atus.wwu.edu/gethelp
Before Course Registration
Encouraged for Some Students
July 15
Required for Some First-Year Students
Required for Most Transfer Students
Contact Academic Departments catalog.wwu.edu
Departmental advisors can provide information about prerequisites & requirements for academic programs and can also grant permission to register courses you may need if you believe you’re ready to declare a major. If you have chosen a program that is a Direct Admission major, you don’t need to take any further action – the department will be in touch with more information in late Spring or early Summer. Plan to have a copy of your most recent transcript available whenever meeting with advisors.
Submit Updated College Transcripts, and/or AP, IB, or Cambridge International Test Scores wwu.edu/submit-transcripts
Any college transcripts and test scores submitted with your application for admission will be processed in time for initial course registration. If you’ve earned any additional credits since submitting your application for admission, you must request to have your updated official transcript or test scores sent as soon as possible (a registration hold may be placed on your account in the future if your updated transcript is not received). As a reminder, we cannot award any college credit based on high school transcripts alone. We must receive an official transcript directly from the college(s) you attended, an official AP grade report sent from the College Board, an official IB transcript of grades sent from IBO, or official Cambridge International exam results sent from Cambridge International.
Before Course Registration
Required for All Students
Before Course Registration
Required for Most Students
August 15
Required for First-Year Students
Submit Measles Vaccination Documentation studenthealth.wwu.edu/required-immunizations
To ensure the health and safety of all students at Western, proof of measles (rubeola) vaccination status is required before students can register for their first quarter’s classes.
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment testingcenter.wwu.edu/aleks
Most first-year and many transfer students will need to complete the ALEKS online. Scores are needed to register for the majority of math courses at Western and serve as prerequisites for some courses in other departments. The assessment must be taken twice. We recommend you complete both assessments at least two weeks before you attend Advising & Registration.
Submit Final High School Transcript wwu.edu/submit-transcripts
Submit your official final transcript (with your graduation date posted) by the deadline. Official transcripts should be sent directly by your high school to admissions.documents@wwu.edu.
Get Connected
Meet your new classmates before you get here by joining our online community.
Snapchat: @WWUAdmissions
Have questions about Western? Need help finding something? Want advice from a student? Snap us any time, and keep an eye on our story for tips and announcements.
Keep Exploring
Make plans to visit campus in-person, check out our virtual tours, schedule a one-on-one video chat with your Admissions Counselor, and more! admissions.wwu.edu/visit
Instagram: @WWUBound
Follow the Office of Admissions on Instagram to stay informed about special events, to learn more about student life at Western, to get reminders about upcoming deadlines, and more.
Discord: admissions.wwu.edu/discord
Keep an eye on your inbox for a special invitation to join the WWU Admissions server, where you can connect with your future classmates.
