Housing selection is the process of choosing where a student may live, and who they live with. Returning students with roommates may select their actual housing assignment, while incoming first year students may only choose their roommate.
When can I select my housing assignment?
Returning students select their rooms/apartments early in the spring semester for the upcoming academic year.
Newly admitted and deposited students can access their WU Housing portal to complete their application by signing their contract and completing the lifestyles and likings questionnaire. Students must create their WU account and receive their WU email address prior to accessing the WU Housing portal. Once a student receives their WU email address, the portal become available to them with in 24-48 hours. Applications are available to new students in May.
Housing assignments and roommate information is posted on the WU Housing portal for new students in early August.
What are my housing choices?
First year students live in areas designed towards their needs as first year students:- Baxter Community - Baxter Hall, Northwood Hall, Southwood Hall, and Westwood Hall
- Matthews Community - Matthews Hall, Belknap Hall, Cascadia House and Terra House
- Westside Community - Doney Hall, Lausanne Hall, Lee House, Shepard House, and York House
- Kaneko B and C Wings
- University Apartments
Who chooses my roommate?
First year students are encouraged to choose their own roommates! Roommate selection is in June; enter the WU Housing portal and search for other students who's lifestyles and likings are appealing. Students who do not seek out a roommate, or haven't found one on their own by the end of the allotted time are matched by similar or complementing interests and randomly assigned to spaces in the appropriate area. Triple rooms are available in the first and second year areas; it is not uncommon to have more than one roommate.
What if I don't like where I live?
Once an assignment has been made, it is considered permanent. However, should a problem arise, staff-approved changes can be considered. A waiting period of two weeks after the semester begins allows for us to confirm housing placements and for you to evaluate your living situation and consider more than just first impressions. Students desiring a room or roommate change should meet with their Residence Life Coordinator to discuss options.
Who do I talk to about life challenges I have?
Students requesting accommodations due to a health-related matter must submit documentation to Accessible Education Services for evaluation and consideration. This includes the need for an emotional support animal. The Office of Residence Life and Housing will make housing assignments based on the directive or recommendation made by Accessible Education Services. Accommodations made are individualized to the students needs and challenges, are subject to availability, and the university’s ability to reasonably accommodate the student.
Residency Requirement
First year students attending PNCA, Willamette University’s Portland campus, are required to live in university housing. First and second year students attending Willamette University’s Salem campus are required to live in university housing.
A Residency Requirement Exemption request can be completed by students who want to live off campus, but are required to live on per university policy. The university grants exceptions to the live-on requirement when appropriate.
To request a Residency Requirement Exemption, email housing@willamette.edu and ask for the form to be available on the WU Housing portal. Our staff will place the application in the WU Housing portal for the student to complete. Current university policy states a student who has lived in university housing for a minimum of four semesters may live off campus. If a student has fulfilled their four semester requirement, no additional documentation or request is necessary.
Completion of the request does not constitute approval. Students will receive notification when their request has been reviewed and a decision has been made.
Upon checking in to on campus housing and receiving a key, students are not able to make use of an exemption approval for a semester in progress. Any exemption granted during an academic period will apply to the following semester.
Criteria for Exemption
Students must meet at least one of the criteria in order to be considered for an exemption. To request an exemption, complete the application located in the WU Housing portal and submit the necessary documentation to the office of Residence Life and Housing. The Verification of Residency must be notarized in order to be considered complete.
What if a student doesn’t qualify using the criteria listed?
Students who do not meet the criteria but have a desire to live off campus may submit their request by completing the Residency Requirement Exemption form and submitting a statement with your reasons asking for an exemption. A letter of acknowledgement/endorsement from your parent or legal guardian is needed to complete the request. If you are an independent student, please indicate this status in your statement.
If a medical condition is cited for a reason to move off campus, do not send medical documentation to Residence Life and Housing. Contact Accessible Education Services to set up a meeting and discuss options available. Submit all medical documentation to Accessible Education Services.
Application Review
All requests for exemption not meeting the listed criteria will be submitted to the Residency Requirement Exemption Committee for consideration. Only students with extraordinary circumstances will be considered for exemption. Financial need is not a consideration for granting off-campus residency. Please contact Financial Aid to discuss options to pay for the cost of living on campus.
Cancellation Fee and Financial Impact
Students who cancel their housing assignment may be required to pay a cancellation fee. If a residency requirement waiver is approved, the Financial Aid Office will be notified and your total award may be impacted.
Criteria for Exemption
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Qualifying Life Event - the student is... |
Actions and Documentation Necessary |
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Residing with parent(s)/guardian(s) during the academic year, and the parent's home is within 25 miles of campus |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal. Parent/legal guardian completes the Verification of Residency document (emailed to student upon completion of the Residency Requirement Exemption request). Submit the notarized document to Residence Life and Housing. |
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Over the age of 21 by the start of the current academic year |
Students completes the form in their WU Housing portal, no additional documentation needed; information will be confirmed through university records. |
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Considered independent from their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal, no additional documentation needed; information will be confirmed through university records. |
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Married, in a civil union, or domestic partnership |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal. Student must submit a copy of the marriage certificate or other legal document acknowledging the union. |
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Caring for a dependent child or parent |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal, and must submit their child’s birth certificate or guardian documents. For a dependent parent, submit the student's birth certificate and supporting documentation. |
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A veteran |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal. Student submits proof of enrollment, discharge or separation. |
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A student who doesn't meet the listed criteria |
Student completes the form in their WU Housing portal and submits a statement with the reasoning behind the request. A letter of acknowledgement/endorsement from the student's parent or guardian is needed to complete the request. If the student is an independent student, indicate this in the statement. |
Contact housing@willamette.edu for additional information.