WWU Students Move into Residence Halls Sept. 20-22; Classes Begin Sept. 25

About 4,100 students will move into Western Washington University’s residence halls and apartments, beginning Sunday, Sept. 15, with the majority arriving Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 22.

The first day of fall quarter classes at Western is Wednesday, Sept. 25.

“We’re thrilled to welcome students to campus, whether it’s the beginning of their first year or their last quarter before graduating,” said Western President Sabah Randhawa, starting his fourth year as president of Western. “Western is dedicated to the success of all our students, and a crucial component of that involves helping them get connected to each other, and to key resources, in an inclusive, welcoming environment. Fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement from the start of the student experience is crucial to a student’s academic achievement as well as their personal wellbeing, and we look forward to welcoming them to Western’s campus and the greater Bellingham community,”

Moving in: During peak times for moving in, drivers will experience long delays and wait times when attempting to travel to/through campus. Peak times when many students and their families arrive most likely will be: 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.

About 75 percent of students living in campus residence halls will be new to Western. For more information about moving into residence halls, go to http://www.housing.wwu.edu/

Western Welcome Week: All new students will be introduced to campus traditions during Western Welcome Week, Sept. 21-27, including New Student Welcoming Convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

On Sept. 23-24 there will be a variety of workshops on study skills and managing personal finances; library and campus tours; free bus and bike tours of Bellingham; along with the annual Associated Students Info Fair.
All new and returning students are invited to additional Western Welcome Week activities, including the Wade King Student Recreation Center Late Night on Monday, Sept. 23, and the Viking Union/Associated Students outdoor movie on Tuesday night, Sept. 24, after New Student Welcoming Convocation, as well as the Viking Union Late Night event on Friday, Sept. 27.
New Student Services/Family Outreach also provides updates about programs, upcoming events and campus news that helps new students and their get acclimated and connected to campus. Another good source of information is the WWU Family Connection newsletter for Western families.

Paint B’Ham Blue: On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the WWU Alumni Association will host its fourth annual Paint B’Ham Blue for WWU; the event welcomes new students to the community. WWU alumni are welcome to gather at the Western City Center for a reception at 4:30 p.m. before cheering on the students on State Street. Students gather in Red Square at 5:30 p.m. and will follow President Randhawa in a procession, which will end at Depot Market Square with a community party that will include food trucks, pop-up shops, and a live performance. The evening ends at 7: 30 p.m. when the Herald sign will turn WWU blue and fireworks will shoot into the sky. 

Student Bus Pass & Late Night Shuttle: The Student Bus Pass is available for all students registered for one or more credits, and is good on all WTA routes. Students enrolled in six or more credits have a quarterly Transportation Fee placed on their student account automatically; students who have not had the Transportation Fee placed automatically can request the fee by emailing transportation@wwu.edu (include Western ID number).   The Late Night Shuttle begins operation Sunday, Sept. 22.  Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Students must show a Western ID to board. Use the Shuttle Tracker www.wwu.ridesystems.net to view the map, schedules and real-time location of the shuttle, and to download the app. For complete transportation information students can visit www.wwu.edu/transportation/ or call 360-650-7960.