r/WWU

▲ 14 r/WWU

Fishing

I’m SUPERR into bass fishing and considering getting into saltwater, what is the fish/game club scene like at western?

I’m a girl and going fishing with guys in my experience often ends up with me getting mansplained to, and if the club is like all guys then i feel like I’d get annoyed pretty quickly, but if it’s chill people then I feel like it could be fun!

Is anyone a part of the club or know people who are?

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u/Creepy_Garage2409 — 10 hours ago
▲ 11 r/WWU

Best time to go to the gym?

I’ll be a freshman in the fall and I’m trying to work the gym into my schedule, I’m assuming that it’s gonna be HELLA busy at the beginning of the year, but what would yall say is the busiest and most chill time of day to go? I have a 10am 5 days a week and a 4-6pm 2 days a week.

Is going to the on campus gym even worth it or is it too packed and should I go somewhere else? I’m most likely bringing my car

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u/Creepy_Garage2409 — 11 hours ago
▲ 48 r/WWU

Incoming Journalism students beware

I graduated into the AI job market a couple of years ago.

I just sent out a job application to a PR firm. At this point I’m almost fully expecting no response. Hundreds if not a thousand applications sent out and barely anything. It’s probably a bit of a skill issue on my end, I could have built up a better portfolio, I could have studied harder and made myself a better candidate than I currently am.

If I can offer any advice to an incoming student reading this post. Take care of your mental health before gaining a degree. I’m currently working two service industry job to save money and hopefully get a full-time offer somewhere, but that doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. I really wish I had just lived at home and saved up money until I was mentally firing on all cylinders, and then gone to school with a more thought out plan.

I spoke to a former professor about my struggles and they were candid when they told me that the journalism department is outdated. So, if despite all of this you still want to get a journalism degree make sure that you make the most of all of the resources that are available to you at Western. Start a podcast, make a YouTube channel, be an editor on The Front, work with the athletic department. Do everything and anything to put yourself out there and build a portfolio. Passing all of your classes and just getting a piece of paper isn’t enough.

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u/Due_Thing_8200 — 1 day ago
▲ 16 r/WWU

How competitive is WUE at Western Washington University?

Hi everyone! I’m a Colorado parent looking ahead to college for my daughter, who will be starting her junior year of high school this fall. She has a 3.7 GPA and has become very interested in Western Washington University.

The biggest question for us is cost. We would probably need the WUE scholarship to make WWU financially realistic for her.

I’ve seen that some WUE-participating schools are fairly generous with the number of students who receive WUE, while I’ve also heard that WWU can be much more competitive.

For anyone familiar with WWU, especially current students, parents, or recent applicants:

  • How competitive is WUE at Western?
  • Is a 3.7 GPA generally competitive for consideration?
  • Are there other factors that seem to make a significant difference?
  • If she’s interested in WWU, is there anything she should be doing during junior year to improve her chances?

She really likes the idea of Western, so I’d love to hear from people who have gone through the process. Thanks!

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u/cocopuffsalot — 2 days ago
▲ 22 r/WWU

The Divergent Smile

Hey, it's Botour (some of you know me from around campus/Instagram).

Last year I went through the whole thing everyone here has been through in some form; leaving home, showing up somewhere brand new, and realizing about a week in that "freedom" and "loneliness" can feel exactly the same for a while. On top of that I dealt with a rough visa process before I even got here, and had zero idea if I'd make it to campus at all.

I ended up writing a short book about it. Not a guide, not a checklist, just the honest version of what that whole transition actually felt like, with a small lesson attached after each story. It's called The Divergent Smile.

It's free. There's also a dyslexia-friendly version if that's helpful for you.

Best,
Botour

Normal Version Dyslexia-friendly Version

u/Entire-Cow467 — 2 days ago
▲ 3 r/WWU

Math 112

Hi! As a freshman I am curious about what to expect for Math 112. I am someone who has literally always struggled with math. Is it basically a more complicated version of Algebra 2 or is it something way different? Also I have professor Bailey.

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u/Pretend-County-9816 — 3 days ago
▲ 5 r/WWU

Your experience with washers/dryers

Basically the title. Wondering if the washers will make holes in clothes, and if I should be looking for delicate/mesh bags before school starts. Thanks!

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u/animalcrossinlover20 — 4 days ago
▲ 7 r/WWU

When will I start getting off the wait-list for fall quarter classes? (Going into junior year)

I was 4th-5th on the wait-list for a couple classes, when should I expect to get off the lists? They overlap with classes I'm registered for in case I don't get into them so I won't be able to just go to them and hope I get off the list.

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u/I_wanna_be_a_Duck — 4 days ago
▲ 3 r/WWU

Fridges in dorm?

I was looking online at the appliance guidelines, and the refrigerators are to be 2.5 cu ft or less, I was wondering how strictly they enforce that or check, if they do at all? I found a deal on one 3.1 but didn’t wanna risk, just curious!

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u/Creepy_Garage2409 — 6 days ago
▲ 3 r/WWU

Housing

I’m coming to Western for Fall 2027!

I have a disability and I need a single room on campus but as I’ve researched I’m noticing that’s pretty rare so I’m curious if anyone knows of cheap studio or 1 bedroom apartments that are nearby?

I have a car so I can drive if it’s a little far but would prefer to bike, walk, or bus to campus.

Any and all suggestions/advice is helpful!

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u/Hot-Yogurtcloset-904 — 7 days ago
▲ 14 r/WWU

Time outside of class

Hey! I was wondering if the time you spend outside of class is accurate to what’s predicted by the credit amount? I mentioned that the average credit load seemed to have around 30 hours of study/work outside of class per week, and my mom said that seems like more than she’d think.

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u/Mil_Historias — 8 days ago
▲ 9 r/WWU

How much space is there in ridgeway beta dorms?

I’m moving in in a month and it’s hard to gather what i’m supposed to bring because I don’t know exactly how much space I have. I’ve toured the dorm in the spring but I can’t remember exactly how much space i’m actually going to have, and the website floor plan doesn’t exactly give me much to go off of. I’m obviously pretty new to this considering this is my first time going to college so I’m just wondering what I’m able to bring, could i bring a length mirror on the wall? is there room for that? and I allowed to put stuff on the wall? the mirror is just one example but I’m trying to plan and I feel like a newborn baby pls help xx

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u/Severe-Bus-1379 — 7 days ago
▲ 19 r/WWU

Is the food really that bad?

Does the dining hall food actually live up to the horror stories, or do people exaggerate it for likes?

Also, if it's truly bad, how hard is it to find something that's at least edible at each meal?

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u/RecoverWide8748 — 10 days ago
▲ 27 r/WWU

Moving on campus this fall?

Moving on campus this fall?

Hi, Reddit! 👋 This is WWU's official account. We figured there’s no better way to introduce ourselves than with some information for the incoming Viks getting ready to move to Bellingham.

We’re getting very excited to welcome a new class to campus, but we know that moving away from home, starting college and figuring out an entirely new place can feel like A LOT. So, we’re going to do our best to share the information you need to feel prepared (and maybe a little less overwhelmed).

Regular fall move-in is September 17-19. You’ll need to sign up for a specific move-in date and time through the MyHousing portal. Fall 2026 time slots are expected to open in mid-August, so keep an eye on your WWU email and MyHousing for updates.

When you arrive:

  1. Bring a government-issued photo ID and know your building and room number.
  2. Follow the directions to your community’s designated check-in area — North, Ridge, South or Birnam Wood.
  3. Be prepared for a car line. Depending on traffic, check-in can take anywhere from about 20 minutes to several hours, so bring snacks, water and something to keep you occupied.
  4. You’ll receive your keys/fob and a vehicle tag without needing to leave your car.
  5. Staff will direct you to your building’s unloading area, where move-in volunteers will help you unload.
  6. Once your car is unloaded, move it to long-term parking.
  7. Then comes the fun part: setting up your room, meeting your building staff and the people who are about to become your campus community.

What should you actually pack?

Our biggest piece of advice: you probably don't need as much as you think. You can always buy something later, and it’s worth coordinating with your roommate before bringing duplicate items.

Some things you’ll definitely want to think about:

  • Twin XL sheets + bedding
  • Towels and toiletries
  • Clothes for rain, sun AND snow (yes, Bellingham gets all three)
  • A good rain jacket and shoes/boots
  • Laundry bag/hamper + detergent
  • Hangers
  • Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
  • Basic cleaning supplies
  • School supplies + your laptop/technology
  • A small emergency kit/flashlight
  • Anything you regularly need for medications or personal care

And before you buy every dorm-room item you see on TikTok: check what you already have, talk to your roommate about what you can share, and take advantage of things that are already available on campus.

A few things you should leave at home: weapons, flammable materials, space heaters, hot plates/burners, toaster ovens (unless you live in a suite with a kitchenette), non-university beds, wireless routers and pets. Fish in tanks under 10 gallons are allowed.

Bringing a car?

Make sure you have a parking permit before you arrive. During move-in, staff will direct you where to unload, and you’ll need to move your car to long-term parking once you’re finished.

Also: one person needs to stay with your vehicle while you’re unloading.

Sending stuff ahead?

You can ship belongings to campus, but don't send them too early. Packages can be accepted up to seven days before your scheduled arrival. Anything sent more than seven days in advance may be returned to the sender.

And make sure packages are addressed with your full name, residence hall and room number.

One thing you really shouldn't ignore: Check your WWU email

Your WWU email is the university’s official way of communicating important, time-sensitive information, including housing updates. If you haven’t gotten into the habit of checking it yet, now is a good time to start.

There’s a LOT more to know, so we recommend bookmarking the official Move-In page and checking it regularly as Fall 2026 details are finalized:

👉 Move In | On-Campus Housing

If you have a housing-specific question that requires an official answer, you can also contact University Residences at housing@wwu.edu or 360-650-6565 during business hours.

Current Vikings: What do you wish someone had told you before your first move-in day?

Incoming Vikings: What are you most excited about — or most nervous about?

Share your best packing hacks, first-year stories, things you wish you had brought (or definitely didn't need), roommate advice, favorite residence hall traditions, or anything else you think a new Vik should know.

u/wwuofficial — 8 days ago
▲ 26 r/WWU

Parking Permits - FYI

Are you a student thinking of bringing your car to campus for the upcoming school year? We want to demystify the parking permit process...

  • Waitlists for students opens August 10, you will want to log into the parking portal and add yourself to the waitlist. Students who live on campus are eligible for R lots and students who live off campus are eligible for the C lot (R stands for resident and C for commuter). For the R lots, you can have up to 3 lots on your waitlist, you should prioritize them with your top choice as number 1.
  • Waitlists are based on seniority, or number of credits WWU has accepted. This means when someone adds themselves to a waitlist and they have more credits than you, they will jump ahead of you in line.
  • August 31 will be the first round of awards for the 2026/27 school year. Those who receive an award will be notified by email to your student email account. You will then have until Sunday at 9 PM to purchase a permit; if you do not purchase a permit then your offer expires and will passed along to another person the following week. If you still wanted a permit but missed your window to purchase it, you will need to add yourself back to the waitlist in the parking portal.
  • Transportation Services awards permits weekly, typically on Mondays, based on how many permit spaces there are available in a given lot. If you do not receive an award at the beginning of the school year, there is still (some) hope.
  • R lots are sold 1 permit for 1 space. When someone who does not have a permit parks in an R lot, they are taking another person's parking space (not cool!)

86% of Western Students regularly ride the bus. What that means is you don't actually need a car to attend Western! Consider leaving your car at home; especially if you are not awarded a permit.

Lincoln Creek is an off-campus parking lot that is sold at a discounted rate. If you do not receive a parking permit, but need to bring your car to campus, consider a Lincoln Creek permit.

After Hours Permits: After hours permits are a free permit which allows you to park in some lots from 4:30 PM to 7 AM Monday through Friday and on Weekends. You can obtain an after hours permit through the parking portal.

NOTE: Parking on city streets is subject to 72 hour durations. This is enforced by City of Bellingham. What this means is your car is not allowed to be parked in the same spot for longer than 72 hours, if it is, it is subject to a parking ticket.

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u/WWUTransportation — 10 days ago
▲ 5 r/WWU

What backpacks do y’all recommend?

I need to get a backpack for school and I know I will most likely need a waterproof/water resistant one. What water resistant backpacks do y’all recommend?

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u/catcoral — 11 days ago
▲ 43 r/WWU

Ran into 2 girls having a pissing competition on campus

It was so random, both were competing to see who had the longer and higher stream.

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u/Huey_1896 — 10 days ago
▲ 20 r/WWU

Cost of Living for WWU Students

Hi everyone!

I'm an incoming visiting PhD student who will be moving to Bellingham next month to study at WWU. I'm trying to get a better idea of the cost of living in the area.

For those of you who study at WWU, how much do you typically spend per month? I'm especially interested in housing, groceries, transportation, and other everyday expenses.

I'd really appreciate it if you could share your experience or any tips for keeping costs down.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Diegogs98 — 13 days ago
▲ 3 r/WWU

Ridgeway Delta rooms

Hi! I’m moving up pretty soon to start my freshman year and I’m super curious about what my dorm may look like. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of their dorm whether it’s a double or a single (just so I can get an example) I’m on floor three of ridgeway delta and I have a single. And yes I tried looking at the details/floor plan on the wwu website but some of the color coded details didn’t match up. Lmk thanks!

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u/Pretend-County-9816 — 11 days ago