Room Assignment Process

Returning students select their room assignments during the housing selection process each Spring. 

For newly admitted students, assignments are made over the summer based on a completed housing contract/application.  Placement is based on the student's profile and openings on campus.

Please contact housing@willamette.edu for answers to specific situations. 

• When can I select my housing assignment?

  Returning students select their assignments 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. Room assignments are made by Residence Life and Housing staff over the summer.

  • 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 are posted on the WU Housing portal for new students in early August.

  Students who complete an application outside of the regular cycle will be placed in available room assignments using their lifestyles and likings questionnaire responses. 

• What are my housing choices as a first year Willamette College student?
  • Baxter Community
    • Baxter Hall
    • Northwood Hall
    • Southwood Hall
    • Westwood Hall
  • Matthews Community
    • Matthews Hall
    • Belknap Hall
    • Cascadia House
    • Terra House
• What are my housing choices as a returning Willamette College student?

  Second year students:

  • Kaneko Commons
    • A Wing
    • Doubles with private baths in B and C Wings
  • Westside Community
    • Doney Hall (excluding apartments)

  Students who have fulfilled the live on requirement are eligible for:

  • Kaneko B and C Wings
  • University Apartments
  • Lausanne Hall
  • Lee House
  • Shepard House
  • York House
• What are my housing choices as a new PNCA student?

  All new students, including freshmen and transfer students live in ArtHouse.  ArtHouse contemporary student housing is located near the North Park Blocks in the arts-focused Pearl District. Designed with students in mind, ArtHouse is just a 5-minute walk from the main PNCA campus building.

• Who chooses my roommate?

  First year and returning students are encouraged to choose their own roommates.

  Returning students, will have an opportunity to search for other students and create a roommate match in the housing selection process early each Spring Semester.

  New and first year incoming students can select their roommate in June. Simply enter the WU Housing portal and search for other students who's lifestyles and likings fit your way of life.

• How do I find a roommate?

  All students living in multi-occupancy rooms (doubles, triples or apartments) are asked to find a roommate or be assigned into a living space by university professional staff. How do you choose a roommate on your own? Many students have never thought about this question. How do you find the best match for you?

  One of the easiest ways to find a roommate is to start with people you know - classmates or acquaintances in a club or activity. You can also ask your friends if they know anyone else in need of a roommate. This works if you’re already in college. If you’re a first year student, it may be a little more difficult. Make sure you complete your Lifestyles & Likings questionnaire - and answer the questions truthfully. It’s important to reflect on these questions and be totally honest. The university uses this information throughout your career at Willamette.

  Here are some ideas that will help returning students and first year students alike.

  Things to Think About

  • What’s important to you?
  • What kinds of traits are you looking for in a college roommate?
  • Are there any friend groups/classroom connections you can utilize to find a roommate?
  • What are questions you’d like to ask a potential roommate to make sure you agree on important issues?

  Look at Your Needs

  Sometimes choosing a roommate can require you to ask yourself some questions. It's helpful to write down a list of qualities you want in a roommate.

  • Which personalities do you get along with best?
  • Are you looking for a tidy roommate who knows how to stay organized? Or someone who is more laid-back?
  • Do you prefer to wake up early? Or are you more of a night owl?
  • Do you want a quiet environment, or is it ok to have friends over in the room?

  Rooming together isn’t just about how you get along, there are other things you need to consider as well. Is it OK for your roommate to borrow your clothes without asking? Do you need a clean room, or is it ok if there are clothes on the floor? How are you going to divide the room cleaning responsibilities?

  So How Do I Make a Decision?

  Consider students with similar living habits as yours. If you value tidiness, for example, then a friend who never folds laundry or who leaves dirty dishes out will probably get on your nerves. Similarly, more laid-back students could quickly become annoyed with a roommate who's constantly cleaning up or who goes to bed by 9 p.m.

  Establishing lists of desired qualities and deal-breakers can help you narrow down potential roommates. Just because you get along well with someone, doesn't mean you'll be compatible roommates. Make sure to have conversations about your values, habits, and communication styles before you decide to room together. Don’t be too picky though, you’re not going to find anyone who is just like you.

• What if I don't find or want a roommate?

  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 using the information submitted by students in their lifestyles and likings questionnaire.  Roommates are randomly assigned to spaces in the appropriate area.

  Single rooms are extremely limited and reserved for students with approved accommodations. Students should anticipate being placed with a roommate.

  Double and 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. Room change requests are considered on a case by case basis after the first two weeks of each semester. This allows us to confirm housing placements and for you to 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 getting a room assignment that meets a health related need?

  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. It is recommended that students begin the accommodation process as soon as possible in order to submit required paperwork and complete the process before room assignments are made each year.