Student Housing Near Western Washington University
Find verified off-campus housing near Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA
About Western Washington University
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest's most vibrant college town, Western Washington University offers students an extraordinary blend of academic opportunity and outdoor adventure. With an enrollment of 13,574 students, WWU strikes the perfect balance—large enough to provide diverse programs and resources, yet intimate enough for meaningful faculty connections. The university's welcoming 91% admission rate reflects its commitment to accessibility and student-centered education across undergraduate and graduate levels. Beyond the classroom, Bellingham pulses with creative energy and cultural richness. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, farm-to-table dining, independent bookstores, and a strong commitment to sustainability that mirrors WWU's environmental values. Students benefit from direct access to the Salish Sea and North Cascades, making outdoor recreation an integral part of campus life. Living near Western Washington University means joining a tight-knit academic community where peers prioritize both intellectual growth and environmental stewardship. The surrounding neighborhoods offer affordable housing options, vibrant student life, and easy walkability to downtown Bellingham's coffee shops, galleries, and music venues. For students seeking a purposeful education grounded in community connection and natural beauty, WWU provides an unmatched residential college experience.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Public
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Small City
- Retention Rate
- 80%
- ACT Median
- 26
- Accreditor
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
Western Washington University offers relatively affordable in-state tuition, but students should budget additional housing costs beyond the $18,680 average net price. Off-campus housing in Bellingham can range from $600-$1,200/month, making total first-year costs between $25,000-$33,000 for in-state students.
- ✓Live on-campus during freshman year to lock in lower housing rates (typically $8,000-$10,000/year) and avoid search hassles
- ✓Consider shared housing with 3-4 roommates in off-campus apartments to reduce individual rent burden by 30-40%
- ✓Explore WWU's residential communities and themed housing options, which often have lower costs than standard dorms
- ✓Look into housing co-ops and student-run housing organizations in Bellingham that offer discounted rates for participating members
Living Near Western Washington University
# Bellingham Housing Guide for WWU Students Western Washington University sits in Bellingham's vibrant downtown core, offering students walkable access to everything they need. The surrounding neighborhood features a mix of historic Victorian homes, modern apartments, and student-friendly rentals within a compact area. Popular student neighborhoods include Fairhaven, a charming historic district with vintage character and local cafes, and the Lettered Streets area near campus, known for affordable housing and convenient campus proximity. Downtown Bellingham offers trendy lofts and urban living with direct access to restaurants and shops. Getting around is easy—most students walk or bike to campus within 15-20 minutes. The Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) provides affordable bus service throughout the city, with many routes connecting student neighborhoods to campus. Downtown's flat terrain makes biking especially popular. The area boasts excellent dining options from casual pizza joints to upscale restaurants, plus independent coffee shops, breweries, and boutique retailers. Students enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, including hiking and water activities at nearby Bellingham Bay. The community maintains a safe, welcoming atmosphere with strong neighborhood engagement and a college-town vibe that embraces its 13,000+ student population.
Other Housing Near Western Washington University
The Dex Apartments
The Dex Apartments is a 19-unit student housing community located at 904 E Chestnut St in Bellingham, WA, just 0.7 miles from Western Washington University. Built in 2017, the property features in-unit amenities including full kitchens with granite countertops, hardwood floors, dishwashers, and washer/dryer combinations. Additional amenities include air conditioning, heating, balcony patios, bike storage, and laundry facilities.
Samish Station
Samish Station is a 53-unit apartment community located at 109 N Samish Way in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.8 miles from Western Washington University. Built in 2022, the property offers amenities including a fitness center, game room, clubhouse, controlled access, and in-unit features such as dishwashers, air conditioning, and hardwood floors. Additional amenities include 24/7 maintenance, a business center, and a BBQ grill.
Ridge Apartments
Ridge Apartments is a 15-unit community located at 516 32nd St in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.8 miles from Western Washington University. Built in 2022, the apartments feature in-unit washer dryer, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, bike storage, and patio decks.
Nash Hall
Nash Hall is a student housing property located at 516 High St in Bellingham, WA, just 0.2 miles from Western Washington University's campus. The residence provides convenient proximity to university facilities and academic resources for enrolled students.
North Edens Hall
North Edens Hall is a student housing property located at 380331010125 Edens Hall in Bellingham, WA, just 0.2 miles from Western Washington University's campus. The residence offers convenient proximity to university facilities and campus life.
Elevate Bellingham
Elevate Bellingham is a student housing property located at 900 N Forest St in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.5 miles from Western Washington University's campus. The residence offers convenient proximity to the university and local amenities in the Bellingham area.
Sky Vue Apartments
Sky Vue Apartments is located at 600-620 Lincoln St in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.9 miles from Western Washington University's campus. This student housing property offers convenient access to the university and the surrounding area.
Lark Bellingham
Lark Bellingham is an apartment community located at 800 Viking Circle in Bellingham, Washington, approximately 0.9 miles from Western Washington University. The property offers student housing options in proximity to campus and local amenities.
Monterra Apartments
Monterra Apartments is located at 487 31st St in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.7 miles from Western Washington University. This apartment community offers housing options for students seeking proximity to campus.
Stateside
Stateside is an apartment community located at 929 N State St in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.5 miles from Western Washington University's campus. The property offers student housing options in close proximity to the university.
The U Apartments
The U Apartments is located at 2401 Taylor Ave in Bellingham, WA, approximately 0.8 miles from Western Washington University. This apartment community offers housing options for students and young professionals in the Bellingham area.
Calypso North Apartments
Calypso North Apartments is located at 3815 Elwood Ave in Bellingham, WA, approximately 1.0 mile from Western Washington University. This apartment community offers student housing options in a convenient location near campus.
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