Office of Admissions, WWU

So, you've successfully completed the first (and biggest) step to being a Western Washington University student. Congratulations! Give yourself a big pat on the back. You've got a few more things to do to finish the enrollment process, so we've put together a list to help you complete your path to becoming a Viking.

When you're ready to commit to Western, submit the enrollment confirmation form and non-refundable $250 Enrollment Confirmation Fee. You'll want to do this as soon as possible in order to reserve your space in the incoming class, but no later than:

• May 1 - Fall & Summer Quarters
• October 15 - Winter Quarter
• February 1 - Spring Quarter

If you decide not to attend Western, please complete & return the yellow non-enrollee postcard that was including in your mailed admission packet.

If you've not yet visited campus, what are you waiting for? Western's ideal location and gorgeous campus is one of the biggest reasons students choose Western, so come see for yourself! We've got a variety of ways to visit, from daily tours to open house events. 

If you have visited before, we encourage you to visit again! Western Preview on April 10, 2010, is a visit program designed just for you as an admitted student to WWU. More information about this opportunity will be sent to you in the mail soon.

Did you know Western's Office of Admissions has daily walk-in appointment hours? Monday through Friday, 12pm - 2pm, you can stop by our office in Old Main 200 to ask any questions you might have about the enrollment process, or to just say howdy!

Next to the application & admission process, financial aid is often the biggest hurdle for college-bound students like yourself. We'll be honest and say it's not simple or easy, but we want to assure you that we're here to help you through it. Now is the time to start talking about how you and your family will afford college tuition and expenses to be sure you're prepared, and not stressed out.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the most important form to submit for financial aid. Fortunately, you only have to file one FAFSA for all of the schools you're considering. The FAFSA4caster is a financial aid estimator that can tell you roughly what to expect for need-based financial aid. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov now to apply for a PIN so you can get started with the online application when you're ready. And, be sure to include Western's Federal School Code on your FAFSA so we receive your results: 003802.

Western's Financial Aid Priority Deadline is February 15. 

Your application for admission also serves as your application for most of Western Washington University's scholarships. Scholarship recipients will be notified in writing of any awards by mid-April. Learn more about what scholarships Western offers, including our Why Western? Video Scholarship Contest, which is a unique way to showcase your talents and personality while competing for a $2,000 scholarship to Western!

We encourage you to seek out any external scholarship opportunities, as well. Check with your high school, local community organizations and businesses about scholarships, and take a look at online scholarship search sites such as:

• CollegeBoard
• FastWeb
• CollegeNET

Payment for tuition, fees, and room and board is due at the start of each quarter.

Living on campus can really enhance your overall college experience. More than 90% of Western's freshmen live on campus, so you should definitely consider doing so. Take virtual tours of our 16 residence halls, and submit your housing application online by May 1 for Fall Quarter. 

Tip: Connect with potential roommates using WWU's MyRoommate or the You're In! Admitted Students 2010 Facebook Group.

If living off campus is more your style, we've got you covered there, too. Off Campus WWU is your resource for finding and adjusting to a place of your own. The Viking Union's Off-Campus Housing Registry, The Bellingham Herald, and Bellingham Craig's List are great resources for rental listings.

The New Student Services/Family Outreach Office hosts advising & orientation sessions for new students each quarter before classes begin. Information about advising & orientation sessions will be sent to you after you confirm your enrollment. Here's a few tips on how to prepare for your session:

• Plan to receive college credit for previous coursework from another college through AP, IB, Running Start or college-in-the-high school? Once we receive your enrollment confirmation, fee and final transcripts, you will receive an official transfer evaluation. Every effort will be made to provide you with this prior to course registration at Western.
• Take the Math Placement Test (MPT). Washington State students are encouraged to take the MPT in the spring during the Statewide Testing Program when skills are fresher and there is a discount on the testing fee.
• Transfer students and high-credit Running Start students should get in touch with academic departments as soon as possible to learn more about major prerequisites and declaration requirements. Academic Advising is also a great place to start for students undecided about their academic plan.
• Proof of measles immunity is required for all students born after January 1, 1957. You will be unable to register for classes if this documentation has not been received by the Health Center. 

•  Contact us! Don't hesitate to get in touch with the Office of Admissions if you have questions about any part of the process of enrolling to WWU - we're here to help! Call us at (360) 650-3440 or email admit@wwu.edu. Definitely let us know of any email or mailing address changes as soon as possible, as well.
• Explore extracurricular activities and events happening on campus through the Associated Students (AS) website.
• Activate your Universal Account, which provides you with a number of technology resources to enhance your academic experience, including MyWestern e-mail, computer lab access, personal storage on network servers and dial-up internet access.

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact disAbility Resources prior to enrollment to ensure needs are met in a timely manner.
• Learn more about transportation options on campus:
  • All students taking more than 6 credits receive a student bus pass. Bellingham has a great public transportation system, and most students choose to take the bus vs. drive a car to get around town.
  • You can register your bike through University Police, and the on-campus Outdoor Center includes a student-run bike shop.
  • You're allowed a car on campus, so if you choose to bring one, you can apply for a parking pass through Parking & Transportation.