Preparing for Your Visit to Western!
We can't wait to welcome you to campus!
We're thrilled to welcome you to Western. We are uniquely situated between Bellingham Bay and the Cascade Mountains, offering breathtaking views year-round.
We hope you fall in love with our campus! 💙
Directions
From North of Bellingham
Take Interstate 5 South, and take Exit #252 (Samish Way and WWU). Turn right at the light off the ramp onto S. Samish Way and get into the left lane. At the next light, turn left onto Bill McDonald Pkwy/Byron Ave. As you turn, there will be a Wendy’s on your right and a gas station on your left. Drive on Bill McDonald Pkwy for about two miles until you reach S. College Dr. where you will make a right. You will then find Parking Lot C.
From South of Bellingham
Take Interstate 5 North to Exit #252 (Samish Way and WWU). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Samish Way. At the light, use the left lane to turn left onto Samish Way. At the next light, turn left onto Bill McDonald Pkwy/Byron Ave. As you turn, there will be a Wendy’s on your right and a gas station on your left. Drive on Bill McDonald Pkwy for about two miles until you reach S. College D.r where you will make a right. You will then find Parking Lot C.
Parking
For most of our events, all guests are welcome to park for free in Parking Lot C.
Please refer to your registration confirmation email for more details about how to redeem your free parking code and any special instructions related to your visit.
If you requested accessible parking for your visit, your registration confirmation will include information about where you can park.
🚧 Construction Notice 🚧
Construction of Western's new Student Development & Success Center is currently underway on the south end of campus, between the Wade King Recreation Center and the Academic Instructional West building. We don't anticipate that this work will impact your ability to find parking or access any of the buildings on campus. Please be aware, however, that there may be construction vehicles and equipment in use during your visit, and we encourage you to exercise caution while you are near the worksite.
Prepare for Weather
All our events take place rain or shine, including our campus tours. Since you'll be walking outside, please wear suitable footwear and outerwear.
☀️ Summer can be really sunny and can reach temperatures of up to 90 degrees. Be sure to wear sun protection and stay hydrated.
🍂 Fall can be a little unpredictable. It can be cold in the mornings and warmer for the rest of the day, and there's a higher chance of rain. We recommend wearing layers.
❄️ Winter can be cold and windy; please bring a good winter coat or jacket. There is a higher chance of icy or snowy conditions, so please keep an eye on your email for any updates regarding your visit.
🌸 Spring can also be unpredictable, so we recommend wearing layers during these months as well.
Bring your water bottle!
We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. As part of Western’s commitment to sustainability, bottled water is not sold on campus and we offer many water filling stations throughout campus.
Explore Bellingham
Before or after your campus visit, we highly recommend taking the time to discover the vibrant city of Bellingham! From stunning outdoor adventures and a thriving arts scene, to cozy cafés and local shops, Bellingham offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city energy. See why so many students love calling this place home!
Accommodations
There are a variety of hotels and inns in Bellingham and the surrounding area. Most hotels offer discounts to WWU guests.
Check out the WWU Hotels page for more details.