Student Housing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer you need? Email us at housinginfo@uwb.edu.

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General Questions

Q:How are housing assignments made?
A:We made an attempt to match students based on their academic interests and the preferences that were indicated on the housing application. If two students both request to be assigned together, we accommodated the request.
Q:Can I request a different room assignment?
A:Due to the limited number of rooms, it is no longer possible to request particular roommates now that assignments have been made.
Q:What if I don’t like my room once I get to campus?
A:We encourage students to give their room assignment a chance – most students end up being happy with their living arrangements. If, however, you still want to request a room change, a request must be made in writing. Please keep in mind that we have a very limited number of rooms and expect to be at full capacity. A room change request may not be possible unless there are vacancies. Room change requests due to roommate conflicts will not be granted unless the conflicts have gone through a mediation process first.
Q:What’s included in the housing agreement price?
A:The agreement price includes a furnished apartment unit, all utilities (except telephone), high speed internet, cable TV, 24 hour staff (on-call for after hour emergencies), onsite residence parking  programs and activities.
Q:Do I need to pay the whole agreement amount at once?
A:No. Although the agreement commitment is for a full academic year, you are billed by the quarter. Click here for an overview of your Payment Options.
Q:How does living in student housing help me academically?
A:Not only are you just minutes away from the library and classrooms but living among your peers gives you easy access to “study buddies”. There are also many academic success workshops such as note taking, study skills, test anxiety, time management, and tutoring sessions hosted for you in housing. All you need to do is attend and experience the benefits.
Q:What will I gain from living in student housing?
A:Residents who become engaged in their community gain the most from living on campus. Besides the academic benefits, it is the easiest way to meet new people and make friends. Studies have proven that students who feel connected are the most successful. Living in student housing makes that as easy as one—two—three. Live in student housing and get connected!
Q:How safe is it to live in student housing?
A:Safety is of utmost importance for our residents at UW Bothell. Each student resident is issued a key to their unit. Residents are expected to lock their doors at all times and not loan their keys to others. All housing facilities are also equipped with fire safety equipment such as sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers. Resident Directors and Resident Advisors are on-call when the office closes and are able to respond to incidents. Visit our Campus Safety website for more information.

Preparing to Move In

Q: When may I move in for the 2012-13 year?
A: Approved residents will receive further instruction about Move-In Day in their move in packet this summer.   In order to facilitate a smooth move-in experience for everyone, students who arrive earlier than their Move-In Day will not be able to check in. If you cannot check in during your move-in time, please contact the Office of Student Life ahead of time at housinginfo@uwb.edu.
Q: Are there any vehicle limitations for move-in?
A: Yes. In order to keep traffic congestion to a minimum, families may bring one vehicle into the student housing apartment’s parking lot at a time. Vehicles over 14 feet in length will not be permitted in the parking lot EXCEPT SUVs, pick-up trucks, or standard vans/minivans. Extra vehicles may be parked on the UW Bothell campus on move-in day.
A:See the attached list of items.
Q:Is there anything I should NOT bring with me?
A:Refer to your housing agreement to see the list of items not permitted. You can also check this list.
Q:What size linens and bedding will fit my bed?
A:Residence hall mattresses are 8" thick by 36" wide by 80" long -- that's extra long -- and regular twin size sheets will not fit. You may purchase extra-long twin sheets at your regular shopping center.
Q:What kind of clothes should I bring?
A:Many students find it works well to bring clothes for the first quarter only, especially if you're going to be heading home for winter break. Keep in mind that September and October can be chilly and wet in the Northwest, so be sure to bring jeans, sweaters or a light jacket, and rain gear.
Q:How will I access the Internet?
A:Each apartment will have Comcast high speed internet. At move-in, you will have a Terms of Agreement that will need to be signed in order to get access to the internet. These terms will limit your usage by prohibiting certain activities such as illegal pirating of media.
Q:Will I have telephone service in my room?
A:Because most students have cell phones, landline phones are not provided in individual apartments.
Q:What about cable TV?
A:Each apartment will include Comcast Expanded Basic Cable service. One cable box will be provided in the living room.
Q:Where can I ship personal belongings prior to arrival
A:The University of Washington Bothell will not accept early shipments of your personal belongings.
Q:Is storage space available?
A:  There is no storage on campus.
Q:Should I bring my bicycle?
A:YES! Bothell is a big place and having a bicycle makes it a lot easier to get around. There are bicycle storage areas available throughout campus, and you can store your bike free of charge. There are many bicycle paths in and around the campus. It’s cheaper than having a car and better for the environment. Make sure to bring a sturdy lock as well. We also have a limited number of bikes available for rent for our residents through the RHA's Husky Rides program.
Q:How about my car?
A:We highly recommend that new students leave their cars at home. Most students walk or take public transit. If you do plan to bring a car, parking at the apartment is free and each resident will be issued one parking permit for their use. 24-hour guest permits are available to residents at no charge. Please note these passes are only good for the Student Housing lots, so if you bring your car to campus, you will have to purchase a different parking pass. There is no security in the parking lot and the university is not liable for any damages or thefts that take place in the parking lots.
Q:Can I keep a pet in my room?
A:Per the housing agreement, students may have non-flesh eating fish housed in an aquarium which cannot exceed the size of a five gallon tank. Dogs, cats, and all other animals are prohibited. Pre-approved service dogs are permitted, but not for training or companion purposes.

After You Move in

Q:How can I hang posters, pictures, etc. in my room?
A:You are asked to use nails to hang any items in your apartment. Keep in mind that you can be billed for any damage to your room beyond normal wear and tear.
Q:Can I have furniture removed from my room?
A:No. All furniture in your room must stay in the unit.
Q:Can I store my empty boxes?
A:There is no storage space available in the apartments for empty boxes, suitcases, trunks, and/or your personal belongings, except the space available in your room. Please be prepared to either take your empty boxes home or to recycle them.
Q:Are apartments open during holiday breaks? May I keep my belongings in my room during winter break
A:Yes. You are required to unplug all electric equipment before leaving for an extended-period. You must also turn off all alarm clocks on days you will not be there to hear them.
Q:Is smoking allowed in the apartments?
A:No. There is no smoking in the apartments or in any campus buildings. There are several designated smoking tents located in the parking lots and around campus should you require one.