Student reading emails

Student Communication

Housing and Residence Life uses student WMU email accounts for all business-related communication. Copies of key information and updates can be viewed here.

Residence Halls

  • 11/29/2023 - Winter break closing information

    Subject:  Residence halls close for holiday recess 

    The residence halls close for holiday recess 7 p.m. Friday, December 15.  They reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 6, and food service resumes Monday, Jan. 8.  WMU and the housing office closes 5 p.m. December 21 and reopens 9 a.m. January 3, 2024.

    If you are coming back this spring:

    You do not need to move out of your room.  Take home the things you will need over break and secure your room.  To prevent pests, take out your trash and recycling, remove food that will spoil, clean dishes left in the room, and close and lock your windows.  Unplug non-essential electrical items.  Access to your hall will not be available Dec. 16 to Jan. 6.

    Staff will be doing supervised room checks beginning 7 p.m. Dec. 15.  The checks are for maintenance and safety inspections, and they are done while still respecting your privacy. 

    Residence halls reopen Saturday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m.  You may return then or any time thereafter.

    If you are not returning to WMU:

    1. Request to cancel your housing contract.  Sign into the housing portal and fill out the cancellation request.  You will receive an email regarding your cancellation status. The portal is located at https://hms.reslife.wmich.edu/Page/Portal.
    2. Empty, clean and wipe down your part of the room as well as the bathroom (suites). Return your bed to itsoriginal set-up position.  
    3. Contact Bedloft to return any EcoMaxes rented for the year (bedloft.com/).
    4. Return your room key via the established process in your hall.  The hall office or your RA can give you information.
    5. Change your mail forwarding information on GoWMU.
    1. Click here for more information.

    If your roommate moves out:

    If your roommate leaves, please keep the second half of the room open for new students joining us in January.  They will move in starting January 6.  You will not receive notice if a new roommate is assigned to you.  Instead, you can check on the housing portal under “View my spring assignment”.

    Employment opportunities:

    Applications for 2024-25 Resident Assistant positions are live. Contact your hall’s graduate assistant to inquire about desk staff vacancies. 

    Change your meal plan for Spring:

    Students can change their spring meal plan once between Dec. 1 and Jan. 26, 2024.  Changes are done via the housing portal located at https://hms.reslife.wmich.edu/Page/Portal.

    If you have questions, please contact us at WMU-housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735.


    Good luck on finals and enjoy break!

     

  • 11/14/2023 - Thanksgiving break reminders

    Subject: Thanksgiving Break Reminders

    All residence halls remain open during break. See below to register if you are staying for all or part of break. Reduced services over break include: 

    • No mail delivery Thursday, Nov. 24 to Monday, Nov. 28
    • Front desks close at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 and reopen at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27
    • Hall offices close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 and reopen Monday, Nov. 28
    • Dining closes at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 and reopens at breakfast Monday, Nov. 28

    Staff are not doing room checks. However, they will enter a room if a window was left open. If staff then notice, in plain sight, any evidence of violation of university policies, federal, state or local laws, staff will file the appropriate report and may confiscate the item(s). Concerns about health hazards in a room/bathroom will also be documented.

    If you are staying for part/all of break:

    Register online so we know when you will be here:  https://hms.reslife.wmich.edu/Page/Portal.  Go to residence halls >> Thanksgiving break.

    A staff member will be on duty at all times during the break and will be available to assist you.  Information on how to contact staff will be posted in the main lobby of your building.

    If you are leaving for break:

    • Close and secure windows; close blinds.  If you are on a ground or roof level room, insert the wooden security stick in the window track (if you do not have one, see your hall office).
    • Take out all of your trash to the dumpster and recyclables to the appropriate bin outside.
    • Shut off and unplug all unnecessary appliances (TV, computer).
    • Clear your heat register of any obstruction.
    • Take home any valuables.
    • Clean and lock bathrooms.   

    Please contact hall staff if you have any questions.  Enjoy your break!

     

  • 09/11/23 - Room changes are open

    Subject:  Room changes open

    Room Change is Available Beginning September 12 at 10:00 am!

    Please note that we do not have a lot of available space, so there will be limited options.
    If you are interested in changing your room or residence hall below are the steps you need to take.

    • Schedule an appointment with the hall director of whichever hall you are interested in moving to. You can schedule an appointment by calling or emailing.


    Ackley/Shilling                            (269)387-4755 / rl-ackleyshilling@wmich.edu
    Britton/Hadley                          (269)387-6603 / rl-brittonhadley@wmich.edu
    Garneau/Harvey                      (269)387-4763 / rl-garneauharvey@wmich.edu
    Eicher/LeFevre                         (269)387-4770 / rl-eicherlefevre@wmich.edu
    Harrison/Stinson                      (269)387-6612 / rl-harrisonstinson@wmich.edu     
    Eldridge/Fox                            (269)387-6619 / rl-eldridgefox@wmich.edu
    Western Heights complex – both Hall-Archer-Pickard East and Hall-Archer-Pickard West please email rl-whgts-ara@wmich.edu or call (269)387-4717

    Eligibility:

    • You must be eligible for the space you want to live in. For example, if you would like to move to Western Heights you must be a beginner.
    • All rooms that are completely empty must have two people moving in together. And both persons must be present when signing up for the room.
    • All room changes must be completed by December 1, 2023. If you don’t move by then, you’ll need to wait until room change opens up again in January 2024.

    Singles:

    • If you live in a room with an available bed you may choose to purchase the room as a single by contacting your hall director.  You must contact your hall director to buy out your room as a single no later than Monday, September 11 at 5:00 p.m..  Beginning September 12 room changes will begin. If you do not purchase it as a single you may receive a roommate at any time. Once someone has been assigned to the space you cannot purchase it as a single.
    • Note that you cannot buy out rooms in the Western Heights complex and turn them into singles.
    • If you are already in a room deemed as a single no further action is needed.
    • Find information on the cost of singles here.

    Doubles:

    • Please understand, living in a double room without a current roommate is different than living in a single room. 
    • If a roommate is assigned to your room and the room is not ready to receive a roommate, you may be automatically charged for a single and be subject to conduct (Room consolidation page 9).

    It should be assumed that you will get a roommate if you are living in a double and do not buy it out as a single. You may not get further notice of a roommate moving into your double room.

  • 08/01/23 - Move-in information - transfer students

    Subject:  Move-in information

    Can you believe move-in is four weeks away! As a new transfer student, when you arrive depends on if you are participating in the University’s Fall Welcome program.   

    Not participating in Fall Welcome:   

    • Move in is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 27-29.  You may come on the day of your choosing.  You do not need to sign up for an arrival time. 

    Participating in Fall Welcome:   

    • Move in is Aug. 24-26.  You will pick a one-hour arrival slot between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 5 p.m. on one of those days.  When your Fall Welcome registration is confirmed, you will get an email from Housing with directions on selecting your arrival day and time.   

    Bronco Marching Band: 

    • Move-in dates will be communicated by the band director. 

    For more information about move-in, please visit wmich.edu/housing/new-students/movein.  Additional details will be emailed August 19. 

    Hangouts with Housing 

    If you have questions about move-in or the fall, please join us 3-4 p.m. EST on Facebook Live.  The direct link event is https://www.facebook.com/events/1385143612043815/

    Follow us on social media for packing advice, meeting your staff, learning about your hall, etc. 

    Vendor deadlines for in-room delivery are coming up!  EcoMax and futon orders are due August 10. 

    If you have questions, please contact us at WMU_housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735. 

     

  • 08/01/23 - Move-in information - returning students

    Subject:  Move-in dates

    Can you believe move-in is four weeks away! Your move-in window is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 27, 28 or 29.  You do not need to sign up for an arrival day or time. Please go to the front desk to start the check-in process.   

    • Final details about move-in will be emailed Aug. 17.  Click here for more information now. 

    • Bronco Marching Band move-in will be communicated by the band director. 

    Hangouts with Housing 

    If you have questions about move-in or the fall, please join us 3-4 p.m. EST on Facebook Live.  The direct link event is https://www.facebook.com/events/1385143612043815/

    Follow us on social media for packing advice, meeting your staff, learning about your hall, etc. 

    If you have questions, please contact us at WMU_housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735. 

  • 08/01/23 - Move-in information - new international students

    Subject:  Campus housing arrival information

    Housing and Residence Life is looking forward to welcoming you to campus. You will be able to move in beginning 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 22. You may arrive any time that day or evening. If you arrive before August 22, please plan to stay in a local hotel. 

    When you arrive at your residence hall, there is a phone number on the door to call for access to the building.  

    Starting August 17, you may complete the online pre-arrival form located in the housing portal:  https://hms.reslife.wmich.edu/Page/Portal. Click on Residence Halls, then Online Check-in. If you need assistance, we can help you when you arrive.  

    Cost of early arrival 

    You are arriving several days prior to the official start of your housing contract on August 27. As such, you will be charged $40 per night August 22 through August 26. The total of $200 will be billed to your University account. You do not have to pay it the day you arrive.  If you decide to participate in the Fall Welcome program, you will only be charged two nights. 

    Students living in Western Heights have a $50 per night charge August 22 through August 26.  The total is $250 billed to your student account. 

    We will have some basics linens and towels we can loan you until you can go to the store to purchase your own. The cost is $5. The cost is $5. This is also billed to your University account. 

    Meal service 

    Your meal plan will begin with breakfast August 27.  Some meals are provide during international student orientation.  If you participate in Fall Welcome, your meals are provided beginning dinner August 24. 

    Hangouts with Housing 

    If you have questions about move-in or the fall, please join us 3-4 p.m. EST on Facebook Live.  The direct link event is https://www.facebook.com/events/1385143612043815/

    Follow us on social media for packing advice, meeting your staff, learning about your hall, etc. 

    If you have questions, please contact us at WMU_housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735. 

  • 08/1/23 - Move-in information for first-year students

    Subject:  Choose your move-in time 

    Can you believe move-in is four weeks away! Starting Aug. 3, you can sign up for your move-in day and time.  The 60-minute arrival block is the window to arrive, get your room key, and unload the car.  You have all day to take things to your room and get settled.   

    Choose your move-in time  

    • Log into the housing portal.  Once in, click on Residence Halls>>Move-in Timeslot Selection. 

    • Pick one-hour slots between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 5 p.m. on Aug. 24, 25 or 26.   

    • You can change your arrival day and time up to 5 p.m. Aug. 22. 

    • Bronco Marching Band move-in will be communicated by the band director. 

    What to expect at move-in 

    Read online what to do before move-in day, the day you arrive, and afterward.  Final details about move-in will be emailed Aug. 17.   

    Hangouts with Housing 

    If you have questions about move-in or the fall, please join us 3-4 p.m. EST on Facebook Live.  The direct link event is https://www.facebook.com/events/1385143612043815/

    Follow us on social media for packing advice, meeting your staff, learning about your hall, etc. 

    Vendor deadlines for in-room delivery are coming up!  EcoMax and futon orders are due August 10. 

    If you have questions, please contact us at WMU_housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735. 

  • 07/14/23 - Summer updates

    We hope you are getting excited about fall semester.  Our staff is finalizing plans for a smooth move-in and creating welcoming, engaged communities.  
     
    2023-24 Rates 

    Housing and dining rates for fall are now available.   
     
    Let’s connect - social media 
    Ask questions, keep on top of things, and learn more about what to expect by following WMU Housing on social media. 

    If you have questions, join us for our Hangouts with Housing on Facebook Live. 

      

    Mail and Packages 
    Each building processes mail and packages sent to students.  Mail is placed into your mailbox by 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  If you get a package, an email is sent to your WMU email with directions on how to pick it up. You are encouraged to do so in a timely manner.  Packages that are unclaimed for 20 days are returned to the delivery company or forwarded if there is a new address (USPS packages only).  Unclaimed packages from Amazon cannot be returned to the delivery company. Housing will try contacting you again to pick up the Amazon package.  If you need it shipped to a new address, your student account will be charged for the shipping. 
     
    We know Amazon is a popular vendor.  They contract with multiple delivery companies to get you your items quickly.  Not all of the delivery companies are familiar with campus or our protocols. Some students may experience a delay in getting their items due to packages not being delivered to the correct building, not delivered to the hall office, or not delivered on time.  We are working with Amazon to try and alleviate these issues from happening, but we want you to be aware in case you order with Amazon. 

    Summer Calendar 

    • Last week in July -  Move-in information emailed 

    • Aug. 1 - Meal plan changes for fall begin – limited to one change 8/1-9/30 

    • Aug. 2  - System goes live for first-year students to pick their move-in day and time 

    • Aug. 10 - Microfridge and futon order deadline for in-room delivery 

    • Aug. 19 - Move-in final directions and pre-arrival form link 

     

    Helpful Links 

  • 06/23/23 - Roommate information, room changes, rates

    Subject:  Roommate information, room changes, rates

    Roommate information and floor plans are live! 
    If you need your roommate’s contact information or a floor map to see where your room is located, the information will be live beginning June 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Log into the Housing Portal and choose View My Fall Assignments.  
     
    We are unable to share suitemate information.  You will meet your suitemates when you move in. 
     
    How do I Change My Housing? 
    If you would like to change your residence hall room, you may do so in the housing portal starting 10 a.m. EST July 3.  Because almost 3,000 students are in rooms, you may need to look at multiple halls or floors to find a new space. 

    • Roommate Groups used during room selection are not used during room change. If you had a Roommate Group and both you and your roommate wish to change rooms, you must each complete your own room change. (You must both pick the same empty room, one at a time.) 

    • We do not condone asking your roommate to change rooms if you met someone you now want to live with.  You and your preferred roommate can look for an open double room you both can switch into for fall. 

    • Hint:  In the room selection platform, the building dropdown menu on the left indicates how many open spaces are in the hall.  Hit the down arrow by the hall name, and you will see the number of spaces on each floor in parenthesis.  Rooms with an open bed are outlined in green. 

     
    Room changes close at 5 p.m. July 31 EST.  After the deadline, you will not be permitted to make room changes until mid-September.  During July, you are limited to 5 total changes and can make one change per 24-hour period. 
     
    Housing and Dining Rates 
    WMU’s Board of Trustees will review 2023-24 on June 29. New rates will be posted online shortly thereafter. 
     
    Move-in Information 
    Click here for the full schedule and details about our move-in process.  
     
    Upcoming dates 
    6/30    Email with information on how to join us on social media for information sessions 
    7/15       Email with summer updates 
    7/31 @ 5 p.m. – last day to make room or roommate changes before move-in  
    8/1         Email to new students with directions on choosing a move-in day and time 
    8/3        Move-in timeslot selection begins at 10:00 a.m. EST 
    8/9         Meal plan changes for fall begin – limited to one change 8/1-9/30 
    8/10       Microfridge and futon order deadline for in-room delivery  
    8/19       Email with move-in final directions and pre-arrival form link 
     
    Helpful links: 

    If you have questions, please contact the Housing and Residence Life office at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing @wmich.edu.  

     

  • 06/05/23 - Sample confirmation once room is selected

    You were assigned a residence hall room!  
     
    Your residence hall room and meal plan chosen by your roommate are below.  Since you are part of a Roommate Group, you do not need to do anything to accept this assignment. 
     
    Room Assignment:   
    Meal Plan:  

     
     
     
     
     
     

    Term 

     
     
     
     
     

    Plan 

     
     
     
     
     

    2023 Fall Res Halls 

     
     
     
     

     

     
     
     
     
     

    2024 Spring Res Halls 

     
     
     
     

     


    Mailing Address: 
    [unique per student]  

    Your hall's website will include the dimensions of your room, furniture provided, and photos or a video. If you want to see a map of your floor, log into the Housing Portal and choose "View My Assignments". 

    Room information and floor plans are live! 
    If you need your roommate’s contact information or a floor map to see where your room is located, the information will be live beginning June 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Log into the Housing Portal and choose "View My Assignments".  
     
    We are unable to share suitemate information.  You will meet your suitemates when you move in. 
       

     
     
     
     
     
     

    Summer Communication Calendar 

     
     
     
     
     

    June 23 

     
     
     
     

    Roommate information (how to look up your roommate, their contact information) Move in information - move-in arrival dates 

     
     
     
     
     

    July 14 

     
     
     
     

    Summer updates 

     
     
     
     
     

    Aug. 1 

     
     
     
     

    Move in - directions to choose your move-in day and time (Fall Welcome participants only) 

     
     
     
     
     

    Aug. 3 

     
     
     
     

    Move-in sign-up goes live 

     
     
     
     
     

    Aug. 18 

     
     
     
     

    Move-in reminders, pre-arrival form link 

     
    Housing and Dining Rates 
    WMU's Board of Trustees will approve rates in June. Information will be sent in your June 23 summer update. Rates for 2022-23 are online. 
     
    Helpful links: 

    If you have questions, please contact the Housing and Residence Life office at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing @wmich.edu.  

  • 05/30/23 - Room selection directions

    Subject: Housing - Room Selection Directions 

    It is almost time to choose your room! 

    Your scheduled day and time to select a residence hall room and meal plan for Fall-Spring 2023-24 is below. All times are EST.  

    Your Scheduled Start Time 

    6/9/2023 11:20 AM 

    You can select your room at or any time after your assigned start time, but not earlier. Watch our short video or read more detailed directions online to get familiar with how to search and select a room. If you do not select a room by July 20 at 5:00 p.m., we will assign you one and select the Gold Meal Plan

    Take a tour: 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Choosing your room: 

    • Log in to the housing portal by clicking here or the button on our website. Then click on Residence Halls  >> and Fall and Spring 2023-2024 Residence Hall and Meal Plan Selection.  

    • Open beds will be green or an open circle. Occupied beds have an X or are a solid circle. If you want to learn about who is already in the room, click on the X to see their age, college and roommate profile. 

    • You do not need a roommate to pick a room. 

    • Decide what meal plan you want before beginning. Once you choose your room, you have 10 minutes to complete the process and click submit. 

    Cancelling housing 

    Please see our cancellation schedule. Fees are dependent on whether or not you are taking WMU classes. 

    Contact us at (269) 387-4735 with any questions. 

     

    It is almost time to choose your room! 

    Your scheduled day and time to select a residence hall room and meal plan for Fall-Spring 2023-24 is below. All times are EST.  

    Your Scheduled Start Time 

    6/9/2023 11:20 AM 

    You can select your room at or any time after your assigned start time, but not earlier. Watch our short video or read more detailed directions online to get familiar with how to search and select a room. If you do not select a room by July 20 at 5:00 p.m., we will assign you one and select the Gold Meal Plan

    Take a tour: 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Choosing your room: 

    • Log in to the housing portal by clicking here or the button on our website. Then click on Residence Halls  >> and Fall and Spring 2023-2024 Residence Hall and Meal Plan Selection.  

    • Open beds will be green or an open circle. Occupied beds have an X or are a solid circle. If you want to learn about who is already in the room, click on the X to see their age, college and roommate profile. 

    • You do not need a roommate to pick a room. 

    • Decide what meal plan you want before beginning. Once you choose your room, you have 10 minutes to complete the process and click submit. 

    Cancelling housing 

    Please see our cancellation schedule. Fees are dependent on whether or not you are taking WMU classes. 

    Contact us at (269) 387-4735 with any questions.