Opening fall 2026: new residence hall for first-year students

Coming soon to campus is a new residence hall located in the heart of Goldsworth Valley. Build your community from day one at Valley Oaks alongside more than 1,000 first-year students living in pod-style rooms with plenty of open spaces to connect. Live in modern accommodations at an affordable price, supporting your academic, career and well-being goals your first year at Western!

A true sense of home

Connection, comfort, collaboration and support are the driving force behind this innovative residence hall design for first-year students. Valley Oaks highlights include: 

  • Coed floors with male, female and all-gender rooms (single, double and extended double rooms available)
  • Centrally-located single occupancy bathrooms in each hallway
  • A kitchenette, laundry area and central lounges on each floor
  • A health and well-being studio
  • Vibrant courtyards for fun or reflection
  • Cutting-edge study lounges, multipurpose rooms and hybrid-learning booths

Biophilic design

Valley Oaks was designed with connection to the natural world in mind. The warm and airy design not only lowers stress and increases overall satisfaction for students living in the hall, but it positively contributes to the student living and learning experience, thereby easing the transition for first-year Broncos. Prominent biophilic design aesthetics include: 

  • Abundant natural light from large bay windows
  • Mass timber columns, beams and ceilings in common spaces
  • Exposed wood ceilings in student rooms
  • Wood tones and textures
“This project is an entirely different approach to a residence hall at Western. The use of mass timber, as well as a strong sense of connection to the wooded environment surrounding the Valleys, will provide a cutting-edge residence hall experience that adds warmth and a true sense of home. With varying levels of privacy, as well as adding spaces for virtual study, play and reflection, Valley Oaks will serve as a wonderful starting point for student success.”
— Dr. Barry Olson, Associate Vice President for Campus Life

Walking Time

Valley Dining view from the pond in the fall.

Valley Dining Center

1 minute

Students hanging out on the gathering stairs in the WMU Student Center.

Student Center

10 minutes

A spin class at the Student Recreation Center

Student Recreation Center

16 minutes

Waldo Library

15 minutes