Welcome to the Cougar Family!
We are so glad your student has chosen WSU, and we are excited to support all of you during their time here.
As your student transitions to life in college, it’s important to recognize that this is a major change for you, too. You may be feeling a mix of emotions and have questions about your student’s experience and success, as well as how your role as a parent is shifting.
We’re here to help. Our Family Toolkit answers frequently asked questions, provides information about services and programs, and lists contact information for key offices around campus. The First-Year Programs website is an excellent resource for you and your student to learn more about their first semesters at WSU. And you can find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions below
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where will my student live?
First-year students are required to live in university housing. Residence halls provide a supportive environment for transitioning to college life, especially for students living away from home for the first time. There are 15 residence halls to choose from – each has a unique atmosphere, but they all provide opportunities for students to make friends and get involved on campus. Find out more on the Housing website.
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My student didn't get into their residence hall of choice. What are their options?
May 1 is the priority date for all new students to complete their residence hall application. Housing and Residence Life does its best to accommodate student preferences in the placement process.
All students who completed their housing contract by the May 1 priority deadline had equal chance of getting their preferred assignment, regardless of the time/date of application. Many factors, including the number of available spaces in a hall, impacted what was available.
Students who were not assigned to their first-choice residence hall and would like to be considered for an alternative room assignment should email Housing and Residence Life using their WSU email address. Students should give their WSU ID number and provide as much information as possible regarding what halls they would consider for reassignment.
Housing will take these requests in the order they come in and make as many room changes as possible until July 31.
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What are the dining options?
Dining Services has a variety of options around campus – dining halls, coffee shops, restaurants, and markets – and there are several independent restaurant operators in the CUB. Each location offers a variety of options to suit every taste and dietary need.
Please note that first-year students living in the residence halls are required to purchase a Resident Meal Plan. Find out more on the dining website.
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How can my student make friends?
There are hundreds of ways to meet people and get involved on campus! First-year students often make friends in their residence hall and in their classes. We encourage students to check out the 300+ registered student organizations on campus to find Cougs with similar interests, try an intramural or sport club, look into Greek life, and visit the student cultural centers in the CUB.
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How can I help my student keep up with their classes?
It’s important to remember that your student is an adult and responsible for their own learning. We encourage you to point your student in the direction of resources and to offer a listening ear when needed, but to let your student navigate their classes on their own.
If your student needs support, encourage them to follow these study tips and create good study habits, and to talk with their faculty if they have any questions or concerns about their classes. If they need academic support, they can visit the Academic Success and Career Center for academic coaching and tutoring, find writing help at the Undergraduate Writing Center, and visit the Math Learning Center for math tutoring.
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What health resources are available?
WSU has robust health support resources available to students. Cougar Health Services provides expert medical and mental health care right on campus. CHS has a medical clinic, vision clinic, pharmacy, and counseling services.
We know mental health is important, and we have multiple services in place:
- Counseling and Psychological Services: Individual, couples, and group therapy; crisis support; psychological assessment; biofeedback
- 24/7 Online Resources: Crisis support, self-guided therapy, peer support group, and tools to find a mental health provider in the community
- General resources: Information and tips on stress relief, healthy study habits, mindfulness, and more.
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How do I send mail and packages to my student?
Residence hall addresses and instructions on sending mail are available on the Housing and Residence Life website.
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My student is interested in Greek life. How can they get involved?
There are more than 60 Greek organizations at WSU, so your student is sure to find the right one for them. The fall recruitment process starts June 1. Details about how to join are shared during New Coug Orientation. For more information, visit the Greek Life website.
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How do I pay tuition and fees, and when does financial aid post?
The bursar’s office handles all tuition and fee payments. For more information, visit the website.
The date that financial aid posts varies by semester. For an overview of when tuition, fees, and financial aid begin posting, visit the Student Financial Services website.
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Where can my student park, and how much does it cost?
Most students find they don’t need to bring a car to campus. WSU is a very walkable campus, and free public transportation is readily accessible for trips off campus. You can find more transportation options, including options for getting to and from local airports, on the Community Life website.
If your student wants to bring a car to campus, they will need to purchase a parking permit. Prices vary based on where your student wants to park.