Introduction
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a public university located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a student population of over 20,000. As a prospective or current student, choosing where to live during your college years can be a daunting task. Thankfully, WKU offers a variety of housing options to fit the needs and preferences of all students. In this blog post, we will explore the dorms at WKU, including their amenities, locations, and unique features, to help you make an informed decision on where to call your home away from home.
Dorms at Western Kentucky University
Traditional Residence Halls
WKU has five traditional residence halls: Barnes-Campbell Hall, Bemis Lawrence Hall, McCormack Hall, Minton Hall, and Pearce-Ford Tower. These halls are co-ed and typically house first-year students, although upperclassmen can also live in them. Each room is equipped with two twin XL beds, two desks, two chairs, two closets, and a sink with a vanity mirror. Shared bathrooms are located on each floor, and there are community lounges and kitchens for students to use.
Barnes-Campbell Hall, Bemis Lawrence Hall, McCormack Hall, and Minton Hall are all located on the south side of campus, making them convenient for students who have classes in that area. Pearce-Ford Tower is the tallest building on campus, standing at 27 stories, and is located on the north side of campus. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is just a short walk away from the Preston Center, WKU’s recreation center.
Suite-Style Residence Halls
WKU also offers suite-style residence halls for students who prefer a more private living experience. Suite-style halls have two or four bedrooms that share a common living area and bathroom. The living area is furnished with a couch, chairs, and a coffee table, while each bedroom has a twin XL bed, a desk, a chair, a closet, and a dresser. Suite-style halls also have community kitchens and lounges for students to use.
Hilltopper Hall and Northeast Hall are both suite-style residence halls located on the north side of campus. Hilltopper Hall is the newest residence hall on campus, opening in fall 2021, and is designed for upperclassmen. It features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a game room, and a rooftop patio. Northeast Hall is home to WKU’s Living Learning Communities, which are groups of students who live together based on a shared interest or major.
Apartment-Style Residence Halls
For students who want even more independence, WKU offers apartment-style residence halls. These halls have full kitchens, living rooms, and one to four bedrooms. Each bedroom has a twin XL bed, a desk, a chair, a closet, and a dresser. Apartment-style halls also have community spaces, including lounges and outdoor areas.
Hilltopper Heights and The Columns are both apartment-style residence halls located on the south side of campus. Hilltopper Heights is designed for upperclassmen and offers one to four bedroom apartments. It has a pool, a sand volleyball court, and a 24-hour fitness center. The Columns is home to WKU’s Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, a residential high school for gifted students.
Special Housing Options
In addition to traditional, suite-style, and apartment-style residence halls, WKU offers several special housing options for students. These options include gender-neutral housing, where students can live with a roommate of any gender; substance-free housing, where residents agree to abstain from drugs and alcohol; and themed housing, where students live together based on a shared interest, such as honors or Greek life.
Gender-neutral housing is available in Minton Hall, McCormack Hall, and Northeast Hall. Substance-free housing is available in Bemis Lawrence Hall, Hilltopper Hall, and Northeast Hall. Themed housing options include the Honors College Living Learning Community in Northeast Hall and the Greek Life Living Learning Community in Hilltopper Hall.
Amenities and Services
All residence halls at WKU offer a variety of amenities and services to make students’ lives easier and more comfortable. Each hall has a front desk staffed by trained student workers who are available to answer questions, offer support, and provide resources. Residence halls also have laundry facilities, vending machines, and mailboxes for residents to use.
In addition, WKU’s Housing and Residence Life department offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year to help students connect with one another and build community. These events include hall socials, movie nights, and educational workshops.
WKU also has a robust dining program, with multiple dining locations across campus. Students with meal plans can use their meal swipes at any of these locations, including the Fresh Food Company, which offers a variety of buffet-style options, and Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, among others.
Housing Costs and Application Process
The cost of living in WKU’s residence halls varies depending on the type of room and the meal plan selected. Traditional residence halls cost between $2,925 and $3,295 per semester, while suite-style halls cost between $3,140 and $3,635 per semester. Apartment-style halls cost between $3,675 and $4,465 per semester.
To apply for housing at WKU, students must submit a housing application and pay a $200 housing deposit. The housing application is available online and can be accessed through the WKU Housing and Residence Life website. Students can select their preferred residence hall and roommate(s) during the application process.
Conclusion
Choosing where to live during college is an important decision, and WKU offers a variety of housing options to fit the needs and preferences of all students. From traditional residence halls to apartment-style halls, there is something for everyone. With a range of amenities and services, including dining options and community-building events, living on campus at WKU provides a comfortable and convenient home away from home for students.