Living on Campus FAQs

What are the 2024 move in dates?
Monday, August 19 and Tuesday, August 20.

First-year students have the option to move in on either Monday, August 19 or Tuesday, August 20. (These dates do not pertain to students who are assigned to an early arrival group, such as fall varsity athletes. Early arrival students will receive separate move-in information and instructions.) 
 

What time can I move into my residence hall for the fall 2024 semester?
First-year residential students will move into their fall housing assignment from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 19 and Tuesday, August 20. 

First-year students will move-in during an assigned time period based on your residential neighborhood community and building. Please check your email for your assigned move-in time.

Students and families are asked to strictly adhere to their assigned move-in time to help expedite and accommodate all students and families moving in on August 19 and 20.

Where do I check in to my residence halls?
First-year students will report to the Schwartz Athletic Complex parking lot located at (address) on Monday, August 19 or Tuesday, August 20 to begin the check-in process during their assigned move-in time listed above.

The check-in process is a drive-thru formatted process and does not require students or their families to exit their vehicles. After participating in the drive-thru check-in, you will be directed to an unloading area for your building.

What can I expect during move-in?
You can expect to have support and guidance throughout your entire first-year move-in experience! From start to finish, our team of enthusiastic student and staff volunteers will be onsite to support and guide you every step of the way.

Starting prior to your arrival, you will receive detailed information and move-in specific campus maps via your Widener email to make your arrival seamless.

When it comes to time to unload your belongings, our volunteer staff will be equipped with moving bins to help you transport items to your room. During the unloading process, the driver of the vehicle will not exit the vehicle. When the vehicle is unloaded, the driver will move the car to our long-term parking lots and rejoin their party in their residence hall room.

Members of the Residence Life Team and university representatives will also be available inside the residence halls to provide support as needed. 

Click here for the complete first-year move-in guide. 

What time can I move into my residence hall for the fall 2024 semester?
Transfer students, starting in the fall semester, will move into their fall housing assignment from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, after their orientation program.

If a transfer student doesn’t wish to move into their residence hall on August 16, then they are welcome to move-in with our returning students on Saturday, August 24 or Sunday, August 25 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day.

 Where do I check in to my residence halls?
Transfer students, starting in the fall semester, will begin the residence hall check-in process in the Main Atrium of the University on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

After picking up their key and ID, students will be directed to an unloading zone. Students wishing to check in during our returning student move-in days on Saturday, August 24, 2024, and Sunday, August 25, 2024, will also begin the check-in process in the University Center Atrium.

What can I expect during move-in?
Students will have access to a limited number of move-in bins and handcarts during our transfer student move-in day. After the student checks in at the University Center, a resident assistant and university volunteers will meet the student at their unloading location. During this time, they will help the student way find their residential community, answer any questions, and if available, assist with moving some of their items into their residence hall.

What time can I move into my residence hall for the fall 2024 semester?
Returning students, not affiliated with an approved early arrival group, will move into their residence halls on Saturday, August 24, 2024, and Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Returning students may also check into the halls during normal business hours, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by visiting the Office of Residence Life.

Where do I check in to my residence halls?
Returning students, not affiliated with an approved early arrival group, will begin their check-in process in the Main Atrium of the University Center starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024.

What can I expect during move-in?
Returning students will have access to a limited number of carts and hand carts available to sign out from the check-in location at the University Center.

All carts must be returned to the University Center by the student who signed out the cart.

How do I pack my belongings for move-in?

Items should be packed in suitcases, zippered bags, and boxes to make transporting as manageable as possible. (Loose items and open bags slow down the process and can lead to lost or broken items.) Also, be sure to label your belongings with your name and room number.

Many volunteers will be on site during move-in to assist you, but you should be prepared to carry belongings from your unloading stations and up stairs.

How do I adjust my meal plan? 
Please reach out to onecard@widener.edu for any meal plan adjustments.

I ordered a Micro-Fridge. When will it be delivered?
MicroFridges ordered by August 4th will be delivered to the residence hall room before each student moves in. Any MicroFridges ordered after August 4th will be delivered on the first day of classes.

I am interested in a room change. How do I make my request?
In order to accurately assess the university’s residential population, room changes are not permitted during the first three weeks of the semester. Students will then be notified of the open room change period and how to request a room change through the Housing Portal. In case of emergency, please call Campus Safety and all concerns will be addressed.

Drop and Go is an optional program for first-year students who want to get a head start on moving their personal items into the residence halls ahead of the university’s move-in dates. Students can register for a one-hour window to drop off items, see their room, and meet their assigned resident assistants/area coordinators. This program complements our formal move-in days on August 19 and August 20. Only bulk items, large, packed boxes, and cumbersome items can be dropped off. Students will not officially move into their residence hall until August 19 or August 20.

Here’s how it works:

• Students can sign up to reserve a drop off date and time. (Registration opens July 25)
• Students will have one hour for drop off. In that hour you will check-in, drive to your designated area, and transport your belongings to your room.  
• Our team of volunteers will be on-site with bins to assist you throughout the process.  
• Rooms will be opened by Residence Life staff upon your arrival. Room keys will not be distributed. Rooms will be locked by Residence Life staff immediately as you leave.
• All participants must depart campus at the end of their one-hour window to make room for the next group of students and families dropping off their items.  This lets us spend time with all of our students participating in the program.  

Drop and Go is an optional program that offers first-year residential students the chance to drop off personal items in their room ahead of the university’s official move-in days—August 19 and August 20. Students are permitted to move in only their packed bulk and cumbersome items and then depart campus.

Move-In Day is a required process offering first-year residential students the opportunity to permanently move into their fall housing assignment on August 19 or August 20. Students associated with approved early arrival groups will receive separate instructions from their group leader. 

The Drop and Go program will take place on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Please note that 1 p.m. is the final sign-up window for both days, as all students and guests must vacate the buildings by 2 p.m.) 

No. Participation in the Drop and Go program is optional for all first-year residential students.  

Students will have a one-hour window to complete the drop off. Your one-hour timeslot on campus will include check-in, driving to your designated area, and transporting your belongings to your room.  

No. The Drop and Go program is designed for exactly that -- to drop your items and then go enjoy the rest of your weekend!  

The program is meant to alleviate the stress and heavy lifting associated with move-in by allowing students to bring in items ahead of time. During your one-hour timeslot, you will have the opportunity to assess your living space and better plan for your first-year experience in the residence halls.  

Moving to college is a big transition and usually comes with a car full of belongings. For the Drop and Go program, we recommend that you prioritize dropping larger items that you won’t need in the final days before move in. Only large, packed boxes and bulky or cumbersome items such as your TV, micro fridge (don’t forget you can rent a fridge/microwave combo and it will be delivered to your room for you!), bedding, area rugs, suitcases packed with fall and winter clothing, cleaning supplies, any item requiring assembly, and room décor.  

*Pro tip: be sure to coordinate with your roommate(s) to avoid packing duplication!  

Yes. If a student is unable to make the Drop and Go dates, a representative (parent/guardian, family member, friend) can drop off bulk items on their behalf. Please make sure to register for a date and time slot and collect all needed information from the student (residence hall, room number), before arriving on campus.

No. Students will receive their room key when they check-in on move-in day. The Residence Life team will unlock and lock room for students participating in the Drop and Go program.  

Your safety and security are of paramount importance. Items dropped off will remain in your locked room until you arrive for move-in day. All residence halls are monitored by our campus safety team and have a 24/7 security system that requires a Campus1Card/student ID to enter.  

On Move-In Day, the belongings you brought during Drop and Go will be in your room ready for unpacking and set up! You’ll realize the convenience of Drop and Go on your move-in day. 

Do:  

• Register for a date and time. (Registration opens July 25).
• Prepare to drop off items ahead of move-in day such as your TV, micro fridge, bedding, area rugs, suitcases of clothing, cleaning supplies, any item requiring assembly, and room décor.
• Label all of your belongings (suitcases, bags, boxes) with your name and room number.
• Bring any questions you may have for your resident assistants/area coordinators.  

Don't:

• Don’t plan to unpack and set up your room. That will be done during your move-in day.
• Don’t plan to make shopping trips during your assigned time window.
• Don’t bring too many helpers. One or two helpers will be plenty for a quick drop and go. 

Yes! First-year students can sign up for a Drop and Go date as well as the early move-in option on August 19. 

We recognize – and research supports – that undergraduate students thrive academically and socially when living on campus in community with their peers. On-campus living engages students in co-curricular activities, cultivates a sense of belonging, helps foster independence, and supports the development of skills essential to academic success.   

For that reason, Widener University requires that traditional, full-time undergraduate students live on campus during their first two years of study, unless they are living at their permanent address with their parents or guardians. 

If you do not register for on-campus housing as a first- or second-year student, we consider you to be a commuter living at your permanent residence with a parent or guardian. Commuters may qualify for less financial aid. In addition, commuters are ineligible for some Widener aid programs, including the Campus Experience Grant.   

Married students, students with dependent children, students with at least two years of military service, and students age 24 or older are exempt from this policy.

Students wishing to commuter from the address of a parent or legal guardian should NOT submit a housing application. No other action needs to be taken with the Office of Residence Life. Students are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid to discuss what impact changing from a residential to commuter student may have on their financial aid. Commuter students may qualify for less financial aid. In addition, commuter students are ineligible for some Widener aid programs, including the Campus Experience Grant. 

Undergraduate students who have commuted or lived on-campus for two years are eligible to live off-campus their junior and senior years. Students interested in living off-campus should NOT submit a housing application. First-year and sophomore students who have not met the residency requirement criteria are NOT permitted to live off-campus. First year and sophomore students who may be found living in off-campus housing may be referred for disciplinary action.

Smoking Policy

In July 2010, the university implemented a tobacco-free policy that prohibits the use of tobacco anywhere on campus.

Alcohol Policy

It is our policy that all first-year residence halls are alcohol-free residences. This means that the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone regardless of age is prohibited. The vast majority of our first-years are under age 21, so we believe that this policy will help to improve students’ living experiences in first-year residences. 

Please see the Student Drug and Alcohol Policy in the Student Handbook for a complete description of Widener's rules and regulations covering alcohol.

With the exception of fish tanks under 10 gallons, all animals—except for service and assistance animals—are not permitted in residence halls, off-campus graduate housing, or other university facilities.

Review the Service and Assistance Animal Policy in the Student Handbook for more details.

• Alcohol, including empty containers
• Pets, unless specified above in the Pet Policy
• Weapons, firearms, or explosive devices

Electronics & Electrical Appliances

• Broilers, electric frying pans, hot plates
• George Foreman™ grills, toaster ovens, griddles, or any open exposed heating elements
• Power cords without a multi-plug power strip with an internal circuit breaker
• Microwaves outside of a micro fridge unit
• Any type of air conditioning unit

Decorations & Room/Furniture Modifications

• Candles (including decorative ones)
• Cinder blocks 
• Furniture without fire retardant material 
• Halogen lamps or decorative lighting (string lights, etc.)
• Live Christmas trees
• Nails, hooks, double-faced adhesive tape, or other items that damage walls 
• Power tools
• Water beds

What does it mean if I am on the on-campus housing waitlist?

If you are on the housing waitlist, this means you are in line for your preferred housing request. On-campus housing is available for all undergraduate students on the waitlist. Unfortunately, your preferred housing type is currently full, but there is ample availability of two-person rooms in our residence halls for the 2024/2025 academic year and we need to assign you to a two-person room while maintaining your position on the waitlist.

What should I do if I am on the waitlist in a group (four- or three-person)?

Log into the StarRez portal to split your roommate group. Our goal is to identify students in pairs, as this grouping best fits current two-person room housing availabilities. Navigate to the roommate group page of your application to update your original housing request. Four-person groupings can split into groups of two and three-person groupings can split into a two-person and a single. You can do this two ways:

• The group leader who created the group can delete it, or
• Students can select the option to leave the group and create a new group.  

Taking either of these actions will allow the ungrouped members to be searchable within the portal.  

What should I do if I am on the waitlist for a single?

Students on the waitlist for a single room need to find a roommate to be placed in a two-person room. Log onto your StarRez portal and navigate to the roommate group page of your application to choose your roommate. Search for available students within the StarRez portal two ways: 

• Search by name or student ID number using “Search for Roommates by Details” or
• Search based on compatibility with interests and living preferences by using “Suggest Roommates.” 

One student within each pair must create a group and the other student in the pair must join the group.

How can I search for a roommate?

There are two ways:

• Search by name or student ID number using “Search for Roommates by Details” or
• Search based on compatibility with interests and living preferences by using “Suggest Roommates.” 

One student within each pair must create a group and the other student in the pair must join the group.  Click here for the StarRez portal.

Will updating my StarRez group application affect my place on the waitlist?

No. Your place on the on-campus housing lottery waitlist will not be affected by changing your grouping on the StarRez portal. Although we cannot guarantee your first choice of housing, you will remain on the waitlist and be notified if it becomes available.  

When is the deadline to update my housing application in the StarRez portal?

The deadline is Wednesday, June 12. If we haven’t received your preference information by this date, we will pair students with a roommate to fill room vacancies.

When will I receive my finalized on-campus housing assignment?

All returning students will receive their finalized on-campus housing assignments by Monday, June 24.
 

• February 27th:  The housing application for the 2023-2024 academic year will open on the housing portal. During this time students can form groups to select housing together, indicate interest in specialty housing communities, rank their preference for communities and housing types, and update their information in the housing portal.
• March 15th: Students with a completed housing application will receive their housing priority number and selection time via email. The information will also be posted in the housing portal the following day on March 16th.
• March 20th-24th: Housing selection will take place from 9am on March 20th through 5pm on March 24th. Students in a group should have the member with the lowest priority number select housing for the entire group. Only one person in a group needs to select housing for the whole group. This should happen in consultation with members of the other group. Within a week of a student selecting housing, their room assignment for the 2023-2024 academic year is viewable in their housing portal. 
• Early April: Students will receive an email confirmation of their 2023-2024 housing information as well as information about the cancellation and room change process. 
   

Housing applications are submitted through the Housing Portal. Here, we'll ask you questions about your living preferences with a roommate and other interests; this questionnaire helps to place you with another student with similar interests.

To log into the Housing Portal, use your Widener credentials. 

For returning undergraduate students, if you would like to select your own housing, applications are due by 12pm on March 15th. After this time, housing applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the residence halls reach capacity. The residence life team will manually assign you housing based on your preference and space availability if the application is submitted after March 15th. If you submit your application after this date, we may not be able to honor specific room or roommate requests. Please note that requests for specific accommodations such as single and apartment-style communities may not be met with request submitted after May 15th.

The Housing Portal is powered by StarRez, a world-leading software that provides the most intuitive and easy-to-use system for students to apply for housing and find or select their own roommate.

Of course, you can! Students are welcome to select a preferred roommate. Every effort will be made to accommodate this request, as long as both students indicate a wish to room with one another and their housing applications are submitted by the deadline. 

We have an open room change period in the beginning of the semester. During this period, students can meet with their area coordinator and talk about the room change process. If there are vacant spaces available and the area coordinator approves the room change, the students may change rooms.

Steps to Select a Preferred Roommate

Directions to select an intended roommate are part of the Housing Application. You will be directed to create a group with your intended roommate. Please note that once the group is created, requests need to be accepted by the individual who created the group in order for residence life to honor the request.

Once a student occupies his or her assigned room, the roommate assignment may not be changed unless the Residence Life office gives approval. 

What happens if you don’t select a roommate?

Students who submit an application by March 15th, but do not select a preferred roommate or suitemates will have the opportunity to select their own housing on the last day of housing selection. Please note that limited housing including single rooms and apartment-style communities may be available at this time. 

Students who submit an application after March 15th and do not select a preferred roommate are assigned roommates by the Residence Life office based on responses to the roommate matching questions within the housing application so that we can match compatible students.

What do I do if I want to change rooms?

Beginning in early April, waitlist forms will be available for students to express interest in moving into a single room or apartment-style community. Student requests will be processed throughout the summer if a space becomes available. The requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Students requesting a room change after they have selected housing for the upcoming school year may email residencelife@widener.edu and an appointment will be scheduled before the end of the academic year to discuss the possibility and options of the room change. Our office will try our best to work students in these circumstances, but cannot guarantee room changes after a student has selected their own housing.

After July 1st, the Office of Residence Life is unable to accommodate room change requests until the open room change period starts after the University census date the third week of the semester. After the University census date, students will have the opportunity to participate in the open room change process for up to two weeks where they can submit a room change request through the housing portal. The office considers requests in the order in which they are received followed by academic standing. If there in adequate residential space in the halls at this time, students without a roommate in a double room may be provided the opportunity to buyout the other space in their room for the semester or academic year. More information about room buyout will be sent in the email about open room change if space permits. Students are unable to buyout a room before this time.

Outside of the open room change period, students can request a room change through the housing portal. However, students may need to meet with their Area Coordinator or participate in a roommate mediation before a room change may occur. During the last 3 weeks of fall semester, a room change freeze period is in place with only room changes for emergency situations processed until the University census date takes place the third week of the spring semester. For more information regarding room changes, please email residencelife@widener.edu.
 

Getting Along with Your Roommate

Once you move in, you and your roommate will meet with your Resident Assistant (RA) to complete a roommate agreement. This agreement opens up the lines of communication to discuss living preferences and talk about any differences you might have.

The Residence Life office reserves the right to reassign any student to a different room at any time. While every attempt will be made to notify the resident student of a change in room assignment prior to his or her arrival on campus, situations may arise that make this impossible.

The Student Accessibility Services Office is here to help accommodate individual needs that necessitate special housing accommodations. 

Please forward your requests and all documentation to:
Widener University, Student Accessibility Services
c/o Rebecca Ross, Director
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
610-499-1266
rross@widener.edu

For the 2024 fall semester, Widener has partnered with the Best Western to offer housing for eligible returning students. The Best Western is located at 1450 Providence Avenue in Chester above the Widener Bookstore and across from Uno Chicago Grill.  

The Best Western housing offers double- or quad-style rooms, each fitted with a private bathroom. Rooms are located on two co-ed floors that will be supervised by an Area Coordinator (professional staff) and monitored by Widener Campus Safety officers. The Best Western can accommodate about 80 students.

Review these FAQs for more details:

Who gets to live in the Best Western?
Returning students are eligible to be placed at the Best Western. First-year students are not eligible to be placed at the hotel.

What items should I bring?
Click here to review the recommended and permitted items. Please also be sure to check your bed type as some beds are queen sized and some are twin XL.

What items are prohibited?
Students must adhere to the university’s residential prohibited items list. While not prohibited, students do not need to bring a TV, microwave, and refrigerator as they are already provided.

Are the floors co-ed?
Yes. The floors will be co-ed, but each room will be single gender.

Is there residence life staff available to help me?
Yes. There will be an RA assigned to and living on each floor. An Area Coordinator (professional staff) is also assigned to residents living in the hotel.

Will there be a residence assistant (RA) on the floor?
Yes. Each floor that is occupied by Widener students will be assigned an RA. Students will live along an RA who is trained to foster a friendly, secure, and engaging environment. The RA will host floor meetings for students just as they will in any on-campus housing.

Will there be a change in the housing cost?
No. You will be billed for the rate of your original room assignment.

Is there security?
Yes. Safety and security are paramount at Widener University. The Widener floors will be monitored regularly by Campus Safety and all rooms require a key card for access. If there is a security emergency, call 911. For non-emergency situations, please contact Campus Safety at 610-499-4200.

What is the guest policy?
The guest policy is the same as the university’s residence halls policy. Read the guest policy here.

Can I bring my pet?
No. Pets are not permitted.  If you have been assigned to the hotel and have an emotional support animal or a service animal, please contact Residence Life at residencelife@widener.edu so that you can receive a new housing assignment.

Will there be housekeeping?
Yes. Housekeeping will follow the university’s policy to maintain common and public areas, including the hallways. Students are responsible for the regular cleaning of their room, including bathrooms. Rooms that are excessively dirty or damaged will incur a damage fee upon move-out.

Can I stay in my room over winter break?
No. Students assigned to the Best Western will be required to move-out no later than December 15 along with all other residential students.

Where will I be placed in the spring semester?
Students can anticipate being placed in on-campus housing for the spring semester. The Residence Life team will be in contact with students on a regular basis with updates.

I lost my room key. What should I do?
The front desk can issue a new key. You must present your Widener ID in order to get a replacement key card.

How do I submit a maintenance request?
Please alert the hotel’s front desk if you experience any problem with your room.

Does this change my dining plan?
No. Placement in the Best Western for the fall semester does not change your dining plan.

Will I have insurance coverage for my belongings?
The safety of your belongings is important to us, and having insurance is the sure way to be safe. Students are strongly encouraged to see if they are covered under parents' or guardians' homeowner policies or take advantage of special insurance programs available for college students. Student personal property insurance can be purchased from companies such as National Student Services, Inc. This is something that students and parents/guardians should discuss at length.

Can I remove furniture in the room?
No. All furniture must stay in your designated room.

What size beds are in the room?
Check your room number below for the size beds in your room.

Rooms with queen beds:

Rooms with xl twin beds:

Can I hang things on the walls, ceiling, or windows in the room? 
No. Hanging items of any kind on the walls, ceiling, and window are prohibited.

Will there be laundry services available for student residents at the Best Western?

• Yes. Widener is providing free on-site laundry services for Best Western student residents. Laundry machines are located within the Hub on both the 3rd and 4th floors of the Best Western and are easily accessed through the double doors at the end of the hallway just past the elevators.
• There are two washing machines and two dryers located on both the 3rd and 4th floors.

How do I operate the washer and dryer?

• The laundry machines use the CALECO CleanMobile app for usage. Download the free CALECO CleanMobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Register and sign In. Once logged in, the app will have pre-loaded funds included that the student will use to pay for the usage of the washer and dryer.
• Start the machine by scanning the QR Code or entering the machine number.

Are there specific requirements for the use of the machines?

• Yes. Only use liquid detergent. No powder detergent can be used.
• Do not overload the washers as this could cause them to break.
• Be sure to clean lint collectors after each drying cycle.
• Please wash and dry your clothes in a timely manner as there are other students that need to use the machines.

Who do I contact if I need assistance or have issues with the machines?

For service requests, the CALECO service department can be reached by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (610) 692-5600 ext. 203 or anytime at service@CALECO.net.

I have additional questions.  Who should I contact?
Please contact the Residence Life team at residencelife@widener.edu.
 

If you've submitted your housing application by the deadline, you should receive an official letter correspondence from the Residence Life office via your Widener email by July 18th indicating your housing assignment information.

Can't find the email? No worries!

Log onto the Housing Portal using your Widener credentials and select “Housing Application” this will provide you with housing assignment information.  

Please note, this information is not visible until letters have been officially sent to all residential students.

Here at Widener you will find a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive residential community with housing options that suit a variety of interests, living styles, and specific needs or wishes. For more information about specific residence halls, including room and window dimensions, lighting, furniture included, etc, visit the Residence Halls page. 

Returning students have the opportunity during housing selection to apply for fall-only housing or the entire academic year housing. Fall-only housing should be submitted for students who are graduating in December, planning on studying abroad, participating in a co-op experience where they will be residing at another address, or are a student on an exchange program for only a semester.

Returning students may indicate interest in the following specialty housing communities for the 2023-2024 academic year. Information about the communities, location, and the contact information for their program coordinator is listed below.

• Sophomore Year Experience Themed Community is a themed community intended for students in the second year at Widener who are interested in increasing their involvement at Widener, strengthening their study skills, and further exploring career options. The community is located in the suite-style housing in Harris Hall. For more information in the Sophomore Year Experience Themed Community, please email residencelife@widener.edu.
• Gaming Themed Community is a themed community intended for returning students interested in video, board, and table top games. Programming in this community will feature opportunities to connect with others students sharing a similar interest hosting in a common area space featuring spaces to support gaming. The community is located in New Hall. For more information on the Gaming Themed Community, please email residencelife@widener.edu. 

Please email the Office of Residence Life at residencelife@widener.edu by November 15th to have your housing assignment adjusted. Students who contact our office after this date may be assigned a different housing assignment for spring semester.

Students who applied for housing and need to cancel their housing assignment can do so by submitting the Housing Release Request form through the Housing Portal. Students can submit a housing release request form for any reason, as long as they meet the residency requirement, through June 30th with no financial penalty. 

Students who submit a housing release between July 1-31 will be approved for any reason as long they meet the residency requirement. There is a $250 cancellation fee applied for any approved housing release in July.

Students who submit a housing release request after August 1st must meet the criteria listed in their signed housing agreement and may be responsible for the $250 cancellation fee or only refunded a percentage of their housing costs based upon the date of approval.
 

Items should be packed in suitcases, zippered bags, and boxes to make transporting as manageable as possible. (Loose items and open bags slow down the process and can lead to lost or broken items.) Also, be sure to label your belongings with your name and room number.

Many volunteers will be on site during move-in to assist you, but you should be prepared to carry belongings from your unloading stations and up stairs.

• March 29th: The housing application for the 2023-2024 academic year will open on the housing portal. Graduate students are able to indicate their preference in University on-campus housing and University-owned off-campus housing through the same application. During this time students can form groups to select housing together, rank their preference for housing types, and update their information in the housing portal.
• Early April: Students with a completed housing application will receive their housing assignments on a rolling basis based on the date of their application beginning in early April. Assignments will be emailed to students and will also be reflected in their housing portal after they have been assigned.
   

Graduate students have the option in living in a suite-style community in Dixon Hall South and Dixon Hall North through on-campus housing or living in an off-campus University-owned row home in the neighborhoods surrounding campus. 

Dixon Hall North and South are two-bedroom suites where each graduate student will have their own bedroom. There is a shared bathroom, living room, and kitchenette. Each unit also has in-unit washer and dryers. The units are partially furnished with bedroom furniture provided. Students need to provide their own common room furniture. The kitchenettes include a sink and microwave. Cable and internet are provided. Gender dynamic housing is an option in this community. This housing type costs $4650 per 6-month period (July 1-December 31st; January 1st-June 30th). The cost is added directly to the student’s university account.

University-owned off-campus houses are throughout the surrounding neighborhood of the Chester campus and are three or four-bedroom row homes. Each student is provided their own bedroom and then shared the common area spaces including a bathroom, full kitchen, and living room. There is a washer and dryer for each house. The houses are unfurnished. It is the responsibility of the students to provide their own furniture. The University-owned off-campus housing rate is inclusive of utilities. However, students are responsible for setting up their cable and internet in the houses. Gender dynamic housing is available only if there is a formed group that fills all bedrooms of the house. This housing type costs $525 per month and is ebilled to the students monthly.
 

Graduate student housing in the on-campus option in Dixon Hall North and South begins on July 1st. For students who are in a program that begins before July 1st, summer transition housing is available for an added cost on a limited basis. Move in is Saturday June 1st from 11am-1pm or during business housing Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm the following week. After hours move-in outside of these times is unavailable at this time.

Graduate student housing in the off-campus University-owned houses may begin June 1, July 1, or August 1. Students who choose to move in after these dates will not have their monthly rate pro-rated. Limited housing based upon unit turnover is available for a June 1 move in date.

Graduate students living in on-campus housing will have the cost of their housing applied each semester to their student account. Students moving into their housing after July 1st will not have their housing prorated. Student are responsible for paying their student account in a timely manner. Payment plans are available through Enrollment Services.

Graduate students living in off-campus housing will pay their rent monthly through an invoice sent to the student account. Students who are late in paying their outstanding invoice more than twice may have their lease terminated by the University.
 

Students currently residing in University owned on-campus housing in Dixon Hall South or off-campus housing will be given priority in selecting their housing. In order to remain in your current unit, you must have all available bedrooms fully occupied and be enrolled in a program for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) full-time. More information will be sent to eligible students in early March.

No, the University does not provide family housing for graduate students including dependent children, partners, or spouses. Only students enrolled full-time in a Widener University graduate program are permitted to live in University housing.

Only students enrolled full-time in a Widener University graduate program are eligible for housing. Students who decide to go part-time for a semester, can email the Office of Residence Life at residencelife@widener.edu for a one-time exception. Students who withdrawal or unenroll from the University will have 48-hours from the date of withdrawal to move out of University-owned housing.

Students who applied for housing and need to cancel their housing assignment can do so by submitting the Housing Release Request form through the Housing Portal. Students can submit a housing release request form for any reason up until their date of move-in with no financial penalty. Requests submit more than 14 days before move-in will have no financial penalty. Requests submitted less than 14 days before move-in may have a $250 cancellation fee applied. 

Students who submit a housing release after their date of move-in must meet the criteria listed in their signed housing agreement and may be responsible for the $250 cancellation fee or only refunded a percentage of their housing costs based upon the date of approval.

• November 1st: The housing application for the 2024-2025 academic year will open on the housing portal. During this time students can select roommates to live together, indicate interest in specialty housing communities, rank their preference for communities and housing types, and update their information in the housing portal.
• Mid-December: Students will receive their housing assignments sent to them via their Widener University email. Included in the email will be their building, room number, and name of their roommate. Students can view this information on the housing portal as well including the Widener University email of their roommate. If a student is admitted into a specialty housing community, they will also receive this information.

Due to the limited availability and high demand for single rooms, it is unlikely that students will be assigned a single bedroom unless they have an approved medical accommodation. Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to submit documentation.

Absolutely! Students are welcome to select a preferred roommate. Every effort will be made to accommodate this request, as long as both students indicate a wish to room with one another and their housing applications are submitted. Please note that if one individual expresses in a themed or living-learning community that is different from the other person on their application, the students may only be assigned as roommates if space permits in the themed or living-learning community building. 

The residence halls do not close for spring break. However, meal plans may not be active during these times.

Summer housing is available for Widener students completing internships, working locally, conducting summer research, or taking classes. Summer housing is an additional cost from academic year housing. Students must be enrolled as full-time students by finals week in the spring semester to be eligible for summer housing. The summer 2024 housing application will be live on the housing portal in April. 

Incoming international or transfer students who have completed at least 30 credits will have the opportunity to live in a returning student community.

Space in the community is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. International and transfer students can indicate desired roommates on their housing application or may be randomly assigned to live with other community members they match with based on the roommate questionnaire on the housing application. 

Students with a specific religious or cultural need in the residence halls should email ResidenceLife@widener.edu to explore possible housing accommodations to meet your needs, if available. Please note that Widener University does not have any single gender residence halls.

Each year approximately 1300-1600 students choose to live on campus. During the 2023-2024 academic year, 85% of first-year students chose to live on campus. In addition, more than 75% of residential student shared that they stay on campus or in Chester on the weekends in our Fall 2023 Residential Experience Survey.

No, there is no age limit to living on campus. Incoming students over the age of 21 may be housed in returning student communities regardless of their credits. To discuss your specific situation further, please email ResidenceLife@widener.edu. 

For more information on quiet hours, guest expectations, and the visitation policy, please see the 2023-2024 Residential Student Handbook. The 2024-2025 residential handbook with updated policies will be made available online during the summer.

New student housing assignments are anticipated to be sent to the student’s Widener University email and available on the Housing Portal in June and rolling throughout the summer.

Students will have the ability to change rooms during the third week of the semester. More information about this process will be emailed during the first few weeks of the semester.

Students wishing to have a room change outside of the room change process must meet with their Area Coordinator and possibly complete a roommate mediation, if appropriate before a room change will be approved.

Students may request gender-inclusive housing at any time and the office will do its best to most a student into gender-affirming housing as quickly as possible.

No, first-year and international students, unless approved for an exemption due to medical, religious, or cultural needs that are not met in on-campus housing, are not permitted to live off-campus. Widener University has a 2-year residency requirement policy. Please see the policy listed at the top of this page. Students found to be in non-compliance of this policy may be ineligible for some Widener aid programs, including the Campus Experience Grant, and may be referred for disciplinary action.

The Student Accessibility Services Office is here to help accommodate individual needs that necessitate special housing accommodations. 

Please forward your requests and all documentation to:
Widener University, Student Accessibility Services
c/o Rebecca Ross, Director
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
610-499-1266
rross@widener.edu

Students requesting cultural or religious accommodations should email ResidenceLife@widener.edu. 

All first-year residence halls will be air-conditioned by the time students move in for the fall semester. The sorority houses do not have air conditioning, and are offered at a lower room rate. Students are welcome to bring fans to help cool off if the weather gets too warm.

Students can learn more about the dimensions of their rooms, amenities in their communities, and see a 360^O video of a room layout in their building on our residence hall web page.

Most residence halls have the following basic amenities: an XL twin bed, desk, study chair, wardrobe, and one dresser for you and your roommate to share.* Streaming television, wired and wireless Internet access, and laundry facilities are also included.

*Please note some residence halls vary in furniture type. Refer to the Residence Halls page for more details. 

Items for Move-In Day

For move-in day, you might want to bring cold drinks, a hand cart, and a towel. It is also highlight recommended that you label all boxes with the student’s hall and room number.

Recommended Items to Bring to Campus

Roommate Tip: Avoid Doubles! We encourage new students to contact their roommate before move-in to coordinate who is bringing what to campus. It’s a good idea to check with your roommate to avoid duplicating certain items like a TV or refrigerator.

Bathroom Essentials

• Hair dryer
• Personal care products 
• Rubber shower shoes
• Shower caddy to transport items from room to shower 
• Towels & washcloths 

Room Essentials

• Alarm clock
• Cleaning supplies
• Desk lamp & light bulbs
• First-aid kit 
• Flashlight & batteries
• Iron & ironing board
• Laundry supplies & clothes basket
• Pillows & linens for extra-long bed
• Plates, mugs, cups, & silverware
• Radio
• Refrigerator (5 cubic feet or smaller) or micro-fridge unit 
• Room fan
• Study lamp
• Surge protectors
• Television
• Wastebasket

There are no elevators in any of the first-year student residence halls. Please be sure that family members or friends joining you for move-in day know and plan for this as well.

Reach out to the Office of Residence Life at residencelife@widener.edu and we may be able to provide further contact information.

Widener is your home away from home so we know that you want to make it as comfortable as possible! Below is a partial list of appliances that you can have in the residence halls.

• Curling/hair iron and hair dryer 
• Micro-fridge unit either rented from university-designated provider or student purchased (limited to Energy Star certified, 700 watt microfridge, .7 cubic feet microwave, and under 3 cubic feet refrigerator)
• Energy Star certified mini or compact refrigerators up to 4.3 cubic feet or non-Energy Start certified mini or compact refrigerators limited to 3.3 cubic feet or smaller (operate at 118 volts, 60Hz, or less and draw no more than 1.5amps or 180 watts of power).
• Sealed unit coffee makers (e.g. Keurig, coffee makers without exposed heating elements)
• Sealed unit electric water kettle
• Rice cookers

Kitchen appliances with exposed heating elements (e.g. toasters, coffee makers, air fryers) are only permitted in kitchen or kitchenette areas in Metropolitan Hall, Harris Hall, and Dixon Halls, which are not first-year student spaces. For a full list, please see “Permitted Appliances and Equipment” the Residence Life Handbook.

The beds in the residence halls can be lofted with approved materials to a maximum of 8 inches. Cinder blocks are not permitted in the dorms. Bed heights are adjustable and can be moved up to allow for at least 30” of clearance below the bed.

No. Unfortunately, the beds are not bunkable.

No. University provided furniture cannot be removed from rooms without written permission.

Quiet Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9pm to 7am

Quiet hours in all residence halls and apartments will be from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday during normal school session. In addition, 24-hour/day quiet hours go into effect prior to final exam week and continue through closing. 

Residents are expected to be considerate of others at all hours and are expected to act in a manner conducive to effective study.

Review more information about Quiet Hours in the Student Handbook for more details.

Widener University’s Office of Residence Life provides housing options for residential students of all gender identities to live as neighbors in the community. This is often referred to as coed housing. Depending on the community, students may be assigned to housing where there is a single-gender floor or gender is divided by wings of the floor.

Yes. Gender Inclusive Housing provides students the opportunity, without regard to gender identity or legal sex, to live together in the same room or wing. Students must agree or actively opt into this option on their housing application. Students will not be randomly assigned to Gender Inclusive Housing.

If keys are lost, you must report the lost key to the Office of Residence Life, the lock will be replaced and new keys will be issued. 

Students will be charged a fee to cover the cost of having a lock replaced. If a key is damaged or broken the student will not be charged any fees as long as all parts of the key are returned to the Office of Residence Life.

All maintenance requests can be submitted through TMA. Additionally, you can find the link on myWidener by searching “maintenance”.

Damage and billing costs are assessed by Residence Life during the semester closing process. Damage billing may occur throughout the academic year as students check out of the residence halls during withdrawals, room changes, or suspensions. If damages are discovered during check-out at the end of the semester, students will be responsible for any cost of $20 or more per resident. If you have incurred a damage charge, you will receive charges added to your student account within 30 days of move out. Students will be notified via email of all damages and the appeals process.

The university does not assume responsibility for lost or damaged personal property by any means or for any cause. Please see the Student Handbook under Residence Life: Program Policies, Procedures, and Regulations section F 7 Personal Property Insurance Coverage.

The safety of your belongings is important to us, and having insurance is the sure way to be safe. You are strongly encouraged to see if you are covered under your parents' or guardians' homeowner policies or take advantage of special insurance programs available for college students. Student personal property insurance can be purchased from companies such as National Student Services, Inc. This is something that you and your parents/guardians should discuss at length.

The staff members in the Office of Residence Life are committed to your success during your time living on campus. Our live-in staff includes several area coordinators and resident assistants. The office also has student office assistants available to answer questions in the Residence Life Office in Cann Hall. They serve as valuable resources and are trained to assist you in a variety of situations. 

• Resident Assistants (RA): RAs are student staff members responsible for creating a feeling of community among their residents by establishing community standards, advising roommate agreements, enforcing university policy, and being a resource to campus services and activities.
• Area Coordinators (AC): ACs are full-time professional staff members whose primary role is to assist students in building an inclusive community to enhance personal and academic growth. The AC's work is performed within the framework of the Residence Life mission and includes intentional efforts to interact with students, assess their needs, and promote community growth and development. Supervision of RA staff and undertaking various leadership areas are also central to the AC role. 

Meet the Residence Life Team

No. Unfortunately, you are unable to ship items to your residence hall prior to arrival.

We take pride in our campus and work to keep it clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy! Widener’s housekeeping team works tirelessly across campus to keep a clean environment in public spaces and common living spaces such as lounges and bathrooms.

Students living in the residence halls also play a big role in keeping shared and common living spaces clean. This includes removing trash and recycling from your room, cleaning all dishes and cookware, and cleaning up after yourself when using a common space such as a lounge or shared bathroom.

To request housing to accommodate a disability, please visit Accessibility & Disability Support on mySuccess for step-by-step instructions. Accommodation requests are reviewed once all documentation is received. Please note that all deposit and application deadlines for housing must be met. Late requests will be considered on a space available basis. 

The university's post office is located in the University Center, lower level. Your address is:
Your Name
Widener University, WU P.O. Box #
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013

For more information, visit: https://sites.widener.edu/postoffice/

Parents, guardians, and families, do you want to surprise your student? Give the gift of bedding and linens or snacks, treats, and more!

An ATM can be found in the lobby of Old Main and TD Bank is located in University Crossings at 1410 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013. 

For hours and services offered, visit TD Bank. 

Each residence hall has laundry facilities. These services are included in your housing fee and are available to all residential students.

Information for driving directions, public transportation, campus maps, parking permits, and shuttle information can be found on our Maps & Directions page.

Yes! However, since parking is at a premium at Widener, students without a specific need are advised not to bring a vehicle to campus. Both university and public transportation provide access to the entire university and surrounding areas every day.

If you choose to bring a car to campus, parking permits are required to park in campus lots. For more information, visit our Maps & Directions page.

Your widener login will be key to accessing the internet. On a computer, smartphone, or tablet, connect to our WiFi and login using your Widener credentials. On a smart tv or gaming device, please use the Game Stream network. If you have any issues, please submit an IT HelpDesk Quick Ticket.