Learning Communities

Western prides itself on providing positive environment within the halls that encourage academic success and collaborative learning experiences. WIU students participate in learning communities where groups of students take two or more classes together. Living and Learning Communities in the residence halls allow freshmen to meet, live, and transition into college life together.

First Year Experience (FYE)

The First Year Experience (FYE) is a comprehensive approach to ensure first year students make a successful transition to college. The Residence Halls provide you with the opportunity to meet, live and switch into the college life with other first year students. FYE seminars will assist you within the residence halls with your transition into the university environment. We will engage you in fun and social activities were you will be able to meet new people. We will cover topics related to academic studying, relationships, and wellness. Resident Assistants, Graduate, and Professional staff will work with you to see that your first year of college is a success!

Honors

Western provides a community for academic excellence. The Honors Communities are located in both Thompson Hall and Washington Hall and are reserved for students who are admitted into the Honors College. These floors provide honors students a setting for making friends, sharing experiences, and pursuing their academics interests and responsibilities. The residents offer support and encouragement, but also challenge one another to do their best academically. While academics is the main focus of the floor environment, the residents hang out together on a frequent basis and are eager to attend programs and get involved. An annual ice cream social at the beginning of the year offers students the opportunity to socialize and get to know faculty in the honors college as well as residence hall staff.

Fine Arts

Our Fine Arts floors are located on the 4th and 5th floor of Corbin Hall. Students of Corbin are entertained by the sounds of the award winning WIU marching band practicing nearby. Residents living on these floors are majoring in an area of study that focuses in the fine arts or have an appreciation have an appreciation for the fine arts. They enjoy the convenience of being close to fine arts academic buildings and showing their pride with large participation in homecoming, marching band, and other campus activities. These close communities are extremely supportive of one another and are always encouraging in attending plays, concerts, or participating in Open Mic Nights.

Special Interest Housing

We offer many housing options to our residents these options include special interest housing. Special interest housing allow our students to choose a specific community to live and learn in. These include:

Transfer Community
International House
Quiet Floors