Willamette University's Salem campus, the oldest university in the Western United States since 1842, is anchored by Waller Hall - the oldest higher-education building west of the Mississippi still in use, its bricks fired on-site from the clay of its own foundation - with undergraduates required to live on campus for two years, including in Lausanne Hall, named for the ship that brought reinforcements to the university's founder in 1839.
Enrollment
1,637
Total Students
Freshman Class
405
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
78%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Parents and family members are welcome to join the move-in process as well as some programs later in the day. If your family plans to stay in Salem, make reservations well in advance, since the Oregon State Fair is typically in town during the same week. Undergraduate students are under contract to live on campus for two years before they may move into private residence or one of the university's apartment complexes. Check-in runs 8 to 11:30 a.m., settling-in activities follow until 2:30 p.m., and your first Opening Days group meets on the Quad at 3:30 p.m. Classes for first-year students begin Monday, August 24.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Wednesday, August 19. Arrive no later than 11:30 a.m.; check-in runs 8 to 11:30 a.m.
- Check-in location
- Enter the Matthews parking lot off 12th Street, just north of the skybridge, where check-in tents are set up. Community volunteers have rosters and help you unload. Pick up your Opening Days packet at Matthews Hall.
- Parking
- Park in the Matthews lot for check-in and unloading. Ask anyone accompanying you to wait in the car while you check in.
- What you'll receive
- You'll get your room key and your Compass Card (campus ID, meal card, and building access) at the tents, plus your Opening Days packet at Matthews Hall.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Companions should stay in the car during check-in.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Lausanne Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Belknap Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Doney Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Willamette University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Opening Days (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 19 - August 23, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$15,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens1.3 miles
- Target2.1 miles
- CVS Pharmacy2.1 miles
- Walmart2.4 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Willamette University.
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