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
August 19 - August 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
78%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
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.
August 19 - August 19, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
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
Links open Willamette University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
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
Nearby data coming soon.
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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