Returning Students FAQs
WCU Housing FAQs for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Who is considered a returning student?
A returning student is a current undergraduate student who enrolled in courses at West Chester University in a semester/term prior to Fall 2026.
Are graduate students considered returning students?
No. There is a separate housing application process for Graduate Students. On campus housing for Graduate Students is offered by USH Affiliated Housing in the Village Apartments on South Campus. Current Graduate Students wishing to live on campus may apply to USH Affiliated Housing beginning October 27, 2025.
Does the University guarantee housing?
On campus housing is in demand and not guaranteed for returning students. Housing is prioritized for incoming first year students (students beginning courses in Fall 2026).
Can I apply to both WCU Managed and USH Affiliated?
Returning students may apply to both providers. Please note: WCU Managed and USH Affiliated have two separate applications, processes, and fees.
How do I find housing off campus?
- The Student and Family Experience office is here to help:
- Student and Family Experience Website – Best practices for the move off-campus, including signing leases, budgeting, and decision-making
- WCU Official Off-Campus Housing Website – Search for rentals, look for and request roommates, and find sublets
- Unofficial Facebook Group – Students searching for housing and roommates
If I am commuting to campus, can I have a car/parking on campus?
Yes! There are special permits issued to commuter students for North and South Campus parking lots. Visit the Parking Services website for more specific information and parking options.
Is the USH Affiliated Application first come first served?
No. This year, USH is utilizing a housing lottery process for returning students who complete a USH Request to House application during October 27, 2025 - November 7, 2025. For more details, please review the USH Returning Student FAQs.
How do I remove my Request to House application from WCU Managed Housing?
WCU Managed: Returning students wishing to cancel their housing application/assignment before June 1, 2026, can do so with no penalty. Please email housing@wcupa.edu and submit a written request to cancel.
How much does WCU Managed housing cost?
Rates have not yet been approved for 2026-2027. 2025-2026 rates can be found on the website at HOUSING RATES.
Is there financial aid available to assist with housing costs?
Financial aid is unique to each individual student. Students interested in receiving financial aid should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid with any questions at finaid@wcupa.edu.
When do I choose a meal plan? How much are meal plans?
Meal plan selection will occur in Spring 2026. Meal plan rates have not yet been approved for 2026-2027. 2025-2026 Meal Plan rates and can be found on the website at HOUSING RATES. Please note that all residents living on North campus are required to select the Rammy’s Meal Plan or Gold Meal Plan.
Am I able to select a roommate in WCU Managed Housing?
WCU Managed and USH have implemented updated processes to make it easier for students who wish to live together as roommates.
For WCU Managed Housing, you may select roommate(s) during Roommate Matching/Grouping which opens on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 12:00pm. Make sure your desired roommate(s) have completed a WCU Managed Housing Application. Only those who have done so can be added into a Roommate Group. Roommate Groups may utilize the earliest Housing Selection Timeslot of your roommate group.