Housing and Residence Life
Welcome to housing at W&L! Whether you’re a first-year in Gaines or Graham-Lees or an upper-division student living in community housing, fraternity or sorority housing, apartments, or townhouses, living on campus is a key part of the W&L experience. Because research shows that students who live on campus tend to have stronger and more supportive college experiences, W&L requires students to live on campus for their first three years. We’re also happy to welcome students who choose to remain on campus for all four years, as space allows.
Housing & Residence Life supports more than 1,400 students across 48 residential facilities, with the help of 49 student leaders (Community Assistants and Resident Advisors) and two professional staff members. Our goal is to provide a safe and respectful community where students can connect, grow, and feel at home.
While you’re here, we encourage you to actively engage in your residential experience—attend events, connect with your CAs and RAs, and reach out whenever you need support. Please browse our website and review the Student Handbook to learn more about our mission, housing options, opportunities, and policies.
We look forward to meeting you and helping make your time on campus a memorable part of your W&L experience.
About Housing & Residence Life
The Residence Life staff is comprised of upper-division student leaders who are selected through a competitive process during fall term for the next academic year. Resident Advisors (RAs) work with First-Year students in the First-Year residence halls. Community Assistants (CAs) work with upper-division students in The Village, Woods Creek apartments, and community houses. The selection process to serve as an RA/CA is rigorous. RAs and CAs are knowledgeable about Washington and Lee and are available to residents to discuss problems and answer questions.
Campus Housing Options
All W&L students are required to live on campus for at least their first three years. Whether it’s living in historic downtown Lexington, cultivating lifelong friendships, or exploring your interests, Housing & Residence Life offers a variety of living options.
Housing Selection
Housing selection for new students at Washington and Lee takes place over the spring and summer months. Returning students select housing by lottery during Spring Term.
Housing Dates and Details
Information about arrival and departure dates, early arrival, and extended stay requests for university housing.
Housing Services
The Office of Housing & Residence Life has partnered with several companies to provide services to students for items such as shipping, storage, MicroFridge rentals and weekly laundry pickup and delivery. Proceeds support Residence Life programming at Washington and Lee University.
Disability Accommodations
Rooms with facilities for students with disabilities are available in singles and doubles. Service and emotional-assistance animals are allowed on campus and in housing in accordance with the Fair Housing Act, Virginia Fair Housing Law and University Policy.
Off-Campus Housing
Resources designed to assist students in navigating off-campus living.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about first-year and upper-division housing, housing for students study abroad, the housing lottery and student meal plans.
Hannah Phillips, Ed.D.
Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life
Chris Reid, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean and Director of Housing and Residence Life
- P: 540-458-4070
- E: creid@wlu.edu