A Guide to UW’s Residence Halls
April 17, 2025 by Paige Stanley
Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Washington! The next big step is choosing your on-campus housing. With 12 residence halls spread across North and West Campus, it can be overwhelming to know what residence hall is best for you.
Here is your quick go-to guide to the UW’s Residence Halls:
North vs. West Campus
North Campus:
North Campus is located at the top northeast corner of campus. Situated around Denny Field, North Campus consists of the newly constructed Madrona Hall, McCarty Hall, Oak Hall, Willow Hall and historic Hansee and McMahon Halls. In addition, Haggett Hall is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in Autumn 2027.
North Campus residents have convenient access to The MILL makerspace in McCarty Hall, The 8 makerspace in McMahon Hall, the Learning Resource Center and Frost Bite in Madrona Hall, Center Table in Willow Hall and the District Market in Oak Hall.
Residents are a short walk from fun shops in University Village, the UW Intramural Activities Buildings (IMA), and class buildings in the quad and Red Square. Located in the heart of campus, north campus residence halls exude the classic small-town college charm with great access to outdoor spaces.
Dining: North Campus’ residential dining hall is Center Table, located in Willow Hall. Center Table has nine dining concepts for students to choose from. From weekly international menus to a delicious deli to an allergen-friendly kitchen, there is something for everyone!
West Campus:
West Campus is located parallel to Red Square at the south end of University Way NE (aka ‘The Ave’). Situated along Campus Parkway, West Campus consists of Alder Hall, Elm Hall, Lander Hall, Maple Hall, Poplar Hall and Terry Hall.
The amenities spaces and dining located on West Campus include Area 01 in Maple Hall, Local Point in Lander Hall, the District Market in Alder Hall, and Cultivate and Fitness Center West in Elm Hall.
West Campus residents are conveniently located walking distance from delicious food and great study spots along the Ave, beautiful waterfront views on Portage Bay, and right down the street from Red Square with close access to Odegaard and Suzzallo Libraries. West Campus is great for students seeking a big city experience with access to public transportation to explore all that Seattle has to offer.
Dining: West Campus’ residential dining hall is Local Point located in Lander Hall. Local Point has seven dining concepts for students to choose from. From all-American favorites to grain bowls to rotating international cuisines, Local Point has you covered!
Take this fun Buzzfeed quiz to find out which side of campus is best for you!
Check out this article from The Daily UW on the pros and cons of living on North and West Campus!
Residence Hall Amenities
W = West Campus, N = North Campus
Alder Hall (W): District Market and Husky Grind
Elm Hall (W): Cultivate and Fitness Center West
Hansee Hall (N): Pianos
Lander Hall (W): Local Point, Lander Desk Services
Madrona Hall (N): Frost Bite and the Learning Resource Center
Maple Hall (W): Area 01
McCarty Hall (N): The Mill
McMahon Hall (N): The 8 and Fitness Room
Oak Hall (N): District Market and Denny Café
Poplar Hall (W): The UW Food Pantry
Terry Hall (W): Housing and Food Services Central Office
Willow Hall (N): Center Table
Living Learning Communities and Affinity Housing
Students can opt to live in a Living Learning Community (LLC) or affinity housing in one of the residence halls. Each LLC provides specialized programming and events centered around professional development and peer learning in a dynamic living environment.
Arts – Oak Hall
Business – McCarty Hall
Engineering – Maple Hall
Global Experience – Poplar Hall
Honors – Terry Hall
Pre-Health Sciences – Alder Hall
Learn more about LLCs and how to apply here!
In addition to LLCs, UW recently introduced Black Affinity Housing. Black Affinity Housing is a housing community in Lander Hall that promotes personal wellness, social connectedness and academic success centering the Black student experience. Residents can apply through MyHFS when selecting housing.
Finally, UW is committed to creating a welcoming environment for students across the spectrums of gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual identity. Students have the opportunity to apply for gender-inclusive housing through the housing process. In addition, students who wish to live with a sibling or other relative, or with any other person of a different gender can apply for mixed-gender housing.
There are no wrong choices when it comes to residence halls at the UW! Each hall is filled with students from diverse backgrounds with a variety of interests. Please reach out to our housing team with any questions at hfsinfo@uw.edu!
go back