PAWS (Provisional Assignment Waitlist Stay) Housing is a short-term, on-campus housing placement for students who are currently on the waitlist for a permanent room assignment. While you're in PAWS, you'll have a safe, supported place to stay, helping you stay connected to campus life and the Husky community.
PAWS Housing spaces are areas that are typically used as public residential spaces such as lofts in Hansee Hall that have been temporarily converted into living spaces. These assignments are meant to be brief, and students placed in PAWS Housing will be moved into permanent housing as soon as space becomes available.
We understand how important it is to settle into your long-term home, and we’re committed to transitioning students out of PAWS Housing as quickly and smoothly as possible. You’re a valued part of the Husky Pack, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
About PAWS housing
Students may be assigned to PAWS housing during times of very high occupancy, most typically during autumn quarter. Students who may be assigned to PAWS housing include students guaranteed housing via the sorority recruitment process and late/lower priority applicants who live outside of commuting distance.
When will I know if I am assigned to PAWS housing?
HFS will start alerting students that they many be assigned to PAWS housing as early as late August, however assignments to PAWS spaces will not be made until two days before the residence halls open. HFS waits as late as possible to assign PAWS spaces in an effort to accommodate as many students as we can in permanent rooms.
What is PAWS housing like?
Understandably, some students assigned to PAWS housing may be apprehensive about the accommodations and transient nature of the assignment. If you are assigned to PAWS housing, please be assured that HFS staff will do everything we can to welcome you and to help you be comfortable in your PAWS room.
Many former residents of PAWS housing have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share the residential experience with a larger group of students than otherwise might have been possible. Especially for those arriving from outside of the local area, it is a chance to meet and engage with peers outside of the classroom, and to establish connections that can continue beyond PAWS housing.
Residents of PAWS housing have access to all hall amenities and will be connected with a Resident Adviser for support while living in PAWS housing.
Watch the video to see what typical loft PAWS housing is like.
What furnishings are provided? What should I bring?
All PAWS housing areas are locked and accessible only to the students assigned there. Furnishings include a bed, desk and chair for each occupant. Wardrobes or clothes racks are also provided or are available upon request; in some cases the wardrobe is shared by two students. Some PAWS housing areas offer lockable cupboards or drawers, but others do not. You are welcome to bring a small safe or lockable storage box if you desire additional security for valuables.
Because you'll be moving to your permanent room some time after the quarter begins, it is recommended that for your convenience, you bring only necessities when moving in and have your other belongings brought or shipped to you later.
When will I move out of PAWS housing?
Students will be reassigned to permanent spaces as they become available, based on housing assignment priority and application date. We expect to be able to relocate all residents of PAWS housing by the beginning of winter quarter; however, you may be able to move to a permanent space much earlier. You will be contacted via your UW email account once a permanent room is available for you.
Cost
The cost for one quarter in PAWS housing during 2024–25 is $1,958. When you're assigned to a permanent space, your housing charge will be prorated to the new room rate.
Capacity
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Hansee Hall lofts: 17–30
- Hansee Hall lounges: 4–12
- McMahon Hall apartment: 6
- Spratlen Hall lounges: 3
Mailing address
Mailing addresses will be provided with assignment information.