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  • Life on Campus

Life on Campus

Immerse yourself in our vibrant community where learning goes beyond the classroom. Here's everything you need to know about your new home at Willamette.

A group of laughing students sit together in the grass on Willamette's campus during Bearcat Day
Study in the Pacific Northwest

With roots in the Capitol region, a presence in Portland, and experiences that expand into the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette University is inspired by its surroundings. Our location gives you access to learning opportunities—and extracurricular adventures—you can’t find anywhere else.

An aerial view of Willamette University's clocktower, Mill Stream, and other red brick buildings and greenery

Get Involved in Our Activities & Organizations

Make friends. Make memories. Make a difference. There’s so much to keep you busy outside of class, like student-led groups, performance opportunities, varsity and club sports, and a full calendar of events.

  • Student Clubs

    Join (or lead) one of our 75+ organizations, ranging from student media groups to clubs revolving around hobbies, culture and academic interests.
    students on campus
  • Campus Recreation

    Looking for a little friendly competition on the field or court? Maybe moseying down a trail or river is more your style? We offer 20+ intramural/club sports and outdoor activities galore.

    A group of Willamette students playing rugby on the Quad on a sunny day
  • Arts & Culture

    Home to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Theatre 33—and welcoming a range of renowned speakers, artists and performance groups each year—Willamette is a cultural hub for Salem. PNCA in Portland is part of the city’s vibrant arts scene.

    Two PNCA students painting blue murals during a Painting and Drawing studio class
  • Bearcat Athletics

    We’re proud to cheer on 20 varsity teams. More than 300+ student athletes participate in Bearcat athletics, part of the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.

    Willamette student Jack Boydell stands on a basketball court holding a basketball and wearing a Bearcats jerseyfpo
Your Home on Campus

Our Salem Campus features more than a dozen residence halls, including first year communities and apartment options for juniors and seniors. No matter where you live, we know you’ll feel at home.

Students in the dorm
Dining: Made from Scratch. Made for You.

You’ll eat well at Willamette. Our main dining hall, Goudy Commons, offers scratch-made meals in an all-you-care-to-eat model—including brunch on the weekends. Blitz Market is stocked with grab-and-go items, and Rick’s Café offers coffee, teas, sodas and snacks.

A student in a yellow sweater sits at a table at Willamette's Goudy Commons dining hall with a meal and her laptop

STUDENT SERVICES

How We Support Your Success

During your time on campus, we’re here to support you academically, socially, personally and professionally.

Upcoming Events

Returning Students Move In
August 23 - August 25
Location:
All Campuses
Campus Jobs Open House
August 23
Location:
Salem Campus - Putnam University Center
Time:
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
SCIS Graduate Orientation
August 24
Location:
Portland Center - Ecotrust Building
Time:
10:45 AM – 5:00 PM

Willamette University

Willamette University