Housing FAQs

In this section ...

Housing FAQs Housing Application and Room Selection Housing Semester Breaks and Important Dates

Residence Life and Housing Contact Information

How do I get a hold of my campus Residence Life and Housing Office?

PennWest Residence Life and Housing Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am – 4:00pm and can be reached via phone or email during normal business hours.

California: 724-938-4444 or calreslife@pennwest.edu
Clarion: 814-393-2352 or clarionreslife@pennwest.edu
Edinboro: 814-732-2818 or bororeslife@pennwest.edu

Residency Requirements

Am I required to live on campus?

Residency status is determined by a student's permanent address upon acceptance to PennWest.

Per University Policy SA017, all first-time undergraduate students and transfer students with 48 earned credit hours or less, who are not commuting from a parent or guardian's home within the miles referenced below for the individual campuses, are required to reside in university housing for four consecutive semesters.

Approved commuting distances and addresses used for measuring distance:

California campus: within 50 miles of 250 University Avenue, California PA 15419
Clarion campus: within 30 miles of 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214
Edinboro campus: within 50 miles of 405 Scotland Road, Edinboro PA 16444

For more information, students can refer to the PennWest University Policies webpage.

International Students: Housing Portal, Travel Plans and Check In

What should I do if I am having trouble accessing the housing portal?

Have you fully set up your PennWest account with two-factor authentication?

Students must set up their my.PennWest.edu account (using their PennWest credentials) before they can access their student portal.

Have you paid your admissions deposit?

Students who have not paid their tuition deposit will not be able to access their student portal until the deposit is paid through their campus Admissions Office. Once the deposit has been paid, students should have access to their housing and dining portal within 24-48 hours from the time they paid their tuition deposit. Students unable to access their portal after 48 hours should contact their campus housing office for assistance.

Have you tried using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

The housing software utilized by PennWest is barred in some countries. Students who live outside of the United States may need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access their portal. When setting up their VPN, students will need to select a United States server.

Did you make sure you tried all recommendations?

Students encountering connectivity/login issues should ensure they have:
- Set up their 2-factor authentication using their PennWest student login information
- Paid their tuition deposit through their campus Admissions Office
- Utilized a VPN to access their portal with a United States server

If the above suggestions do not resolve the issue, students should reach out to their campus housing office for further assistance.

How do I apply for housing?

Students can learn how to apply for housing by scrolling to the Housing Application section below. Information regarding roommate matching, room selection, and other important details can be found by scrolling beyond the Housing Application section.

What items am I permitted to have in my on-campus residence, and what items are not allowed?

Students can find a list of what to bring and what not to bring by clicking here.

How do I notify Residence Life and Housing of my arrival date and time?

Most PennWest students move in during Move-In Weekend, which has set dates and times. Students wishing to arrive early MUST submit an Early Arrival Request, which will be available about a month prior to the start of the fall/spring semester(s) on their housing portal. This request should be submitted by the deadline noted on the form. Approval is not guaranteed, and requests are reviewed case-by-case.

Students should not plan to arrive more than 7 days before the semester starts and must arrive during hours that staff are available (see below).

Students are encouraged to maintain regular communication with the International Education Office, as Residence Life and Housing works closely with their team.

International Education Office at 724-938-5833 or internationaled@pennwest.edu.

When can I arrive to campus?

International students are permitted to arrive one week prior to the start date of the semester. Students requesting to arrive prior to Move-In Weekend MUST submit an Early Arrival Request. Students should submit the Early Arrival Request by the deadline noted on the request form.

Students MUST arrive during the hours that staff are available and should make their travel arrangements accordingly.

Weekday Check-ins: Monday through Friday, from 9:00am – 3:00pm and from 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

Weekend Check-ins: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

What should I do if I arrive outside of designated check-in hours?

Weekday Check-ins: Monday through Friday, from 9:00am – 3:00pm and from 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

Weekend Check-ins: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

Residence Life and Housing will not be able to accommodate check-ins outside these identified times due to staffing and training. Students who cannot check-in during designated hours should arrange alternative overnight accommodations and should arrive during designated check-in hours the following day.

How do I check in?

International students arriving Monday through Friday, between the hours 9:00am – 3:00pm, should report to their campus Residence Life and Housing Office.

Residence Life and Housing Office locations:

California: 140 Building B
Clarion: 218 Becht Hall
Edinboro: 215 Frank G. Pogue Student Center

International students arriving Monday through Sunday, between the hours of 8:00pm – 10:00pm, should report to their assigned building.

Housing Portal

Why am I receiving an error when I try to log into the housing and dining portal?

Have you fully set up your PennWest account with two-factor authentication?

Students must set up their my.PennWest.edu account (using their PennWest credentials) before they can access their student portal.

Did you recently change phones?

Students encountering trouble setting up their two-factor authentication on a new device should contact their campus technology help desk for assistance.
- California: 724-938-5911
- Clarion: 814-393-2640
- Edinboro: 814-732-2111‍
- Techsupport@pennwest.edu ‍

Have you paid your admissions deposit?

Students who have not paid their tuition deposit will not be able to access their student portal until the deposit is paid through their campus Admissions Office. Once the deposit has been paid, students should have access to their housing and dining portal within 24-48 hours from the time they paid their tuition deposit. Students unable to access their portal after 48 hours should contact their campus housing office for assistance.

Housing Application

What if I am applying for housing and I am under 18 years of age when signing the application?

Because the housing application is a legally binding contract, any student that is under 18 years old at the time of submission will need their parent/guardian to sign off on the application before it is considered complete.

An email will be sent to the email address listed for the parent/guardian as soon as the student signs the application. The email being sent to the parent/guardian will contain a unique code and a link to the agreement signed by their student. After clicking the provided link, the parent/guardian will need to input their unique code to finish signing their student’s housing application.

If the parent/guardian does not receive an email in their inbox or spam folder, they or their student should reach out to their campus’ Residence Life and Housing Office.

Is there a fee to apply for housing?

There is a $100 non-refundable housing application fee due upon the time of submission.

What do I put for the Living Learning Community (LLC)/Themed Housing question?

Students interested in a Living Learning Community (LLC) or Themed Housing should indicate their preference when answering the LLC/Themed Housing question. Students who are not interested in an LLC or in Themed Housing will want to select “none” or “not interested.”

For more information, students can review the Housing Communities: Living Learning Communities/ Themed Housing section below.

When do I find out my housing assignment?

Room selection is completed by the student. Housing is not assigned by the Residence Life and Housing Office unless someone has not chosen a space by the semester housing deadline. Those who choose not to select a space on their own or apply until after the self-selection deadline have lesser chances of obtaining their preferred suite styles.

Do I have to complete a housing application for each semester?

Only one housing application needs to be submitted per academic year. An academic year starts with the fall semester and ends with the spring semester.

Students applying for housing for the entire academic year (which starts in the Fall) should complete a Fall Housing Application.

Students beginning in the Spring semester will need to complete the Spring Housing Application to secure housing for their Spring semester. To arrange housing for the following academic year (starting in the Fall), they should complete the Fall Housing Application for that year.

Students who need housing for the Fall semester only (expected Winter graduation) should complete the Fall Housing Application. As a note, students should submit a Contract Release Request prior to graduation to request the cancellation of the spring portion of their housing contract.

What should I do if I wish to live at Vulcan Village on the California Campus?

Upperclass Students who wish to live in Vulcan Village, and are eligible to do so, can complete the Vulcan Village housing application in their housing and dining portal. Students should contact Vulcan Village directly for assistance with roommate matching and housing assignments.

Learn more about Vulcan Village
Phone: 724-938-8990
Email: vulcanvillage@pennwest.edu

Housing Communities: Living Learning Communities and Themed Housing

What’s the difference between a Living Learning Community (LLC) and Themed Housing?

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are centered around specific academic fields and majors and foster a collaborative learning experience for residents. By residing alongside peers who share similar academic interests, students can cultivate a community that enhances their educational journey. LLCs serve as a dynamic support network where students can thrive both academically and socially.

Themed Housing provides a unique living environment for PennWest students who share common interests and passions. Students can connect over shared experiences and pursuits, which allows for a sense of belonging and community amongst residents. Programming is crafted to align with the specific theme and encourages active participation and engagement from students. Themed Housing encourages individuals to support one another in their interests and sets the foundation for lasting friendships.

What are my LLC options?

Art (Edinboro)
Education (California)
Health and Human Services (Clarion)
Honors (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)
Nursing (Edinboro)
STEM (Edinboro)

What are my Themed Housing options?

DEI/Multicultural (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)
Gender Identity (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)
Quiet Living (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)

How do I select to live in an LLC or Themed Housing?

Students who are interested in an LLC or in Themed Housing will be asked to indicate such on their housing application. If a student selects to live in one of these areas on their housing application, they will be put into a room selection process for that LLC or Themed Housing, and not into the general room selection process.

Groups of students wanting to select a space in an LLC or in Themed Housing will need to communicate with one another to make sure each student selected the same answer when completing their housing application. Students who do not have the same LLC/Themed Housing answer will not be pulled into the same space as their roommate match.

Students interested in LLCs or Themed Housing options can connect with their campus Housing Office for more assistance.

Housing Accommodations

What do I need to do to receive a housing accommodation for a medical need?

Students must reach out to their campus Office for Students with Disabilities for all housing accommodation requests and inquiries.

California: 724-938-5781 or osd-cal@pennwest.edu
Clarion: 814-393-1877 or osd-clarion@pennwest.edu
Edinboro: 814-732-2462 or osd-edn@pennwest.edu

Roommate Matching

Why can’t I find my preferred roommate in the roommate search engine?

Did the person you want to request as a roommate complete their housing contract?

Students cannot participate in roommate matching until they complete their housing contract, which includes paying their $100 housing application fee and having their parent/guardian sign off on their application if applicable.

Students looking for a specific student will only see that individual in the roommate matching portal once that person has completed their contract and paid their fee.

If the requested roommate is under 18, did their parent/guardian sign off on the housing application?

If the requested roommate is under 18 years old at the time they submitted their housing application, they will need their parent/guardian to sign off on the application before it is considered complete.

To sign off on the contract, parents will need to follow the prompts in the email that was sent to them as soon as their student signed the application.

Did the requested roommate already pick a room?

Once a student picks a space, their information will not populate in the roommate matching search results. Students will need to connect with one another to determine if there is/isn’t an extra spot available within the same space. Then, the student who does not currently have housing should login to their housing portal to search for the open space.

Open spaces will be available to other students, so it is important for students to act fast to obtain the open space. If the desired space does not populate in the room selection search results, either someone has already chosen the space or there could be another factor affecting the search.

It’s important to note that picking a room DOES NOT hold a space for anyone else.

If you are a new/incoming student, is your requested roommate an upperclassman student?

New/incoming students requesting an upperclassman student as a roommate should contact their campus housing office for next steps.

If you are an upperclassman, is your requested roommate a new/incoming student?

Upperclassman students requesting a new/incoming student as a roommate should contact their campus housing office for next steps.

Are you part of a mixed gender group looking to live in gender inclusive housing?

Students who are part of a mixed gender group should contact their campus housing office for next steps.

How do I add more to my roommate matching profile?

A basic roommate matching profile builds for each student that completes the housing application. These profiles include information from answers provided to the questions on the housing application. Students wanting to add more personalized information to their profile can do so from their housing portal.

By clicking on “My Info” and then clicking on “Roommate Profile,” students can choose how much of their roommate profile is visible to other students looking for housing. If desired, students can list their preferred contact method, which may make it easier to connect with prospective suitemates.

Under the “My Profile” section, students are given space to type out whatever information they would like others to know about them. This could include areas of study, favorite activities, favorite animal, sports team, contact information, etc.

How do I find a roommate if I do not have someone specific in mind?

The roommate search questionnaire can connect students with similar interests. By completing all or part of the questionnaire, students can see if anyone with similar interests populates in the search results. By skipping the questionnaire and clicking the “Search” button at the bottom of the screen, a full list of everyone who has completed the housing application and has not selected a space will display.

Why am I not seeing many results when completing the roommate matching questionnaire?

A basic roommate matching profile is built for each student that completes the housing application. These profiles include information from answers provided to the questions on the housing application.

Students who complete the entire roommate matching questionnaire will only see search results of students who answered the questionnaire in the exact same way. This can limit search results.

Students do not have to complete the entire questionnaire to see results and may see more search results by limiting the number of questions they answer.

By skipping the questionnaire and clicking the “Search” button at the bottom of the screen, a full list of everyone who has completed the housing application and has not selected a space will display. Results may still be limited, and students may need to wait for more students to apply for housing for the number of search results to increase.

What do I do when I have reached out to potential roommates, and they have not responded?

Students are encouraged to look for other roommate options if they have not received responses to their initial roommate requests. It is possible that students have already matched with others. It is also possible that someone wants to live alone and may not respond for that reason.

Students can also forgo the roommate matching process and select a space when it is their turn, without having matched with any students. Some spaces will already have other students in them, while suites entirely open will eventually fill with other residents.

I matched with my group, and we want a specific style of housing. How do we get it?

The sooner a group is matched the higher chance they have of obtaining their preferred housing styles. Groups that can completely fill a suite or apartment (Reinhard Villages, not including Vulcan Village) have better chances than partially matched groups of obtaining a preferred housing style.

Students should keep in mind that as room selection progresses, the likelihood of obtaining their preferred housing style decreases.

It is highly recommended that students look closely at all housing options and make a list of their top three to four housing preferences in case their top preference is not available when it’s time to select a space. Roommate groups should work to agree upon their top housing preferences to avoid potential conflicts.

If a preferred suite style does not populate during room selection, it means that the suite style is unavailable. It is recommended that students take time to review the search results and select what they are most comfortable with from the options available to them. Students can submit a Waitlist request for their preferred housing style via their housing portal after they select a space.

For more information about the Waitlist option, students can refer to the Waitlist Request section below.

I’m a student athlete. How do I match with teammates or other student athletes?

Starting in May of 2025, there will be a room selection process for new/incoming athletes, which will allow them to find housing with one another. New/Incoming student athletes should contact their athletic coach as soon as possible to discuss prospective suitemates. Coaches may have specific roommate recommendations, or they may be able to provide the names of other teammates or athletes who are seeking roommates.

Once new/incoming student athletes know who they would like to live with, they will need to complete roommate matching via their housing portal. The sooner students submit their housing application and complete roommate matching, the better chance they have at preferred suite styles.

Additional information will be coming soon regarding the timeline for the room selection process. Students should keep an eye on their PennWest email for more updates.

Returning student athletes will participate in open room selection. Students who have preferred roommates must complete roommate matching prior to room selection. Those without preferred roommates who wish to live with teammates or other athletes should consult their athletic coach to discuss prospective suitemates. If a returning athlete has no specific roommate preference, they can skip roommate matching and choose a space during general room selection.

Room Selection: Room Retention Phase

Who can participate in the Room Retention Phase of Room Selection?

Room Retention is not available to students currently living in buildings reserved for First Year housing. Anyone currently residing in First Year housing will need to choose a new space for the next academic year.

First Year and Returning students who currently live in upperclassman halls, Living Learning Communities, or Themed Living Communities will be eligible to retain their spaces in those buildings.

Room Selection: Open Selection Phases

Is there a deadline to select my room?

The cut-off date for self-selection is July 13, 2025. Students who have not selected a space by the cutoff date will be manually assigned to housing. Students who apply for housing after this date will also be assigned a space.

What if I do not have a roommate request, but am okay living with someone I do not know yet?

During the second part of the room selection phase, students can choose spaces with other students already in them or they can choose an entirely open suite (if available) and wait for the other openings to fill.

Once students have a housing assignment, they will be able to see the names of the students they will be housing with on their housing portal. Students can connect with one another via email by clicking on the name(s) of those they will be housing with.

What should I do if I am ready to pick a room, but my preferred roommate(s) have not yet submitted their housing application(s)?

It is recommended that students wait until their preferred roommate has completed their application and everyone is matched before picking a space. Selecting a space DOES NOT hold a space for anyone. Open spaces in a room/suite will still be available for other students to select.

Why are my matched roommates not being pulled into the space we are trying to select?

When looking at the Roommate section of your housing portal, does it say, “fully matched?”

If the portal does not say “fully matched,” this indicates that the roommate matching is incomplete. Students will need to look at their group to see who is not matched and take the appropriate steps needed to connect with one another. The names of those not matched should be listed in the Roommate section of the housing portal.

Did you pick a different Living Learning Community (LLC) or Themed Housing answer on the housing application?

There is a question regarding Living Learning Communities (LLC)/Themed Housing on the housing application. The answer selected for this question determines what housing selection process students will be placed in as there are different selection processes for students who want to live in an LLC/Themed Housing and those who participate in general room selection.

Student groups will need to communicate with one another to make sure that everyone in their group provides the same answer to this question. Students who do not have the same answer will not be pulled into the same space as their roommate match.

Did one of your roommates already pick a room?

When a student in a roommate group selects a room without the others in their group, it lowers the chances of the entire group being housed together in the same space. If the space the student selected has enough openings to accommodate the entire group, the students can work together to determine what open spaces they need to look for in the room selection process.

If there are not enough openings available to accommodate the entire group, students will need to contact their campus Residence Life and Housing Office for next steps.

It is important to note that a roommate picking a space DOES NOT hold a space for others in their group. Should a group encounter this sort of issue, there is no guarantee that they will get into the same suite style the roommate initially selected.

If you are a returning student, is your requested roommate a new/incoming student?

Returning students should contact their housing office for the next steps.

If you are a new/incoming student, is your requested roommate an upperclassman student?

New/incoming students should contact their housing office for the next steps.

Are you part of a mixed-gender group looking to live in gender-inclusive housing?

Students who are part of a mixed gender group should contact their housing office for assistance.

I’m a student athlete. How do I find housing with teammates or other student athletes?

New/Incoming student athletes have the option to participate in open room selection or the room selection process for New/Incoming student athletes. More information regarding the housing process specified for New/Incoming student athletes can be found below under “Room Selection: New/Incoming Athletes.”

Returning student athletes will participate in open room selection.

Athletes in search of roommates/suitemates should get in contact with their athletic coach as soon as possible to discuss perspective suitemates.

Groups will need to participate in roommate matching before room selection. More information about roommate matching can be found above under the “Roommate Matching” section.

I am a transfer student. Can I live in upperclassman housing?

Transfer students are permitted to live in upperclassman housing.

Students should reach out to their campus housing office if they are unable to see spaces in upperclassman housing when participating in room selection.

How do I obtain the room I want?

Room selection order is determined by the date and time a student submits their housing application. Students with housing preferences are advised to complete their housing application as soon as possible. The earlier a housing application is completed, the earlier a student will be permitted to select a room.

How can I pick a single room?

Single occupancy housing is the most sought-after housing option and each PennWest campus is limited in the number of single spaces available. Students who submit their housing application early have a better chance of obtaining the room style(s) they prefer.

Students can search for a single space when it is their turn in room selection. If a single room is not available when it is their turn to participate in room selection, students should select the space they prefer most from the search results. Students can submit a Waitlist request via their housing portal after they select a space.

For more information about the Waitlist option, students can refer to the Waitlist Request section below.

What if I cannot find the room I want?

When a particular suite style is not showing in room selection results, it indicates that there are no available spaces in that specific style.

It is recommended that students take time to review the search results and select what they are most comfortable with from the options available to them.

Students can submit a Waitlist request for their preferred housing style via their housing portal. There are no guarantees, but should something become available, students will be emailed regarding the opportunity.

For more information about the Waitlist option, students can refer to the Waitlist Request section below.

Room Selection: Gender Inclusive Housing

Are students allowed to live in mixed gender groups?

Mixed gender housing is permitted on each PennWest campus. There are two mixed gender living options: Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) and the Themed Housing option of Gender Identity.

It is important to note that students will never be asked why they wish to live in mixed gender housing. However, students of any sexual orientation who are in a romantic relationship are discouraged from living together in a residential housing unit.

Students should contact their campus housing office as soon as possible to express their desire to live in a mixed-gender arrangement.

What’s the difference between Gender Inclusive Housing and Gender Identity in Themed Housing?

Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) allows students to reside in most residential buildings on campus. There is no specific floor or wing set aside for those seeking GIH, thus no special programming is done for those who seek this living option. Groups can live anywhere, except for First Year Housing (unless the group consists of first year students).

The Gender Identity Themed Housing option is located in a specific part of a residential building with a select number of spaces set aside for students interested in this housing option. Special programming is geared towards those living within this community.

Students should contact their campus housing office as soon as possible to express their desire to live in a mixed-gender arrangement.

I am interested in mixed-gender housing. How do I submit my request for this living option?

Students interested in mixed gender housing will need to submit both their housing application and the Gender Inclusive Housing application, which can be found under Contracts and Request Forms on their housing portal. It’s important to note that the Gender Inclusive Housing application will become available only after a student completes/submits their housing application.

Students should check their PennWest student email regularly for Gender Inclusive Housing updates.

Student groups interested in mixed gender housing should have enough people in their group to fill a space. Part of the Gender Inclusive Housing agreement is that students fill the entire suite or apartment they are assigned. This means that students looking to live in a 4-person style space should have 4 students in their group. Residence Life and Housing does not randomly assign students to fill vacancies.

Individual students who are not part of a group, but are interested in GIH/mixed gender housing, should complete their housing application and email their campus housing office as soon as possible to discuss mixed gender housing options. If the campus housing office is aware of groups who need additional roommates, they can help connect these students to see if they would be a good roommate match.

I want to live in mixed gender housing, but I am not part of a group. Are there ways for me to connect with others who might need roommates/suitemates?

Students interested in mixed gender housing will need to submit both their housing application and the Gender Inclusive Housing application. Once both forms are received, students should reach out to their campus housing office for next steps.

When is room selection open for individuals who want to live in Gender Inclusive Housing or mixed gender housing? How do they select a space?

Students should check their PennWest student email regularly for Gender Inclusive Housing updates, timelines, and deadlines.

What if our mixed gender roommate group cannot fill the suite or apartment?

Gender Inclusive groups should include enough students to fill a space. PennWest Residence Life and Housing Offices may be able to connect students seeking mixed gender housing who do not have a full group.

Groups may be dispersed into general housing if they do not have a complete group.

What would happen if one of our roommates decided to no longer live with us?

Should a student in a roommate group cancel their housing for whatever reason, the remaining students in the Gender Inclusive Housing space are responsible for filling the vacancy in the suite or apartment.

If the vacancy is not filled, the remaining roommates are responsible for the cost of the vacant space, or they can request the suite or apartment be converted back to a single gender unit.

Converting the unit back to a single gender unit could mean students will be moved to other spaces in campus housing.

Room Selection: New/Incoming Athletes

Starting in May of 2025, there will be a new room selection process for new/incoming athletes, which will allow them to find housing with one another. Returning athletes will participate in open room selection, not the New/Incoming student athlete room selection process.

New/Incoming student athletes should contact their athletic coach as soon as possible to discuss prospective suitemates. Coaches may have specific roommate recommendations, or they may be able to provide the names of other teammates or athletes who are seeking roommates.

New/Incoming student athletes can still choose to participate in general room selection if they want.

Additional information will be coming soon regarding the timeline for the New/Incoming student athlete room selection process. Students should keep an eye on their PennWest email for more details.

‍

Room Selection: Self Selected Room Changes

When can I change rooms?

There will be a Self-Selected Room Change period occurring after each room selection phase (excluding the Room Retention phase). Students will have a short window of time to change rooms on their own in their Housing and Dining portal.

How do I change rooms?

Students who want to change spaces will be able to login to their housing portal during a Self-Selected Room Change period to search available spaces. They will be able to make the room change right from their portal.

The online Self-Selected Room Change option DOES NOT allow students to pull roommates with them. Each resident must change their room on their own. Students who are changing rooms and have roommates who also want to change with them should make sure the space they are selecting has multiple openings. For roommates to have a better chance of selecting the same space, it is advised students log in at the same time to pick the open spaces together.

Residence Life and Housing cannot hold beds while students wait for a friend to pick the remaining spaces in a suite later.

Waitlist Requests

What is a Waitlist Request?

The Waitlist Request option allows students to be put on a “waiting list” for their preferred suite style(s) should they not be able to select one during the room selection process. The Waitlist is ordered by date and time of submission. Students can submit a waitlist via their housing portal. It is important to note that there are no guarantees.

When completing the request, students should list the room type they desire. If the student has preferred suitemates and/or roommate matches, they should list the student names in the comments.

I completed my housing application. Why can’t I submit a Waitlist Request?

Students cannot submit a Waitlist Request until they have a housing assignment.

When will I hear about my Waitlist Request?

All Waitlist communications are sent to PennWest student emails, so it is recommended that students check their email frequently in case they receive a Waitlist offer. Students will have a limited amount of time to respond to and accept an offer. Those who do not respond by the deadline will forfeit their place in the Waitlist queue.

The deadline for all room changes is July 13, 2025, which means that any Waitlist request not satisfied will be closed after this date.

The Residence Life and Housing team understands that the need for room changes may present itself after July 13, 2025; however, room change requests received after the start of the semester will be put on hold for the first two weeks so staff can obtain accurate occupancy numbers.

Those with room change requests should contact their residence hall staff. Students should keep in mind that while the housing team will do its best to accommodate requests, there are no guarantees.

After I submitted my Waitlist request, there was a number on my portal that indicated my place in line. Why does that number keep changing?

The number listed on a student’s portal is their current place in line on the general Waitlist (not sorted by room type request). There is no way for the housing system to filter the requests into separate queues, so the Residence Life and Housing offices utilize an internal tracking system to organize requests for each style of housing in the order in which the requests were received. The number showing on the student portal will decrease if/when Waitlist requests in front of theirs are fulfilled.

Does submitting a Waitlist Request guarantee I will get into my preferred suite style(s)?

There are no guarantees that a Waitlist request will be fulfilled. Space availability is based upon the most current occupancy numbers, other pending waitlist requests, and other contributing factors. The deadline for all room changes is July 13, 2025, which means that any Waitlist Request not satisfied will be closed after this date.

Students requesting a room change during the semester will need to contact their hall staff regarding their request. Typically, room changes do not occur until after the first two weeks of the semester. While there are no guarantees, staff will do their best to accommodate these requests.

Does my whole group need to submit a Waitlist Request?

Student groups of 2 or more need only submit one request on behalf of their entire group. One student should login to their housing portal and submit the request. They should make sure to list the preferred suite style(s) and all the names of their preferred suitemates.

Is there a deadline to submit a Waitlist Request?

The deadline for all room changes is July 13, 2025, which means that any Waitlist Request not satisfied will be closed after this date.

Canceling Housing

I am withdrawing from PennWest. How do I cancel housing?

Students who are withdrawn/withdrawing from PennWest should log into their housing and dining portal to complete a Contract Release Request (CRR) form. Students can find the CRR under Contracts and Request Forms.

Students should contact Records and Registration to make sure they have taken all necessary steps in the withdrawal process.

Records and Registration: Registrar@pennwest.edu

I am withdrawing from PennWest. When do I have to be moved out of my room?

Students are required to vacate their assigned room within 24 hours of submitting their withdrawal to the Office of the Registrar and should contact their residence hall staff regarding their move-out plans.

If a student cannot move out within 24 hours, they should contact their campus Residence Life and Housing Office ASAP to discuss options.

I have withdrawn from PennWest and packed up my room. How do I notify Residence Life and Housing and how do I check out?

Students who have withdrawn and are ready to leave campus, should contact a Community Assistant in their building to help them checkout. If a student cannot find a Community Assistant and it is during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm), they can contact the Residence Life and Housing Office for assistance.

Students can also contact a Community Assistant or the Residence Life and Housing Office a couple of days prior to their planned departure to set up a time with a staff member to check out.

Students will need to complete their room inventory at check out and return any keys that were issued to them at move in. By not completing these steps the students could forgo the opportunity to dispute damages found upon inspection and could be charged for not returning their keys.

I have withdrawn and packed up my room. Where do I return my keys?

Students can return their keys to the Community Assistant or Residence Life staff member who assists with their check out.

Any student leaving after hours can put their keys in the key drop box in the lobby of their building.

If a student forgets to return their keys prior to leaving campus, it is important that the student works to return the keys ASAP to avoid lost key charges. Students are given 10 business days to return their keys to their campus Residence Life and Housing Office.

For safety reasons and per university policy, any student whose keys are not returned within 10 business days will be charged the cost to recore their space and for new replacement keys to be made. These charges can become expensive for spaces with more locks and keys.

Students have the option to bring their keys back in-person to their Residence Life and Housing Office.

Those who cannot bring their keys back in-person can mail their keys back in to their campus Housing Office. Students are encouraged to choose “overnight mailing” or “express mail” when sending their keys. They are also encouraged to use a double padded envelope when mailing to avoid keys breaking through the packing and getting lost in the mail. If the keys are lost in the mail, the student will be charged for the cost of the lost key(s).

California
‍Office of Residence Life and Housing
250 University Avenue
Building B, Room 140
California, PA 15419

Clarion‍
Office of Residence Life and Housing
840 Wood Street
218 Becht Hall
Clarion, PA 16214

Edinboro‍
Office of Residence Life and Housing
215 Frank G. Pogue Student Center
405 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444

I am NOT withdrawing from the university but no longer wish to live in housing. How do I cancel my housing contract?

The PennWest Housing Application is a legally binding contract. When a housing application is completed, students are bound to its terms. Only extenuating circumstances will release a student from the contractual obligation.

Students can submit a Contract Release Request (CRR) to apply to be released from their housing contract. The CRR can be found under Contracts and Request Forms on each student’s Housing portal. It is important to note that all requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approvals are not guaranteed. Students can expect a response within 10-14 business days, which would be communicated through their PennWest student email.

Students SHOULD NOT sign an off-campus lease until their request has been reviewed and they have received an answer regarding their request. This is recommended so that students do not become locked into two legally binding contracts at once.

Not all requests to cancel are approved. Students whose requests are approved may be responsible for any assessed cancellation fees. There are no refunds for housing application fees.

Students can refer to the PennWest University Housing Contract and the Termination/Cancellation Process and Fees Policy in their housing contract.

I wish to return to housing for the Spring term. How do I ONLY cancel my Fall contract?

Students who wish to only cancel their Fall contract should submit the Fall Contract Release Request in their housing and dining portal. On the form there is a field that allows students to document the term they wish to cancel. Students should check their email frequently as the Housing team may reach out to confirm information regarding their request.

It is important for students to remember that the PennWest Housing Application is a legally binding contract. When a housing application is completed, students are bound to its terms. Only extenuating circumstances will release a student from the contractual obligation.

Not all requests to cancel are approved. Students whose requests are approved may be responsible for any assessed cancellation fees. There are no refunds for housing application fees.

I plan to finish the Fall semester. How do I ONLY cancel my Spring contract?

Students who wish to only cancel their Spring contract should submit the Spring Contract Release Request in their housing and dining portal. On the form there is a field that allows students to document the term they wish to cancel. Students should check their email frequently as the Housing team may reach out to confirm information regarding their request.

Not all requests to cancel are approved. Students whose requests are approved may be responsible for any assessed cancellation fees. There are no refunds for housing application fees.

Housing General FAQs

Should I have renter’s insurance?

Students are encouraged to obtain a renters insurance policy that offers protection of household goods and personal property. Students on all three campuses should use the University’s official address on their renter’s insurance application, not their on-campus mailing address. More information can be found in the Liability section in the Student Housing Contract.

Official PennWest address:

Pennsylvania Western University
250 University Ave.
California PA 15419

When is the deadline to apply for housing?

There is not a deadline to apply for housing; however, as the start of a semester nears, the housing application will not be visible on the housing and dining portal. Students will need to connect with their campus Residence Life and Housing office to have the application open for them.