Western Washington Jobs & Careers

One thing we can probably all agree on is that college is expensive! From the cost of housing, tuition, books, and your everyday living expenses, it feels like you could be paying off student loans for the rest of your life. To help with the costs, consider getting a part-time or full-time job.

There’s a wide variety of job opportunities available in Bellingham and a bunch of ways to find them. Try job searching on LinkedIn or Glassdoor. If you’re looking for something with a flexible schedule and a short commute to campus, you can start your search at the Student Employment Center.

You can find common jobs like:

Library Aide
Undergraduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Cafeteria Worker
Child Care
And more!

Safety at Western Washington

At WWU, the safety of students and the entire campus community is of the highest priority. Safety at WWU is a community-wide effort and to support that, the University provides services for and assistance in maintaining a safe environment.

Let your friends or roommates know where you are. You can share your location with them or download one of the many safety apps out there like Noonlight. Avoid walking alone at night, and make sure to lock up and hide all belongings.
Sign up for Western Alerts, and you’ll receive real-time alerts for emergencies
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, are coping with a traumatic experience, or need to report cases such as assault or domestic violence, you can call or text Crisis Support Services to talk to a licensed professional. Call the helpline number at (509) 335-4511 or text HOME to 741741.

The Western Washington University Police Department is dedicated to the safety and security of the campus community. WWU Police works directly with Parking Services and the Lock Shop to ensure the safest and most accessible campus possible and provides 24-hour service for all your safety needs.

For emergencies, please call 911 or 360-650-3911, and for all Non-Emergency Services call 360-650-3555.

Parking Around WWU

Students and faculty at WWU have several lots and parking structures they can park in daily. Campus parking passes are available through Parking Services, and you can purchase permits through the online Parking Portal. Keep in mind that these lots do often fill up fast, and it’s on a first-come-first-served basis. Meter and garage parking can also be paid at a daily or hourly rate. If you don’t get a pass or parking space, you’ll most likely find yourself navigating parking on the streets around campus, so be aware of your time—parking tickets add up fast!

How to Get Around Bellingham

If you don’t have your own vehicle, or if you just don’t feel like driving all over town searching for a parking spot, Bellingham has plenty of options to help you get around the city. Many WWU students use alternate modes of transportation to get around such as free park and ride options, free transit, carpooling, walking, and biking.

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) buses run throughout the city, and there are several bus stops within the WWU campus seven days a week. WWU students can travel for free by showing their Western Washington University Student Id card.
Biking is another popular option to travel as it’s an eco-friendly way to get around the city. If you don’t have your own bike or didn’t bring it with you, you can go to the WWU Outdoor Center to rent a bike or check out the Viking eBike program.
Try a Rideshare program if you’re looking to link up with fellow WWU students making the same trip as you
Bellingham has both Lyft and Uber. To save money, download both apps and compare the route costs before scheduling a ride.

Things to Do at WWU

We know how hectic the life of a college student can be! It can be overwhelming trying to balance schoolwork and a job while also trying to have a social life, but don’t forget to make the most out of your college years. Get out there and experience everything while you can!

On campus, students have the opportunity to join hundreds of different clubs. From chess to rugby to Latin dance groups, everyone can find something that interests them. If you’re into sports, WWU has a wide variety of teams you can join. If you’d rather watch than participate, you can always grab your Vikings gear and head off to cheer on your favorite team!

The Outdoor Center right on campus provides access to boat rentals, hiking equipment, biking equipment and more. Students can either arrange trips on their own or participate in group excursions ranging from snowshoeing and skiing in the Cascades to boating in the Puget Sound. Located behind the Fairhaven dorms is the Sehome Arboretum, where you can hike the trails to the top and see all of Bellingham! In warmer months, heading to Locust Beach, the closest beach to campus, is a great place to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Things to Do in Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University is located in scenic Bellingham, WA. The campus sits atop a large hill overlooking the beautiful Samish Bay. Being that the campus is surrounded by breathtaking views and lush forests, students enjoy hiking and biking the hundreds of surrounding trails. Some are even located on campus! Bellingham was actually named one of the top communities for outdoor lovers by National Geographic Adventure, so if you love the great outdoors, WWU is the university for you! Students love spending their free time in the wilderness, with Mount Baker just up the hill. Tons of people head there to get away and spend some time in mountains every weekend. Hiking Whatcom Falls Park is a “must” for anyone living in Bellingham.

In their free time, many students head to the Fairhaven Historic District to take a stroll down the streets. Be sure to stop into the variety of shops and eateries. If you’re into music and/or theater performances, be sure to check the Mount Baker Theatre roster for what shows are coming near you! Students also really like to hang out at the Underground Coffeehouse. On any given day of the week, you can catch local bands and students play music, read poetry, do stand up comedy and more.