What are the advantages of living on campus?
Besides the convenience of always being no more than ten minutes away from class, living in the residence halls provides students with the opportunity to meet students from different backgrounds and experiences. Students participate in programs and activities that occur on Whittier’s lively campus throughout the academic year.
Are there services for students with disabilities?
Students with special housing needs must contact the Student Accessibility Services prior to Room Draw in order to ensure appropriate placement in campus residences.
Is there a curfew in the residence halls?
While there is no curfew, quiet hours are in effect between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Courtesy hours are 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Students are encouraged to communicate noise disturbances to their fellow community members. Campus Safety and Resident Advisors can always be called on with any concerns including noise issues. The number for Campus Safety is 562.907.4211.
Can I change rooms?
Room changes can be arranged by area staff during "Room Change Week" which occurs the third week of each semester. Such room changes must be arranged by the Assistant Director. Visit our Policies and Procedures page to learn more.
Where can I pick up my mail?
The mailroom and student mailboxes are located in the Campus Center.
How should my incoming mail be addressed?
For letters and packages mailed via the United States Postal Service (USPS)
Student/Faculty/Staff Name
Recipient's box number or department name
Whittier College
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608-0634
For letters and packages sent via all other carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
Student/Faculty/Staff Name
Recipient's box number or department name
Whittier College
7214 Painter Avenue
Whittier, CA 90602
Do I have Internet access in my room?
Ethernet jacks are installed in all residence hall rooms across campus and internet service is free to students with computers equipped with Ethernet ports. WiFi is also available. Visit our Amenities page to learn more.
What is the guest policy?
Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and must inform them of housing policies. Members of each residence hall floor vote annually to establish visitation hours for each residence hall floor. Only persons of the same gender may use bathrooms located on residence hall floors designated for use by their respective gender. Visit our Policies and Procedures page to learn more.
What kind of meal plan options do I have?
All residential students must participate in the campus meal plan by selecting a 10, 15, or 19 meals-per-week plan. Meal plans are optional for commuter students. View detailed information about meal plans in the Business Office page.
Can I make changes to my meal plan once I've made a selection?
Changes to a meal plan can be made up until two weeks into a semester. Deadlines for the current term and detailed information about meal plans can be found in the Business Office page.
Can I bring a pet?
Possessing animals within the residence halls is a violation, with the exception of registered non-ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) pets (fish, geckos, hermit crabs, frogs, and turtles housed in an aquarium that do not exceed 15 gallons), Service Animals, and animals registered through the Office of Student Accessibility Services as emotional support animals (all ESA and registered pet approvals must be received and paperwork completed). Students cannot have more than 1 aquarium/approved animal combination unless approved by Student Accessibility Services.
Students must register ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. Non-ADA pets must be registered via the Whittier College Pet Request Form. Requests must be submitted at least 3 business days prior to the animal arriving on campus. Failure to adhere to the Pet Possession policy will result in a daily violation charge (until the pet is in compliance or removed from campus), a one-time $125 fine, and a student conduct charge via the Student Code of Conduct Disciplinary process.
All non-ADA pets must be kept in the owner’s residence hall room at all times. Non-ADA pets are not permitted in common spaces at any time.
All non-ADA pets may not be left unattended for more than 16 consecutive hours. If an animal is disruptive to their living community, the owner may be required to relocate the animal within 2 business days. Disruption to the community is at the discretion of Housing & Residential Life professional staff or designee.
Do I need personal property insurance?
If you choose to keep valuable personal items at the College, make sure the items are insured. Whittier College assumes no responsibility for loss of property due to theft, therefore, you are encouraged to purchase your own personal property insurance, or check to see if you are insured through your parents' homeowner's insurance. If you are interested in insuring your personal property, check out College Plus, the premier personal property insurance plan specifically designed for college students. Remember to keep your room door locked at all times. Campus Safety provides engraving for personal items.
Are the residence halls open during break?
Residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving Break. With the exception of Wanberg and Ball, all residence halls are closed during winter and spring breaks. Students not living in Wanberg or Ball must return home or find temporary housing on campus during this time. Arrangements must be made in advance with your CA. Visit our Policies and Procedures page to learn more.
If a student is suspended or expelled from housing for disciplinary reasons, will they get the unused portion of the room and board charges returned?
When a student violates the rights of others, they may be required to leave the residence halls either for a period of time or permanently. If this is that case, the unused portion of room and board for the academic year will not be returned.
How can I get involved on campus?
There are more than 60 clubs and organizations on campus. The Office of Student Engagement can assist you with finding groups you'd like to join or even starting your own.
Does Whittier College have gender-inclusive housing?
Whittier College Residential Life offers gender-inclusive housing in specific housing areas. You're also encouraged to email us directly with any specific questions regarding this opportunity.
