Travel Planning

Travel Advisory

Please be aware of weather conditions and increased travel times while en route to Pullman. Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Travel Alerts website for updates to inform your travel plans.

Getting to Pullman

On Campus & Around Town

• The WSU Visitor Center is a one-stop resource for all the information you’ll need about navigating campus and the town of Pullman.
• Things to do on campus & in town
• Pullman campus map

Parking Permits

Parking permits will be available for you prior to your arrival on campus. Your pre-arrival email, which will be sent one day prior to your orientation program, will have detailed instructions. Please contact WSU Transportation Services if you have any questions: 509-335-PARK (7275) or transportation@wsu.edu.

What to Pack

Keep in mind that if you are a first-year student, you will be REQUIRED to stay in the residence hall for three days and two nights. There will not be time to go back to your residence hall or lodging during the program, which means you can bring a small bag to carry your items with you if you wish. Here is a short list of items to consider bringing to orientation:

• Please be prepared for lots of walking, so bring comfortable and weather appropriate shoes
• In the residence halls, you will be provided with bed sheets, a blanket, pillow, pillowcase, towels, and washcloths
• You are encouraged to bring a bigger towel if needed
• Basic toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
• 2-3 sets of weather appropriate clothing
• Pajamas (lightweight for summer)
• Identification card/photo ID
• Spending money
• Mobile device and charger
• Refillable water bottle
• Any medication you normally take (if applicable)
• Please check the weather forecast a couple of days before so you can pack accordingly. 
• The key is to pack light

For Students

Make sure to have with you:

• Picture ID
• WSU ID number and network ID
• Documentation of any credit by exam documentation (AP, IB, Cambridge, CLEP)
• Immunization documentation (if you haven’t already uploaded it digitally through the Patient Portal)

If you have taken any college courses:

• Bring current college/university transcripts (unofficial is ok) for any college-level coursework in-progress or completed
• Bring your current class schedule, if applicable; schedules must be printed from the college’s registration system
• Contact the Transfer Clearinghouse at transfer@wsu.edu or call 509-335-8704 if you have any questions

For Guests Attending with You

• Bring a small backpack. Even if you’re packing light, you’ll pick up materials during the program that you’ll need to carry.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Everyone will be walking a lot during New Coug Orientation, and just about everything on campus is uphill both ways.
• Bring bottled water and snacks
• Bring extra spending cash/money for the bookstore, ice cream, etc.
• The Chinook Student Center is available on the second night of orientation. Bring athletic apparel so you can take advantage of the opportunity.
• Prepare for the weather.
• Check the weather! Bring a jacket and rain gear (because you just never know).
• If attending New Coug Orientation in January, expect cold and snow. Bring warm coats, warm socks, and shoes with good traction.

Lodging & meals

On-campus meals are provided during orientation programs. Details on what and when will be provided in the event schedule.

We encourage everyone to bring their own bottled water and snacks. Although these are available on campus, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and may not have time to stop and buy refreshments.

For students

First-year students are required to stay on campus during the orientation program. Campus housing and meals are fully provided during all programs. Transfer and adult students can stay in their own place of residence during the program if they choose to.

For Families & Supporters

On-campus lodging is not offered at New Coug Orientation. For local accommodations please look at our Travel Guide.

Important note about Lodging

Lodging is not provided for Spring New Coug Orientation (in January), Spring Transfer New Coug Orientation (in March), or Fall New Coug Orientation (in August).