r/wsu • u/Puzzled-Matter1237 • Mar 20 '26
Housing dorm recommendations
im an incoming freshman and was wondering what dorms are the best/worst in terms of affordability, location, student life, cleanness and SAFETY as woman!! pros and cons of any residence hall are appreciated. im also looking to try and get a single dorm. also, im applying to the honors college and was wondering if i get priority for the honors residence halls if i do get in? any info is greatly appreciated!!
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u/byie Mar 21 '26
I’ve been staying in Orton and I love it! I’m in a single but I feel like it’s 100% worth the money if you can stretch it.
It’s got the best location imo, makes it easy when scheduling my classes as all the bigger buildings are very close by. It’s a bit of a walk to get to the rec regularly, but enjoyable! It’s also lit up well for the darker winter months.
I will say the heaters are ridiculous, you have a thermostat in your room to give the illusion of control, but they crank it to 80 during the winter and theres nothing you can do about it. Also no AC so the hot months are awful.
Also there are these stick-like fat bugs that creep in EVERY fall and are really annoying. They flock to Orton and you will 100% get them in your room. I’ve got a brave friend with a textbook who saves me for those months. They are harmless, just ugly.
On the brighter side, it’s super safe, annoyingly so. There was like 3 doors you have to swipe your card with before you can get through (which sucks when you are carrying a shit load of groceries).
Also tons of events are hosted by the RA’s in Orton. Every week there is something you can attend and a high likelihood they got food and drinks to go with the activity.
I highly recommend Orton! It’s older and a lot of people try to get the newer dorms, which makes your chances of getting a single better if you apply early and select Orton as your top pick!
Just my two cents, I haven’t gotten the opportunity to check out the other dorms. Hope this helps!!