Clubs

US students are also very active and engaged outside the classroom. The AS Club Activities Office offers all Western Students the opportunity to make the most of their college experience by getting involved in organizations that speak to their interests, passions, academic pursuits, identities, goals for social change, and more.  From A Cappella to Quidditch, these clubs cover just about every academic, cultural, religious, political, recreational, or social interest and are a great way to connect with fellow students.  And if you can’t find the club you’re interested in, you can always start one up!  Visit the Western Involvement Network to find a club or event of interest!

Outdoor Activities

The Associated Students Outdoor Center provides a variety of outdoor-related opportunities and activities for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Resources include a knowledgeable staff, equipment rentals, bike shop, excursions, educational resources, and instructional clinic. If you're looking to explore the natural beauty around Bellingham, try out a new sport like snowshoeing, ice climbing, kayaking or white water rafting, or learn more about the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, the Outdoor Center is the place to go!

WWU offers two unique outdoor activity facilities for use by students and staff. Lakewood,on Lake Whatcom, offers sailboat, canoe, and kayak rentals for a minimal fee. The site also features a cabin with meeting lounge and fireplace, sand volleyball court, picnic tables, and barbecues.

And if you're feeling really adventurous, organize a trip out to Viqueen Lodge a university-owned cabin on Sinclair Island that offers accommodation for up to ten people. Students and staff can reserve the lodge for a minimal fee, but must also arrange their own private transportation as there are no public ferries to the island. Viqueen's off-the-beaten-track location and minimal amenities make it a true escape.

Sports

Varsity Sports

Western has 15 varsity sports teams which compete against other colleges and universities in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) under the authority of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  Attending a sporting event is a great American college experience and cheering on the Vikings is a fun way to show your school spirit! Tickets are $3 for Western students, faculty, and staff.  See the WWU Athletics site for schedules and more information.

Club Sports

Western also has a number of club sports teams which are student-run and compete against club teams from other schools.  Some of these teams are very competitive, while others are more recreational.  All are open to new members and joining a club team is a great way to make friends from across the university.  For more information see the club teams FAQ.

Intramural Sports

Intramural (from the Latin “within walls”) sports take place on (or near) the Western campus as students, faculty, and staff form their own recreational teams and compete against each other.  Intramural sports encourage participation by people of all abilities and stress the personal development and social aspects of sports. See Campus Recreation Services for more information on how to register.

Recreation Center

Membership to the Wade King Student Recreation Center is included in tuition fees for students enrolled for 6 or more credits – just bring your Western Card to get in! The Rec Center offers a range of equipment and facilities as well as fitness classes, personal training, and nutrition consultation.

Arts

The College of Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) offers nearly 300 performances, special presentations, and gallery events each year.  Sign up for their “This Week in the Arts” newsletter for the latest news and events.

The Western Gallery provides diverse experiences in the visual arts.  Admission is free.

And of course, the nationally famous Outdoor Sculpture Collection can be found all over the campus.

Bellingham International Airport

Bellingham Airport is 7.5 miles from Western's campus.

WTA Route 3 travels from the Downtown Bellingham Station or the Cordata Station to the Airport.

If your flight is on a Sunday, very early in the morning, or late at night, we recommend reserving a ride to the airport in a taxi in advance.

Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Sea-Tac Airport can be reached from Bellingham using a variety of transit options:

Airporter Shuttle provides direct service between Bellingham and Sea-Tac airport.

Public transit, Greyhound and Amtrak can be used with a transfer to Link Light Rail in Seattle. The Link light rail travels to Sea-Tac airport.

The Port of Seattle operates Sea-Tac Airport. Information regarding the airport can be found on their website, www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac.

Bellair Charters / Airporter

The Bellair Airporter Shuttle provides service multiple times daily between Bellingham and SeaTac airport, plus many other destinations including eastern Washington.

The Airporter Shuttle can be boarded any day at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 714 Lakeway Drive (next to Fred Meyer), with convenient connections to WWU via WTA bus, and Taxi/Uber/Lyft.

Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic the Airporter Shuttle is not stopping on campus. Typically, the Airporter picks up on the WWU Campus at the Performing Arts Center on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with extended service on holidays and breaks.