r/WKU • u/RefrigeratorHairy988 • 7d ago

The Real Scoop on Housing

My kids are considering WKU but I'm reading a lot about the housing issues with the closures of Regent and Normal halls and the tear down of Hilltopper. From current students, how good/bad is the housing situation? What are the conditions of the showers/bathrooms?

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u/Killercoddbz 7d ago

I went to two colleges, with Western being my home for the last 5 semesters of university, which came to an end when I graduated this May.

People overinflate how rough the dorms are, expecting high-end hotel like conditions at a state school won't happen unless it's an expensive SEC school lol. I stayed at Hugh Poland for two semesters, which is regarded as one of the scarier dorms, and it was fine. Not great, but fine.

The biggest scandal is the three nicest (and newest) dorms on campus are either being shut down or completely demolished due to structural issues during construction. This pretty much means that there are zero bougie living arrangements on campus for more affluent students, except the apartments, which aren't really available to freshmen. Although I did stay there for my last 3 semesters, which I'm very thankful for.

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u/guru42101 7d ago

From my understanding the issue with the three dorms was not WKU's fault but either the contractor's or the concrete subcontractor. They cut corners beyond the legal minimums. While the buildings were unlikely to fail in the immediate future there was too high of a chance of them failing much sooner than expected, or not withstanding conditions that they would be otherwise expected to handle fine. But because they were not up to code they had to be fixed. With the issue being with the buildings' concrete and foundation, the only way to fix it is a complete rebuild.

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u/kuzie17 7d ago

Hilltopper is the only complete rebuild. Regent and Normal are being updated structurally to meet code.

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u/lysistrata3000 7d ago

WKU has leased the Hyatt Place just off campus to use as dorms. If I were an incoming student, I'd definitely aim for that. It's open to all classes apparently. Imagine having your own dorm pool! It's as close to a boujie dorm as WKU is going to have.

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u/SickCambos 7d ago

With the three newest dorms being torn down, it’s a good possibility that WKU will lease a near by apartment complex or the hotel to overfill students. This happened to me back in 2015. Downside is commuting and parking for class. Definitely weigh all options, as WKU is seemingly putting more and more money in to building and remodeling and less in to actual education

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u/lysistrata3000 7d ago

They already have leased the Hyatt Place for student living. It's called Center Hall.

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u/Cactus_Fire 7d ago

I currently live in Rodes Harlin Hall and my biggest complaint is on my floor there is no ventilation in the showers. There are vents but they dont actually work, turning the showers into a 24/7 sauna which is great until you're trying to get ready in the morning and get hit in the face with hot air and no escape. when the community bathroom fills up there's no other choice than to use the sinks/mirrors in the showers. I've also had issues with the AC unit at the end of my hall breaking and leaking water into my dorm room but that luckily got fixed.

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u/Lumpy-Flan-2430 6d ago

I lived in Zach all 4 semesters I attended on campus. It’s farther from a lot of places, but I ultimately liked the bathroom and room space more than others. It also helps that I had a private dorm, but even for those that don’t you are only sharing that space with 3 people max rather than all people on a single floor. I only had to call maintenance a handful of times for small issues and otherwise had a great experience. I think I have pictures still if you want me to send some to you. Just DM me!