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Off-Campus Housing Near Eastern Washington University
About Off-Campus Housing Near Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University is a regional public university enrolling around 12,000 students on its main campus in Cheney, Washington, a classic college town of roughly 11,000 people located 16 miles southwest of Spokane. Founded in 1882, EWU offers bachelor's and master's programs across a wide range of disciplines including health sciences, education, business, social work, and the arts. The campus has a traditional residential feel with tree-lined quads and a compact layout that makes getting around on foot or by bike genuinely easy. Cheney's identity is thoroughly intertwined with the university: the student population roughly equals the permanent non-student population, and local businesses, restaurants, and services are all calibrated to serve students. Many EWU students also live in Spokane and commute to campus, attracted by the larger city's entertainment options, job market, and transit connections. Off-campus housing in Cheney is abundant relative to the town's size, making it one of the more manageable rental markets for students in the Pacific Northwest.
Eastern Washington University Housing Requirements
Freshman Live-On Requirement
Eastern Washington University requires all first-year students who have graduated from high school within the past year and who are under 20 years of age to live in university residence halls for their first academic year. Students who are 20 or older, who have previously lived independently, or who are living with a parent or legal guardian within commuting distance may apply for an exemption. Requests for exemptions are reviewed by the Housing and Residential Life office and should be submitted prior to the start of the fall semester.
Off-Campus Eligibility
Students who have completed their first year of university housing, or who qualify for an exemption, are free to live off campus in Cheney or the greater Spokane area. EWU's off-campus housing market is well developed relative to the size of the town, with a range of apartment complexes, shared houses, and newer townhome-style units available across Cheney. Students who prefer urban amenities often choose to live in Spokane and commute, a practical option given the regular bus service connecting the two communities.