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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 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.
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.
Cheney's off-campus rental market operates on a fairly predictable academic-year schedule. The busiest signing period runs from February through April, when the majority of students are locking in housing for the following fall. Students who begin their search in January typically see the widest selection of well-maintained units at reasonable prices. Summer searchers will find fewer options, though Cheney's overall housing supply is large enough that last-minute renters can usually find something available.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Eastern Washington University before signing a lease.
Students who start looking for off-campus housing in Cheney in January or early February enjoy the widest selection and the most negotiating flexibility. At this point in the year, many landlords and property managers are eager to secure tenants for fall and may be willing to discuss lease terms or minor concessions. Early searching also allows time to compare multiple units across different parts of Cheney, evaluate commute options, and coordinate with potential roommates before everyone's schedules get complicated by finals. Students who sign leases in this window consistently report less stress and better outcomes than those who wait.
The peak period for Cheney off-campus housing runs from late February through April, when the bulk of returning and incoming students are actively searching and signing. Desirable units within walking distance of campus or near key amenities can be claimed within days of being listed during this period. Students searching in this window should be prepared to make decisions relatively quickly after touring a property. Having a budget, a list of must-have features, and a co-signer or guarantor ready in advance will streamline the process and prevent losing units to faster-moving applicants.
Students who find themselves searching for housing in Cheney in June, July, or August will likely find fewer choices than earlier searchers, but the town's relatively large housing supply compared to its population means that options are usually still available. Late searchers should focus on property management companies that handle multiple units, as these firms are more likely to have available inventory and can provide a faster process than individual landlords. Spokane is also worth considering for late searchers, as the larger city has a significantly larger rental market with units frequently available on short notice.
The streets immediately surrounding the EWU campus, including areas along Washington Street and Patterson Street, offer the most convenient off-campus options for students who want to walk to class. This zone features a mix of older houses, small apartment buildings, and student-oriented complexes that keep occupancy high throughout the academic year.
Cheney's compact downtown along First Street and Second Street is within easy walking distance of campus and serves as the social hub of the community, with local restaurants, coffee shops, and small retail. Students who live near downtown trade slightly higher demand for the convenience of having everything close.
The residential streets south of campus offer quieter, more neighborhood-like living with a mix of rental houses and small apartment units that tend to attract upperclassmen and graduate students. Rents here are often competitive and the proximity to campus remains manageable by bicycle.
Newer apartment complexes and townhome developments have been built along and near Sandifur Parkway on the eastern side of Cheney, offering more modern amenities and on-site parking at prices that are often comparable to older units closer to campus. These properties are popular with students who prioritize updated kitchens, in-unit laundry, and newer building systems.
A significant portion of EWU students choose to live in Spokane's Valley neighborhoods or south Spokane and commute to Cheney via the STA bus or personal vehicle. This option expands housing choices enormously, brings access to Spokane's restaurants and job market, and works well for students with schedules that do not require being on campus every day.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Off-campus rents in Cheney typically range from about $550 to $850 per person per month in a shared apartment or house, depending on unit size, age, and proximity to campus. Cheney's rental market is fairly balanced relative to the size of the student population, so prices are generally more manageable than in larger university cities. Students who choose to live in Spokane and commute may find both higher-end and lower-end options depending on the neighborhood.