Insider Tips for Visiting Campus
There is so much to do and see when visiting WSU Pullman and it’s hard to know where to start or how to fit it all into one trip. That’s where we come in!
Our team of Cougs is here to help bring direction to your visit by offering insight on a variety of campus must-dos, insider tips on how to do them, Pullman dining and activities, and ways to explore the entire Palouse region. We love sharing what makes WSU Pullman special and our mission is to ensure visitors have everything they need to make the most of their campus visit — before you even arrive!
Plan for the Seasons: The Palouse experiences all four seasons, tried and true, and we suggest keeping them in mind when planning your visit. Coats, boots, gloves and hats are a must during late fall, winter and early spring. Bring your water and sunscreen for late spring, summer and early fall. Coming just for fun for no specific reason? Make your trip during your favorite season!
Take Advantage of Holidays: Timing your visit for a holiday has a few advantages — simpler parking rules and more space for yourself to explore! We love the energy of classes being in session, but the tranquility of campus on an academic break day can be such a wonderful experience that allows you to really take in its immense beauty. One point of consideration is that some buildings may be closed depending on the holiday due to staffing.
Know Your Parking Options: First, it’s important to know that all parking on campus requires some form of payment, and secondly, that there are quite a few options available to visitors depending on their desired experience. Knowing these before heading to campus can save you both time and money — and we can help! Our team will talk with you about your desired experience on campus and share what parking options are available that best fit your needs.
Wear Walking Shoes: Be prepared to walk! We say this all the time and it’s true. No matter where you park, you’ll be doing a lot of walking since our campus is pedestrian-only in the center and wearing a good pair of walking shoes will make it all the more enjoyable. Think waterproof for the cold and rainy seasons, too!
Bring a Water Bottle: Walking is an essential part of visiting campus, as mentioned, and staying hydrated goes along with it. We suggest making it even easier with a reuseable water bottle that can be filled at several hydration stations across campus, many of them located in the buildings commonly visited.
Get a Campus Map: OK, we love technology, but a printed map with your desired stops plotted out is legitimately the best way to navigate campus. It shows walking paths and pedestrian-only areas that seem to cause confusion in the navigation apps, plus it comes with a list of campus resources and contacts that can be helpful during and after your visit. Stop to see us and we’ll take it a step further by highlighting landmarks to keep you going in the right direction!
Start on Terrell Mall: It’s all downhill from here — literally! Terrell Mall, a pedestrian-only space located at the center of campus atop its most notable hill, is the heart of student activity and life at WSU Pullman. It’s a great place to start your visit to fully experience the campus vibe and to avoid walking up and down the hill too much in one visit, unless you’re all about those Cougar Calves!
Learn the “Sides” and Go from There: WSU Pullman is split into what we call “the sides” of campus — Northside, Hillside and Southside — and all offer a little something different to a campus experience. We suggest familiarizing yourself with what’s on each, then deciding what you want to see and do so you can strategize your visit. All about Cougar Athletics? You’ll want to head to Northside! Want to see some of the original architecture on campus? Hillside is calling your name! All about those classic residence halls that you see in the movies or grabbing a bite to eat at the largest dining hall? Head to Southside! Need to know more? Come to the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center!
