How does undergraduate housing compare at WashU and Northwestern?

For students who want newer facilities, a more contained first-year neighborhood, and stronger odds of staying in university housing through graduation, WashU tends to feel more predictable. First-years live together on the South 40, a dedicated residential area just south of the academic campus, where many halls are comparatively modern and common spaces, dining, and student services are close by.

WashU suits someone who values convenience and a polished residential setup. The South 40 creates a concentrated first-year community, then many students move into options such as the Village or other upper-division housing. Room selection still depends on class year, demand, and lottery or selection processes, so popular apartment-style spaces can be difficult to secure, but students are less likely to face the basic question of whether on-campus housing will be available.

Northwestern may appeal more to a student who wants a residence hall to have a distinct personality and is comfortable with more variation in building quality. Its Evanston housing includes traditional halls, residential colleges, themed communities, suites, and apartments spread across north and south campus. Some buildings are newer or renovated, while others are older and more traditional, so the day-to-day experience can differ substantially by assignment. Residential colleges can provide especially close communities through shared programming, faculty involvement, and house traditions.

Returning students participate in selection processes, and preferred singles, apartments, or especially popular locations may be hard to get. Many juniors and seniors therefore move into off-campus apartments in Evanston, which is a normal part of the Northwestern experience rather than an unusual outcome.