Housing

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the chapter houses look like and WHAT amenities are offered in sorority living?

Each chapter facility is unique they look different and may provide different amenities. To take a look inside some of our chapter houses and read what is included in a sorority house, visit the Chapter House Photos page.

What is the cost of joining a sorority and what does it cover?

Typically costs include room and board, a live-in house director, house staff, house cleaners, meals, Internet, and cable. It also includes quarterly dues which include chapter operating costs, officer budgets, events and activities. Most chapters have different options of payment plans whether it be quarterly, monthly, annually, or installment. For more information visit the Living In The Community page.

 

how does the cost of living in a sorority house compare to the residence halls?

Below is a graph with estimated low, medium, and high prices comparing living in a sorority house to the residence halls on campus for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Does financial aid cover Chapter dues? Housing?

The best way to know if your financial aid will cover sorority costs is to inquire with the Student Financial Aid Office at the University of Washington. They will be able to answer your specific questions about if the aid you receive can be used to pay for housing or dues. 

            ofsa@uw.edu / 206-543-6101

 

What do I do if I already signed up to live in the residence halls?

Housing and Food Services (HFS) contracts for first-year and transfer students who have registered for recruitment will be canceled and your $500 deposit will be refunded.

What are your Disability Accommodations?

All but two Panhellenic organizations at the UW have a chapter facility and most facilities were built before ADA accommodations. Ability to accommodate mobile disability access is varied within our facilities. Some are able to accommodate individuals with mobility needs on the first floor through the front or a side entrance and some have elevators that allow members with mobility needs to live and have access to all floors.  If you have specific questions or have other disability accommodation needs please feel free to contact us at uwpanhellenic@gmail.com.

 

If I am not from Seattle, where do I live during Primary Recruitment?

​If you need a place to stay during recruitment, you are welcome to join us in the residence halls during that week. Our recruitment staff and the Recruitment Counselors (RCs) also live in the residence halls during this time so you will not be alone! Directions on how to register for this option will be available once you register for recruitment in your confirmation email.

 

How long do I have to live in my sorority?

This depends on the specific sorority, although in the majority of cases most women live in the chapter facility for at least three years. 

 

Do chapters have Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Allergy options for food?

Each chapter’s chef works to accommodate members who have food preferences or allergies. You will need to communicate your dietary needs with your chapter's chef when you move into the house so that they know and are able to accommodate your specific needs.  

Will living in a sorority contribute to establishing residency in Washington?

This is a great question to ask the Registrar. Here is the information to get in touch with them to see if you can use your sorority residence to establish residency in Washington State: https://registrar.washington.edu/students/residency/residency-requirements/