As Western Washington University transforms from spring to summer, opportunities for involvement change drastically, and campus life and activity lessen substantially. The transitional season can serve students choosing to remain in Bellingham from June through September as a time to step outside of their usual circles and campus routines.
Spring quarter wraps up June 13, and from there, on-campus residents shake up their living arrangements, with mandatory move-out dates, and only select dorms Alma Clark Glass Hall and Buchanan Towers remaining open for summer residence. Many students leave the city or find housing elsewhere throughout Bellingham. Those who remain on campus must be enrolled in the summer session to do so.
Though Western continues to offer classes for the summer term, a lot of the community structure befitting a typical school quarter is naturally not present during this time, with fewer on-campus residents and fewer students enrolled. With no scheduled campus events on the horizon during summer quarter, community connections and the involvement opportunities available to students are slim.
Each academic building remains open for student use, including the Wade King Student Recreation Center, with adjusted summer hours. Lakewood Boathouse is open and free for student use every day of the week, and The Outback Farm offers occasional free farmers’ markets to students. Beyond these organizations, students must look to the community of Bellingham for their connections and personal involvement.
Travis Tennessen, the director of the Center for Community Learning, notes the summer student experience can be tainted by the lack of structure.
“If you don't create a structure for yourself, it can be really disorienting. What you need is a structure that rejuvenates you,” Tennessen said.
Center For Community Learning
Western’s hidden gem for bridging the gap between the university and the city communities is the Center for Community Learning. The center seeks to connect students to the community for learning opportunities and chances for engagement through partnering with Community Engagement Fellows. The center hires student employees to work in community organizations, assembles regular community forums and employs student interns and apprentices to help run their City Sprouts Farm.
“Our function is to help create bridges of mutual understanding and mutual collaboration between Western and the broader community,” Tennessen said.
On June 24, the center is hosting a community forum highlighting the value of partnerships to build a more sustainable world with the Bellingham Public Library and the Sustainability Engagement Institute at Western. The event kicks off summer internships for the Climate Leadership Certificate students.
The Center for Community Learning is starting a student club called Community Connections in partnership with the Students in Community group. The Community Connections Club will begin this summer and will explore new community places, establish student events and connect with other organizations throughout Bellingham.
Outdoor Recreation
Bellingham is a location with no shortage of outdoor adventures, said Becky Mandelbaum, communications manager for Visit Bellingham.
“Bellingham’s outdoor recreation is an obvious draw for students staying in town over the summer,” Mandelbaum said. “You can rent a kayak from the Community Boating Center, go mountain biking at Galbraith or hike in the Chuckanuts or Mount Baker.”
The town itself stays busy with an additional tourist population that is less abundant other times of the year.
“Bellingham welcomes more visitors in the summer, which creates a festive vibe downtown and around our trails and waters,” Mandelbaum said.
By getting out, staying involved in town events or recreation opportunities, Western summer students or summer-breakers can find new connections, people and scenes to explore beyond what is available in the fall, winter and spring.
Town events can be found by visiting the City of Bellingham Event Calendar.
Further Volunteer Opportunities and Event Resources
Bellingham Queer Collective offers events throughout the summer for the queer community of Bellingham and its allies.
Visit Bellingham Quests curates experiences for residents to discover opportunities throughout Bellingham.
Community Boating Center provides rentals, watercraft education and fosters a boating community on Bellingham Bay.
Whatcom Museum Events Calendar features artistic and educational experiences for all.
Mt. Baker Summer Information, the mountain is home to several summer trails, cafe’s and scenic drives.
Bellingham Experience Instagram is the best way to stay up to date on the happenings throughout town this summer!
Bellingham History is a virtual tour of the rich history of Bellingham.
Bellingham Parks and Trails Map details all the nooks and crannies of Bellingham outdoor adventure opportunities.
City of Bellingham Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer this summer to meet new people,and support your community!
Bellingham Hamster Wheel is a free Bellingham newsletter, subscribe to be kept up to date on events and rumblings throughout town!
Northwest Yarns hosts group events and weekly free classes for those with textile crafting ambitions.
Take a Ferry and explore the San Juans!
Lynn Piefer (she/her) is a campus life reporter for The Front, she is a visual journalism major. Outside of her academics, Lynn is a practice player for the WWU club volleyball team, and a Lakewood Boathouse attendant. Beyond school, Lynn is typically found outside involved in some recreation activity or another, exploring Bellingham, or dropping in on events throughout town and campus. You can reach her at lynncpiefer.thefront@gmail.com.
