All gender housing

The University of Washington Bothell strives to make campus housing a welcoming and safe space for all students. All gender housing supports LGBTQIA+, gender expression, transgender and ally students.

Two housing types:

What is all gender housing?

Gender-neutral housing is when two or more students share a bedroom and/or apartment regardless of students’ sex, gender identity or gender expression. In other words, this option allows for same gender or different gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. The option is available to all students who reside in student housing who have completed the online pledge.

Why is all gender housing needed?

Residential Life wants every student who chooses to live in our residence halls to feel safe, comfortable, and part of an inclusive environment for all our students. Historically, residence halls were designed to separate the genders into two groups – male and female. Residential Life understands that there needs to be diverse living options that reflect a students lived experience.

Based on the diverse needs and requests of our students, we expanded on-campus housing options in ways that address these needs. It is important to remember that both all gender and single gender housing continue to exist and be available to all students.

Who might be interested in all gender housing?

All gender housing supports LGBTQIA+, gender expression, transgender and ally students. We strongly discourage students from living with someone with whom they are in a romantic relationship. All gender housing may be especially appealing to:

• Students in the process of discovering their gender identity
• Students who do not wish to identify themselves by gender
• Members of the LGBTQIA+, gender and sexual diversity communities
• Allies of LGBTQIA+, gender and sexual diversity communities

How do I sign-up for all gender housing?

When you complete the housing application, make sure that you indicate your desire to be part of All Gender Housing. It’s the simple!

What is included in the pledge?

We ask four questions as part of the pledge:

• Do you commit to proactively creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in your apartment for students that may identify as a different gender than your own? (Yes or No)
• Do you commit to be respectful to your roommate(s) regardless to their sexual orientation, sex, gender, and gender identity/expression? (Yes or No)
• I understand that Gender Inclusive Housing is defined as a housing option in which students of any sex or gender identity can live together. The intent of this community is to give students the option to reside with another person of a different sex or gender identity to provide an inclusive, diverse environment that appreciates, respects, and supports academic and personal growth and success. (Yes or No)
• In the past, some students have struggled to fully understand the purpose of Gender-Neutral Housing. It is critically important to our ability to facilitate inclusive communities, that students clearly understand the purpose of Gender-Neutral Housing. Students who are unable to accurately articulate the purpose of Gender Neutral Housing will not be assigned to Gender-Neutral Housing. In your own words, please describe the purpose of Gender-Neutral Housing and what you believe you are committing to by submitting this agreement. (Write in)

How are roommate assignments made?

For those who select the All Gender Housing option, assignments are made without regard to the gender of the individuals. However, if you specified that you want to live with a specific gender on the application, ever effort will be made to accommodate. The information that will be used to assign roommates will be the information provided in the roommate preferences page on the housing application and any roommate requests that student made – provided both individuals selected All Gender Housing.

Will selecting all gender housing limit the room type or building I can live in?

All Gender Housing will not limit your bedroom type or unit options. All Housing may be assigned anywhere within the Residential Village.

Can students live with someone with whom they are in a romantic relationship?

This option is not intended for romantic couples to live together. We strongly discourage students from living with someone with whom they are in a romantic relationship. Research has shown that most students who choose to live in All Gender housing do so with friends and not with those whom they are dating. We do not offer any family housing options.

Can I still request a roommate?

Yes, you are still encouraged to request a roommate. You will be placed with a mutual roommate request regardless of whether or not they selected the same designation of all gender housing.

Can I choose not to live in all gender housing?

Yes. Only those students who choose to live in All Gender Housing will be placed with other students wanting All Gender Housing. You will select Same Gender Housing in your housing application and you will be assigned to a space based on the biological sex that you list on your housing application.

Signing up for Gender Neutral Housing, does not give you a greater chance to receive a housing assignment.

I have specific needs & want to make staff aware.

If you have specific needs that you would like Residential Life staff to be aware of, please email Director Katie Horowitz at kdewilde@uw.edu after submitting a housing application.