Travel Planning

Travel Advisory

Please be aware of weather conditions and increased travel times while en route to Pullman. Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Travel Alerts website for updates to inform your travel plans.

Getting to Pullman

By Car (Approx. Drive Times)

  • Spokane – 90 minutes
  • Seattle – 5 hours
  • Portland – 6 hours
  • Tri-Cities – 2.5 hours

By Bus:

  • Greyhound: 800-231-2222
  • Northwest Trailways: 509-839-4029
  • Wheatland Express: 509-334-2200

By Plane

  • Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW) – 2.5 miles from campus
  • Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) – 36 miles from campus
  • Spokane International Airport (GEG) – 80 miles from Campus

On Campus & Around Town

Parking Permits

Parking permits will be available for you prior to your arrival on campus. Your pre-arrival email, which will be sent one day prior to your orientation program, will have detailed instructions. Please contact WSU Transportation Services if you have any questions: 509-335-PARK (7275) or transportation@wsu.edu.

What to Pack

Students attending summer orientation will be housed in one of our residence halls. You will be provided with bed sheets, a blanket, pillow, pillowcase, towels, and washcloths. The key is to pack light. Here is a short list of items to consider bringing to orientation:

  • Comfortable and weather-appropriate walking shoes
  • Small backpack for your daily items
  • You are encouraged to bring a bigger towel if needed
  • Basic toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair dryer etc)
  • Weather appropriate clothing and pajamas
  • Gym/Swimming attire
  • Spending money
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Any medication you normally take (if applicable)

Please check the weather forecast a couple of days before so you can pack accordingly. 

For Students

Make sure to have with you:

  • Identification card/photo ID
  • WSU ID number and network ID
  • Documentation of any credit by exam (AP, IB, Cambridge, CLEP)

If you have taken any college courses:

  • Bring current college/university transcripts (unofficial is ok) for any college-level coursework in-progress or completed.
  • Contact the Transfer Center at transfer@wsu.edu or call 509-335-8704 if you have any questions.

For Guests Attending with You

  • Bring a small backpack. Even if you’re packing light, you’ll pick up materials during the program that you’ll need to carry.
  • Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate walking shoes. Everyone will be walking a lot during New Coug Orientation, and just about everything on campus is uphill both ways.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks.
  • Bring extra spending cash/money for the bookstore, ice cream, etc.

Please check the weather forecast a couple of days before so you can pack accordingly. 


Lodging & Meals

On-campus meals are provided during orientation programs.

For Students

Students will stay in a residence hall during summer orientation programs.

Lodging is not provided for Spring New Coug Orientation (in January) or Fall New Coug Orientation (in August). SIf you are attending orientation in the Spring or Fall, be prepared to move directly into your residence hall or apartment for the semester.

For Families & Supporters

On-campus lodging is not offered for guests at New Coug Orientation. For local accommodations please look at our Travel Guide.