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Create a Community . . . Make a Difference!

Searching for community, and not just a place to live? Consider living in an open and diverse community of students, committed to exploring connections between spirituality and social justice, while serving the University District. Beginning in Fall 2009, Wesley Club will sponsor an intentional community of students in furnished, shared housing within walking distance from campus. Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! 

Q:  What is an intentional community?
A:  Wesley Club is committed to fostering a thriving, supportive living environment, where students put ideals of "community" into practice.  For the housing component of the program, this means that students will make a thoughtful effort to create a wonderful place to live, while attending the University of Washington.  For the formative portion of this program, students will explore and discuss a variety of philosophical, spiritual, artistic, economic, environmental, and social contributions to the "quest for a just society," while engaging in community service.

Q: Where will the housing be?
A: We are currently working to secure a location. Wesley Club is committed to finding a safe and comfortable living space, located within walking distance of campus and on a bus line. We hope to be right next to campus, however we are also looking in Eastlake and University Village.

Q: What kind of housing are we talking about?
A: Current potential options include both apartment-style and residential housing. You will have a kitchen and a bath, and some form of communal gathering space. 

Q: What is the community service commitment?
A: Students will engage in five hours of service each week: 
  • Two hours working with an organization of your choice, located within the University District. We can help you match your skills and interests with a community service project.
  • Two hours working with the Wesley Club, which might include providing hospitality in our new student space, office work, computer support, planning and leading activities, or other projects developed in consultation with the campus minister.
  • One hour in a small-group gathering, processing your experience and exploring topics related to spirituality and social justice. 
Q: What other activities and opportunities do you envision?
A: Students will have the opportunity to enjoy shared meals and a variety of fun, social activities with other members of the living community. Once per quarter, students will engage in a group service project day, as a community. Students can also choose to engage in a week-long immersion experience during Spring Break.  Additionally, students are welcome to participate in the ongoing activities and offerings of the Wesley Club, both social and spiritual, including making use of the new building as a place to study and hang out during the day, while not in class.

Q: What are the expectations for the living community?
A: Students will discuss and create a shared covenant of community responsibilities at the start of the year.  However, basic expectations include:
  • Commitment to spiritual development, including weekly participation in some form of spiritual formation activity.  Wesley Club will offer creative, contemporary worship and study opportunities, as one possible avenue for exploring questions of meaning and faith. Students may also elect to participate in local worshipping communities.
  • Dedication to keep the living environment warm, welcoming, and tidy, by being respectful, picking up after oneself, and sharing cleaning chores.
  • Agreement to maintain "quiet hours" between 9pm and 9am, (and full time during finals week), as well as 24 hour "consideration hours."
  • Willingness to uphold a no smoking, drugs, or alcohol policy. Students who are 21 or older must agree not to possess or imbibe alcohol at the living site.
  • Commitment to respect and honor Wesley Club's stance as a reconciling community.
Q: Will I have a roommate?
A: Students will be paired according to interests and compatibility.

Q: What does it cost?
A: The cost for shared, furnished housing is $1800 per quarter, with an additional $500 deposit. Since students will have their own kitchen, they are not required to purchase a University meal plan, and can anticipate savings by purchasing and preparing their own meals, making the overall costs more comparable with dorm rent, but for more space! This rate includes basic utilities, excluding cable. Summer housing is available for a discounted rate of $1100 for the term.

Q: When do I pay?
A: The deposit, reflecting your commitment to live in communal housing for the entire academic year, is due upon acceptance into the program. If you choose to pay quarterly, payment is due September 1, December 1, and March 1, for a total of $5400 per academic year. If making lump sum payments would prove challenging, you may request to spread the costs of the academic year's housing over ten monthly installments of $550, due on the first of each month, September through June. You may request to extend your residence through the summer, paying the full summer's rent on June 15, or two monthly payments of $550 on July 1 and August 1.

Q: What are move in/move out dates?
A: Students can move in anytime after September 15, and will be expected to participate in an orientation and group building time before the start of fall quarter, with details to follow. Students may live in housing over the academic year holiday and spring breaks. Move out date is June 15, unless students have made an application to live in housing over the summer. 

Q: What if I already signed up for University housing?
A: The University of Washington will refund your deposit through May 15, 2009.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Download our printable form and submit it by email or snail-mail.

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: Please feel free to contact the Campus Minister, Amy Wyatt, with any other inquiries.  We welcome the opportunity to be in conversation about our vision for this exciting new community, and how you might become a part of it!