You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
AB Crepes Crepes
Sweet and savory crepes downtown; open late and a longtime WWU student favorite
Casa Que Pasa Mexican
Downtown taqueria famous for huge cheap potato burritos, a Bellingham student staple
Boundary Bay Brewery Pub Food
All-ages bistro on Railroad Ave with burgers, salads and a big outdoor beer garden
Mallard Ice Cream Ice Cream
Downtown scoop shop making small-batch flavors for 20+ years; busy on weekend nights
Woods Coffee Coffee
Homegrown local chain; several Bellingham cafes incl. the Boulevard Park boardwalk spot
Coconut Kenny's Pizza
Hawaiian-style pizza and sandwiches on Samish Way, a short walk from south campus
Haggen - Sehome Village Groceries
Closest full grocery to campus at 210 36th St; walkable from south-campus dorms
Fred Meyer One-Stop Shop
Groceries plus dorm basics, electronics and clothing on Lakeway Dr, a short drive away
Target Dorm Supplies
Full Target off Meridian St near Bellis Fair Mall; reachable by WTA bus or short drive
Trader Joe's Groceries
Affordable snacks and easy dorm meals at the James St location, minutes from campus
WinCo Foods Budget Groceries
Low-price employee-owned supermarket with big bulk bins; great for tight budgets
Haggen Pharmacy Pharmacy
In-store pharmacy at Sehome Village, walkable; nearby Rite Aids closed in 2025
PeaceHealth Same-Day Care Urgent Care
Walk-in clinic on Squalicum Pkwy for after-hours needs beyond WWU Student Health
The UPS Store Shipping
Packing, printing and shipping in town; handy for care packages and returns
Great Clips Haircuts
Walk-in budget haircuts in the Sehome Village shopping area near campus
Sehome Hill Arboretum
165-acre forest bordering campus with trails, a tunnel and bay viewpoints
Boulevard Park
Waterfront park with the Taylor Dock boardwalk; classic sunset walk from campus
Pickford Film Center
Nonprofit indie movie theater downtown with student ticket discounts
Whatcom Falls Park
Waterfalls, swimming holes and trails a short bus ride or drive from campus
Spark Museum
Downtown museum of electrical invention with the MegaZapper Tesla coil shows
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.