Your Go-To Guide to WPI
Hi there, Goats! Gompei's Guide is designed to help you find your way here at Worcester Polytechnic Institute—and make the most of your experience. While this guide is pretty awesome, if you can’t find what you need, ask a friend, advisor, resident advisor (RA), coach, or professor. We all want to help you succeed.
Our first tip? We love acronyms here—some students even joke that WPI stands for We Prefer Initials (it doesn't). What do they all mean? Here's another handy guide—but start with this one first! 🐐
Find What You Need Fast
Gompei's Guide is for all WPI students. Keep scrolling to see information relevant for everyone—or access resources for your level of study.
ℹ️ About WPI
Mission
WPI’s mission speaks to the legacy of its history and also our aspirations for the future: “WPI transforms lives, turns knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and revolutionizes STEM through distinctive and inclusive education, projects, and research.”
Values
The mission is formed by WPI’s values: respect, community, inclusion, innovation, and achievement.
Student Code of Conduct
These values also inform the expectations as set forth in the WPI Student Code of Conduct. It’s important to read the code and know what’s expected of you as a student.
Strategic Plan
WPI's Strategic Plan Lead with Purpose will inform university priorities from 2021 through 2026 and includes three areas of focus. Learn more >
- Student well-being, access, and affordability
- Inclusive community
- Purpose-driven education and research
The WPI Plan
- Established in 1970, the WPI Plan set WPI on the path for innovation in STEM education that continues to serve us well. Through our distinct focus on project work and collaborative learning, we learn how to solve real-world problems.
- Our motto is Lehr und Kunst, meaning Theory and Practice. Hands-on doing is a pivotal part of the education at WPI.
- You’ll get an interdisciplinary education here at WPI. You don’t solve a problem through one perspective. Instead, you draw on multiple skills in different contexts and you work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- We prioritize collaboration over competition.
- These nine words are critical to your success at WPI: Go to class. Do the work. Ask for help.
- We also want you to read your email—it’s where you’ll get all the information you need as a student.
📆 Student Life & Involvement
Leadership Opportunities
Develop your leadership skills through training workshops or by running for a club role or joining student government.
Start a Club
Have a new idea for a club? You can create your own with support from the Student Activities Office (SAO)!
Explore Worcester & Beyond
Top things to do in the Woo:
- Polar Park: Catch a WooSox game
- DCU Center: See the Railers play hockey
- Worcester Art Museum: Admire with free admission (with your WPI ID)
- Public Market & Shrewsbury Street: Enjoy food, shops, and local culture
- Botanic Garden & EcoTarium: Take in the green side of Wormtown (Worcester)
Getting Around
🚌 WRTA Bus System (Free!) | 🚗 Uber/Lyft | 🚐 WPI Night Shuttle
🚗 Campus Transportation
Gompei’s Gears
- Free campus bike share! Learn more.
Valet Park Shuttle Service
- Daytime shuttle: Operates Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Check the schedule for stops and times.
- Nighttime shuttle: Operates 7 days a week, 6 p.m.–3 a.m. (last pickup, 2:30 a.m.). Provides rides from residential addresses within a 1-mile radius of campus-to-campus property.
- Learn more here. Download the TripShot App here.
🅿️ Parking Info
- Permits required to park on campus. Apply here.
- Street parking is limited—check Worcester parking rules for bans and ticket info, especially during inclement weather.
- Note: On-campus first-year students are not eligible for parking passes. Check the permit site for more information.
Volunteering & Community Engagement
- Get involved: Consider joining service orgs like Habitat for Humanity, Engineers Without Borders, Green Team, or Alpha Phi Omega. Or, volunteer at local shelters and food banks.
- Work on Worcester: Annual fall event where students volunteer across the city.
- Need ideas? Contact the Student Activities Office for current opportunities.
🏫 Places to Go
🛋️ Students' Favorite Hangout Spots
- East Hall Social Lounge: Ground floor (entrance near Founders Hall). Cozy spot to chill.
- Gordon Library Reflection Space: A quiet area for reflection, meditation, or prayer.
- Fuller Labs & Alden Hall Pianos: Free to use! Just knock to see if a room is open.
- Starbucks in Goat’s Head (Founders Hall): Great spot for a caffeine catch-up with friends.
- Wedge Social Lounge: Located between Morgan and Daniels halls. Great for games and conversation.
- OASIS House, Collegiate Religious Center, and International House: Stop in to connect and relax.
- Hammock & Slackline Zone: Behind the Rubin Campus Center.
- Red Couches in the Rec Center: Look out over the fields.
- Rubin Campus Center: Dunkin’ on the first floor, pool tables on the bottom level.
- Unity Hall Corners: Gorgeous at sunset.
- Student Lounges Across Campus:
- Atwater Kent (first floor)
- Olin Hall (Physics lounge)
- Kaven Hall (first floor)
- Salisbury Labs (first floor)
- Looking for a Microwave?
- Rubin Dining Hall (lower level)
- Student Pantry in Innovation Studio (IS 124)
- Gordon Library café area
- Center for Well-Being: Relax and recharge in this inclusive community space.
📚 Best Places to Study
Gordon Library
- Four floors of study zones. Visit the library website.
- Need help? Email reslib@wpi.edu or book time with a research librarian.
Campus Study Spots
- Rubin Campus Center: Tables on lower floors, couches on the top floor
- Empty Classrooms: Great for solo study (yes, you can use the projector)
- Atwater Kent: Try the “Pumpkin Lounge” or upstairs with a view of Institute Park
- Boynton Hill: Outdoor benches with a view of Worcester
- Innovation Studio: Open floor plan for group work. Reserve a tech suite
- Unity Hall: WPI’s newest space for studying and collaboration
- Major-Specific Lounges: Find yours in your department’s home building
- OASIS House, Collegiate Religious Center, and International House: Couches, conference rooms, and quiet spots
🏡 Room & Board
🏘️ Housing
Living on Campus
- Get to know your community: Keep your door open and go to hall events!
- Roommate agreements help set expectations—revisit them often.
- RA = your go-to for issues, repairs, and support
Work orders? Talk to your RA.
Locked out?- M–F 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. → East Hall
- After hours → Call Campus Police (508-831-5555). $15 fee applies.
Resident Advisor (RA) Opportunities
Interested in becoming an RA? Apps come out mid-year. A great way to grow leadership skills.
Breaks and Summer
- Residence halls stay open during term breaks (except December unless pre-approved).
- Separate costs apply for summer housing.
Housing Selection & Accommodations
- Happens January–March for the next academic year
- Learn about gender-inclusive housing
- Request accommodations
Living Off Campus
- Most students search in October/November.
- Talk to older students—leases are often passed down or shared.
- Plan for extra expenses: rent, furniture, internet, utilities, etc.
Tips from Students:
- Apartments go fast—be ready to commit.
- Some need co-signers or include utilities.
- Be sure about roommates before signing.
- It’s OK to change roommates or move if it’s not working.
🍽️ Dining
Meal Plans & Swipes
You have 5 days after A- and C-Terms start to change your plan.
Learn more about meal plans.
Bonus Points & Goatbucks
- Use for food and more—with a 10% discount on campus.
- Load via the GET app.
- Also usable at some local restaurants.
Where to use Goatbucks
Robot Delivery
Order from campus dining using Starship robots. Learn More >
Voluntary Meal Plans
Voluntary meal plans are great for off-campus or upper-level students. They roll over each year.
Eating Healthy
- Options include vegetarian, vegan, allergen-free, and more.
- Need support? Reach out to dietitian Shavaun Cloran at scloran@wpi.edu.
⚽️ Sports & Recreation
ODIME (Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Education)
ODIME is housed in both the OASIS Multicultural Center and the Collegiate Religious Center. These centers provide space for events, relaxation, studying, and house the ODIME staff offices. The ODIME staff offers support, resources, tools, and direction to all WPI students navigating identity, diversity, multicultural education, social justice, and the university experience.
Learn More About ODIME Spaces, Events, Groups
OASIS Multicultural Center, 20 Schussler Road
The OASIS (Offering Acceptance, Support, and Inclusion to Students) Multicultural Center is a place where students can relax, socialize, study, or host gatherings. Here, students can use the conference room or lounge to study, hold a club meeting, host a game night, or use the indoor and outdoor spaces to host cultural and diversity events. There is also a full kitchen for students and student groups to prepare cultural meals or simply grab a bite to eat.
Collegiate Religious Center (CRC), 19 Schussler Road
The CRC provides services and resources for students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and guests for the purpose of religion, faith, devotions, worship, prayer, and more. The CRC features a prayer room, multifaith workshop space, a conference room, campus chaplain workspaces, and an outdoor event area. WPI members from all faiths or no faith are welcome to use the CRC, engage with the campus chaplains, or talk to an ODIME staff member. The CRC also has a full religiously sensitive kitchen, where students and student groups can prepare meals or simply grab a bite to eat.
Cultural, Multicultural, and Religious Clubs
There are many student organizations whose mission is focused on supporting and creating community for all students, including BIPOC, ALANA, LGBTQIAP+, first-generation, and international students, as well as students from a variety of religious backgrounds. A full listing of the clubs/organizations is available on myWPI.
The Collective, Rubin Campus Center
The Collective is a unified, multipurpose suite; it is currently under construction and will be fully open in October 2025. This reimagined space features dedicated rooms for socializing, collaboration, and independent study.
- The Outer Suite is the place to hang out with friends and meet new people. It will feature comfy seating, a TV to watch your favorite show, and a student art wall.
- The Collective Reset is a space to recharge and relax. With soft seating and low sensory lighting, it’s a place to decompress.
- The Collective Focus is for individual study. With individual seating and a lower-distraction environment, you can be productive here.
- The Collective Roundtable is for collaboration and gameplay. With a board table and a screen for sharing homework or for gaming, this is where you can collaborate with friends.
Islamic Prayer Spaces
There are two Islamic prayer rooms located on campus; one in the CRC and another in East Hall. Students may make a request for access to the prayer rooms directly to the CRC via email: diversity@wpi.edu. Click here for all prayer and reflection spaces on campus.
Cultural Events
Here are just a few of the many events you may see on campus throughout the year. Please consider attending to support these organizations and learn about new cultures.
- International Dinner, sponsored by the International Student Council (ISC)
- BSU Fashion Show, sponsored by the Black Student Union (BSU)
- Touch of Africa, sponsored by African Student Association (ASA)
- Diwali, sponsored by the South Asian Student Association (SASA)
- Eid Dinner, sponsored by the Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Catholic Sunday Mass, sponsored by the Catholic Newman Club
- Pan Asian Festival, sponsored by the Pan Asian Association in collaboration with several other student organizations
- Latino Fiesta, sponsored by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Drag Show, sponsored by The Alliance
- Chinese Spring Festival, sponsored by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
- Taste of Latin America, sponsored by the Caribbean and Hispanic Student Association (CHSA)
- Carnaval, sponsored by the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA)
- Bagel Brunch, sponsored by Hillel
❤️🩹 Wellness & Safety
Your Well-Being Comes First
At WPI, we believe you're more than just a student—and your wellness matters. From mental health support to building inclusive communities and staying safe on campus, here's what you need to know.
🧩 Building an Inclusive Community
- Be intentional about creating welcoming spaces.
- Respect people's pronouns (you’ll often see these in email signatures, Zoom names, Canvas, etc.).
- When you're curious about someone’s background, use respectful curiosity—and Google!
- Check in on friends and classmates. It’s easy to feel alone, and a simple gesture can help someone feel seen.
📝 It's OK to Not Be Perfect
- A 91 and a 99 are both A’s. It’s OK to prioritize rest or events over perfection.
- Everyone struggles. Don’t compare your success to others.
- Failed quizzes, exams, even classes? It happens. You’ll bounce back.
- Summer courses are a great way to spread out your workload.
- Many employers don’t care about GPA. Focus on staying well.
- Ask yourself: Will this matter in 5 years?
🧠 Mental Health Resources
👥 Student Development & Counseling Center (SDCC)
- Offers free, confidential individual and group counseling
- Book an appointment:
- Online form
- Call 508-831-5540
- Visit 16 Einhorn Road
- After-hours crisis line: Call 508-831-5540 and follow prompts.
- Emergencies: Call 911 or WPI Police at 508-831-5555
- Visit the site for more info.
Need a Private Appointment Space?
- Book a room at Gordon Library.
- Email SDCC/CWB to inquire about availability.
🫶 Student-Led Mental Health Programs
- Student Support Network (SSN): 6-week peer support training (offered in B-, C-, and D-Terms)
- Active Minds: Undergrad org focused on mental health awareness
🗓️ Wellness Days
Take time to rest, recharge, and reflect. See the page here.
✅ Student Wellness Tips
- Find your stress outlet (drawing, music, working out, etc.).
- Ask for help early and often.
- Balance is key: academics, social life, and rest.
- Move your body and take breaks.
- Basic needs matter: eat, hydrate, shower, sleep.
- Burned out? Don’t push—pause.
⛑️ Campus & City Safety
On Campus
- Lock your doors. Don’t leave things unattended.
- Use blue-light phones to contact WPI Police.
- Don’t let people into buildings without their WPI ID.
- Learn more about safety here.
Around Worcester
- Stay aware and alert.
- Stick to well-lit routes and avoid walking alone.
- Lock your car and hide valuables.
- Living off-campus? Always verify who’s at your door.
Sexual Misconduct & Reporting
- WPI provides confidential support and a full list of reporting options. Visit the misconduct resource hub.
- Experiencing or aware of sexual misconduct, stalking, or harassment? You’re encouraged to report it and access help.
Concerned About a Peer?
Emergencies:
- Call 911 or WPI Police (508-831-5555).
Non-emergencies:
- Submit the I’m Concerned About a Student form.
- Talk to an RA, staff, or faculty member.
- The Dean of Students Office is a helpful first stop—they can connect you to emergency funds, conduct support, and other resources.
Reporting Bias Incidents
- WPI is committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression.
- To report a bias incident, fill out the Online Reporting Form or contact WPI Police.
💵 Finances & Aid
💲 Office of Financial Aid
- Located in the Bartlett Center.
- Meet in person, online, or by phone.
Visit the Financial Aid Office →
🧾 Tuition, Aid, & Financial Literacy
- View your tuition and fees in Workday.
- Find general tuition info on the Bursar’s website.
- Detailed info on cost of attendance is available for both undergrad and grad.
- Fill out FAFSA annually to receive need-based aid.
Need help budgeting? The Financial Wellness Program offers these resources:
- Student loans
- Budgeting and credit
- Banking basics
Explore financial literacy resources >
💰 Scholarships, Grants & Loans
|
Type |
Description |
| Loans | Money you borrow and repay after graduation |
| Grants | Free money you don't have to pay back, often need-based |
| Scholarships | Also free money, usually merit-based or tied to specific qualifications |
Need help figuring it all out? Contact the Financial Aid Office.
🧑💻 Jobs for Today—and Tomorrow
🎯 Career Planning: Where to Start
You don’t need everything figured out on day 1. As a first-year student, it’s OK to not know your major—or your career goals. Take time to explore. Your interests may change as you learn more about yourself and the world.
Turn to the Heebner Career Development Center (HCDC) for:
- Discovering majors and careers
- Drop-in advising with trained peer counselors
- One-on-one appointments with career advisors Explore the HCDC →
💼 Employment Opportunities at WPI
Co-ops
- Full-time, paid work experiences (4–8 months)
- You remain an enrolled student while gaining real-world experience
- Usually take place during the academic year
- Find on Handshake
Internships
- Paid or unpaid summer positions
- Available through career fairs or Handshake
- Great for skill-building and networking
Off-Campus Jobs
- Many students work part-time in Worcester
- Can be related to your major or just a way to earn income
On-Campus Jobs
- Roles can include lab assistants, event staff, peer tutors, and more
- Search for openings at wpi.edu/+HR
- Watch your inbox for faculty-led research opportunities
- Some jobs require Federal Work Study → Learn more
Where to Search for Jobs
- Handshake: tailored to WPI students
- LinkedIn: set alerts and network
- Indeed: wide range of opportunities
📱Communication & Technology
Stay connected, stay on track. WPI relies on email and online tools to keep students informed and supported. Here’s what you need to know to stay organized and up to date.
Communication
📧 Check Your Email. Really!
WPI communicates primarily via Outlook email. It's essential to check your inbox daily and respond to messages when needed. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss anything important.
Tip: Most professors and departments will use Outlook calendar invites to schedule meetings—keep your calendar up to date!
📌 Stay Organized
- Use a planner, Outlook calendar, or digital app to track assignments and meetings.
- Set up task lists—digital or handwritten—to prioritize your day.
- Try automatic reminders on your phone or computer.
- Lean on peer support—study groups, clubs, and friends can help keep you on track.
- Experiment! Find what organizational system works best for you.
🖨️ Need to Print?
You can print from campus computers or your own device using Goatbucks.
Printer Locations:
- Gordon Library
- Rubin Campus Center
- Select campus labs
🧑🏫 Talking to Professors: How to Ask for Flexibility
If you’re sick, observing a religious holiday, or going through a personal issue, it’s OK to ask for support.
Best practices:
- Try to talk in person or attend office hours if you can.
- Be proactive—reach out before a deadline if possible.
- Suggest a make-up plan or alternate due date to show initiative.
Technology
💻 Core Tools
- Outlook: Check WPI email daily. Use your calendar to manage events and meetings.
- Canvas: Your home for coursework, announcements, assignments, quizzes, and Echo360 lecture recordings.
Find academic support spaces under “Open Courses” (e.g., ARC, Advising, Makerspace).
- OneDrive: Cloud storage tied to your WPI email—sync your work across devices
- Mobile App: WPI events, resources, campus updates, and quick links. Download the WPI Mobile App.
- Zoom: Used for meetings, virtual classes, and office hours
- LaundryConnect: See which washers/dryers are open and get alerts when your laundry is done. Use LaundryConnect.
- NetReg: Register your devices to use WPI’s WiFi. Connect with NetReg.
🧰 Workday: Your Student Hub
Workday is your go-to platform for nearly everything:
- Update your personal contact info
- Submit timesheets (if employed on campus)
- Access grades, financial aid, and billing
- Share info with families via third-party proxy access
- Record your name pronunciation for faculty and staff
✅ Pro Tip: This is also where you’ll accept your financial aid, update addresses, and find tax forms.
🧑💻 IT Help Desk
Have a tech issue? WPI’s IT Service Desk can help.
- Location: Gordon Library
- Call: 508-831-5888
- Visit the Help Desk site.
🛠️ Community Tech Spaces
- Makerspace (Innovation Studio): Tools and tech for building and prototyping
- Machine Shop (Goddard Hall): Equipment for hands-on class and project work
- IMGD Lounge (Fuller): Tech hub for Interactive Media & Game Development students
- CollabLab (Higgins Labs): Collaborative space with whiteboards, tech, and team project tools
🌐 Online Resources—Available Anytime
Even off campus, you can access everything:
- Full access to ebooks, databases, and journals via WPI Library.
Search the Library! All you need is your WPI login!
💬 Other Digital Tools
- Slack: Many student orgs and RAs use Slack to communicate. Ask your group for an invite!
- Discord: Popular student-run server for discussions on food, classes, clubs, and more. Join the WPI Discord.
- The Hub: WPI's one-stop guide for IT-supported software (some free!) on Canvas.
🥳 Social Life & Safety
Goats Just Wanna Have Fun
Let things happen naturally. Join one or two clubs or just go to a few events. You’re not locked in!
Wherever you go, get out there! Classes, clubs, jobs, and on-campus events are great places to build friendships and future connections.
Under-21 drinking and drug use (including marijuana) on campus, including residence halls, is not allowed. However, safety is our top concern. If you need help or are worried about a friend, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your RA and/or WPI Police.
If you choose to drink, be safe:
Please take a moment to review our Drug and Alcohol Policy.
See 100+ ideas >
Enjoy Higgins House's Gardens
A peaceful retreat on campus with swings and a reflection garden
Rent Gear
Play cornhole on the Quad or grill with friends behind the Rubin Campus Center. Learn more here >
Watch Movies for Free
Hop on WPI Wireless and start watching >
Be the GOAT of the 'Gram
Follow these accounts for updates, events, and student life content: