Student life at UW

Proud_Husky
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:51:43 +0000

Don’t worry, it doesn’t rain as much as people think. Although it can often be gray and overcast, it actually isn’t bad at all. I was actually just in Oakland yesterday, and I guess some people compare Seattle’s weather to San Francisco. Although I’d say Seattle’s a bit more on the cooler side and a little less sunny.

Accessibility to downtown Seattle is extremely simple. All students are issued a U-PASS with their quarterly registration info ($44/quarter) that allows them to ride the bus in just about any area of Seattle. The 71, 72, 73 routes from campus are the express rides downtown and get you from UW to downtown in about 10-15 minutes. Most people have enough activity on campus that they stick around on weekend, which leads to your next question.

UW is perhaps the most socially conscious and civically active campus in the region. Most students are in some kind of activity that they enjoy participating in. There are so many different clubs and organizations here that you’ll be able to find something to fit your interest. If not, it’s pretty simple to start one.

The Greek life is fairly large at UW. I’m not particularly well-versed in that as I spend most of my time on or around campus. I do have a lot of friends in frats and sororities and they seem to enjoy living up there for the most part. Oh, I say “up” because Greek row is north of 45th which is just north of the campus.

UW has a lot of local students, so there is a percentage of students who go home on weekends (my roommate goes home every other weekend). I am not from the area so I’m always around. The IMA (Intramural Activities Center) is a great place if you’re interested in working out or just having fun with friends. There’s a game center in the HUB too if you feel like bowling or playing other games. Other people go down to University Village (UVillage), a little shopping center close to campus. Being in the Seattle area brings a couple other perks too as UW students can get discounts for different events and attractions, including the Mariners (opening day is on Tuesday!), the Sonics (though not for much longer…), the Seahawks, a new Major League Soccer team starting next year, the Seattle Symphony, art museums, and more. Sorry, I’m a huge sports fan, so I sort of gave you all the sports options. There are plenty of other options though. I hope that gives you a good sense of what there is to do at UW.