As a new student, you’re probably wondering what to expect at the University of Washington. With over 46,000 students across three campuses, it can seem overwhelming at first. But don’t worry – we’ve put together the complete guide to help you navigate your new home. In this article, you’ll discover everything from the best places to eat to how to get involved on campus. We’ll introduce you to UW’s rich history, famous alumni, and beloved attractions that make it one of the top public universities in the country. Whether you’re looking to find your favorite study spot or the secret tunnels under Red Square, you’ll find a breakdown of all things purple and gold in this all-encompassing guide to UW. Get ready to become a true Husky!
Overview of the University of Washington
The University of Washington (UW) is a public research university in Seattle, Washington. UW is one of the oldest universities in the western United States and is known for its research in medicine, engineering, and computer science.
UW has three campuses—the largest and oldest is the main campus in Seattle. It spans over 700 acres and has over 170 buildings. The Seattle campus offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 300 programs. UW also has campuses in Bothell and Tacoma, both about 30 minutes from Seattle.
At UW, you’ll find a diverse community of students from all over the world. There are over 47,000 students across all three campuses, including 34,000 at the Seattle campus alone. UW has a competitive admissions process, admitting about half of all freshman applicants. However, if admitted, you’ll have access to world-class faculty and cutting-edge research facilities.
UW has a wide range of majors and degrees to choose from:
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Arts and Sciences: Includes English, History, Mathematics, and Psychology.
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Engineering: Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, and more.
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Medicine: UW’s School of Medicine is a leader in medical education and biomedical research.
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Business: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration.
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Environment: Majors like Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Environmental & Forest Sciences.
Beyond the classroom, UW has over 700 student organizations, NCAA Division I sports teams, concerts, plays, and other events on campus. Seattle also offers opportunities for outdoor activities, culture, nightlife, and more.
At UW, you’ll get a world-class education at a top-ranked public university. Experience the vibrant culture of Seattle and become part of a community that’s making the world a better place.
Academics at UW: Majors, Rankings and Research
The University of Washington offers over 370 degrees across its three campuses. At the Seattle campus alone, you can choose from over 150 majors. Some of the most popular majors are in the areas of business, engineering, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences.
Whatever you’re interested in studying, UW likely has a top program for you. UW is ranked among the best universities in the U.S. and the world. Its programs in primary care, nursing, public health, engineering, and environment/ecology are all ranked in the top 10 nationally.
As a student, you’ll have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research. UW receives more federal research funding than any other public university in the country. Undergraduates can work with professors and graduate students on research projects to gain valuable experience.
UW also has study abroad programs on all seven continents. You can spend a summer, semester or year abroad while still making progress toward your degree. Studying abroad is a great way to gain a global perspective, learn a new language, and have an adventure.
At UW, academics are challenging but rewarding. Professors are leading experts in their fields who are passionate about teaching. Class sizes vary but many intro classes will have a few hundred students while upper division classes usually have between 20 to 50 students. Teaching assistants and tutoring centers provide extra help when you need it.
The campus libraries house more than 9 million books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps and other materials. Most resources are also available online for anytime access. With UW’s extensive academic resources, world-class faculty, and a quarter system that allows you to take more classes each year, you’ll have an dynamic learning experience.
Overall, the University of Washington will provide you a robust, well-rounded education with opportunities for research, internships, study abroad, and making lifelong connections. You’ll be challenged in the classroom and beyond, coming out the other side a more curious, open-minded and engaged citizen of the world.
Campus Life and Student Activities at the University of Washington
The University of Washington has over 600 student organizations and clubs across campus, so there’s no shortage of ways to get involved in campus life. Whatever your interests or hobbies, you’re sure to find like-minded groups at UW.
Student Activities
UW has everything from cultural clubs to political organizations to recreational sports. Some of the popular clubs include:
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The Husky Marching Band, one of the largest student-run organizations on campus with over 300 members. They perform at all home football games and other events.
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Over 50 cultural clubs like the Black Student Union, Latinx Student Association, and Chinese Student Association. These clubs host social and educational events celebrating diverse cultures.
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Intramural sports leagues for casual athletic competition in sports like soccer, basketball, tennis and more. UW also has many recreational clubs for activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Greek Life
UW is home to over 50 fraternities and sororities, with about 5,000 members combined. Rush week, when students explore frat and sorority options, is a major event each fall. Greek life provides opportunities for leadership, community service, and lifelong friendships.
Student Government
The Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) is the official student government, with elected representatives from each school and college. ASUW allocates funding to student groups, advocates for students, and organizes events like concerts, speakers, and cultural shows.
Husky Athletics
UW competes in the Pac-12 conference across 24 varsity sports. Attending football games at the iconic Husky Stadium and basketball games at Alaska Airlines Arena is a quintessential college experience. UW has a long history of athletic excellence, with national championships in sports like football, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and softball.
From joining a cultural club to cheering on the Huskies at a football game, campus life at UW offers endless ways to get involved and make lifelong memories. The student experience extends far beyond the classroom at this prestigious university.
UW Athletics: Huskies Sports Teams
The University of Washington is home to a variety of sports teams, known as the Huskies. With over 20 NCAA Division I sports teams, there are plenty of opportunities to show your school spirit.
Football
Husky football is a huge deal, with home games at the iconic Husky Stadium. Established in 1920, the football team has won 15 Pac-12 Conference titles and a handful of Rose Bowl victories.
Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball team plays at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. They’ve appeared in 16 NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2019. Some notable former players include Brandon Roy and Isaiah Thomas.
Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team has also had success, qualifying for 11 NCAA tournaments including a Final Four appearance in 2016. They’re led by head coach Mike Neighbors and play at the same arena as the men’s team.
Baseball
Husky baseball is another popular sport, with the team playing at Husky Ballpark. They’ve won two College World Series titles and often rank among the top teams in the Pac-12.
Other Sports
In addition to the major sports, UW also has highly competitive teams for soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, cross country, track and field, rowing, and gymnastics. There are opportunities for students to get involved as athletes, fans, or student employees.
With a variety of men’s and women’s sports to follow, students at UW are sure to find a team to cheer on. The school spirit at Husky athletic events is contagious, with students and alumni coming together to support the purple and gold. Go Dawgs!
University of Washington FAQ: Answering All Your Questions
Are you considering attending the University of Washington but have some questions? As a prospective student, you likely have many queries about what life at UW is really like. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you learn more about this top university.
How competitive is UW?
The UW is a highly selective university, especially for certain majors like computer science, engineering, and business. For the class of 2025, UW received over 50,000 freshman applications and admitted around 5,000 students. The average GPA of admitted students is around 3.8. However, UW looks at more than just grades and test scores. Your personal experiences, background, and achievements are also considered.
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Focus on taking challenging courses in high school to prepare.
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Build strong relationships with your teachers so you can get excellent letters of recommendation.
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Participate in extracurriculars to demonstrate your passions and leadership abilities.
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Apply for any special admission programs you may be eligible for, e.g. the Diversity App.
What is campus life like?
UW has a vibrant campus life with over 700 student organizations to join. Some of the most popular clubs include:
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Greek life: UW has a very active Greek community with over 70 fraternities and sororities.
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Sports: You can join recreational sports leagues or cheer on the Huskies at football and basketball games.
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Diversity: There are many groups that celebrate culture, identity, and diversity like the Black Student Union, Queer Alliance, and Latinx Student Association.
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Academic: UW has clubs for nearly every major and interest like Business Club, Campus Atheists, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, etc.
There are also frequent guest lectures, cultural events, mental health resources, and opportunities for leadership and service. Between the picturesque campus, active student life, and proximity to downtown Seattle, you’ll never run out of things to do at UW.
What is housing like?
As an incoming freshman, you will live in one of UW’s residence halls. After your first year, most students move into off-campus apartments. Rent for a studio near campus averages around $1,200-$1,500 per month. UW residence halls cost between $10,000 to $15,000 for the academic year.
Conclusion
So there you have it – an inside look at UW from the students who know it best. As an incoming or prospective Husky, hopefully this guide gave you a taste of what makes Seattle’s beloved university so special. From the iconic Suzzallo Reading Room to late nights at The Ave, UW offers top academics blended with that incomparable college town vibe. We hope all this info helps you feel ready and excited to become part of the pack. Just remember, no matter how nervous you feel now, soon this campus will start feeling like home. See you next fall on the Quad!
