University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

They have massive pride for their school and wear the colors proudly.

My classmates are generally easy to talk to about topics like the Seahawks and school spirit while also being hard workers and willing to put in the time during class for things like group projects.

My classmates are not culturally diverse and have difficulty in understanding my perspective on certain topics due to their lack of exposure to those various cultures, but are eager to learn and be exposed to them in order to understand.

The best way to describe the students at my school, would be human. Everyone is all apart of what the great Dalai Lama calls, the "global family". Everyone is happy and friendly and the community at the University of Washington is profoundly diverse and with that diversity it brings together the community and that also provides better insight to all situations.

they are extremely racist

I am a member of the LGBT community. The LGBT community at UW isn't very good; meeting people is difficult and the Q center is badly-run and exclusionary towards people who aren't inclined to write dissertations about the promlematization of invisibilities or what have you. It is very disconnected from reality. UW is not as racially diverse as it sometimes likes to portray itself but it could be worse. Most of the student body is white, and significant number are Asian. There do not seem to be that many lower-income students on campus. Most of the students are from Washington state; the out-of state students tend to come from Oregon, California, or Hawaii. There is a significant number of international students. A student who is not white or Asian might feel a part of a very small minority at UW. Lower income students might, as well. An apolitical student may feel out of place. A liberal arts major who is not into drinking would feel out of place, and so would a STEM student who does not have a ruthless personality. People from places with friendlier cultures usually feel out-of-place in the city of Seattle in general. Most of the nice people I met at UW have been from out-of-state or international students.

My classmates were too nerdy sometimes and did not know how to relax

Diverse mix of interesting people.

I continue to be surprised every single day by the diversity that the University of Washington supports. I know every school puts on the act that they're extremely diverse...I can tell you that it's not always true. But I will admit that the UW has it all. On any given walk to class you will see just about every ethnicity, stereotype, socio-economic class and clothing style you could think of. The atmosphere is casual and accepting and even though not everyone may hang out in harmony all the time, I feel as if the diversity is accepted and embraced and little judgement is passed between students.

Students range from dorm kids, to international students, to kids from the greek system. usually different types of students do not interact.

I spent a year living in India, and upon my acceptance to the University of Washington, I tried to get involved in the Indian cultural events. However, unfortunately I find it hard. It seems that to be truly welcome, you need to be Indian, and when I tried to join their mailing list to get more information on events hosted, I was rejected. Maybe this is only my experience, and I do not want to jump to judge the campus Indian community groups. Someone who is "country" would not be very welcome, or rather, may feel out of place. I come from an area of my valley that is more rural and traditional in thinking and dress. I found when I came to campus that people were even bold enough to call me out on it, and would comment to others. I felt very uncomfortable and unwelcome. As in line with my previous comment in a previous question, the students are very active, though I feel it may not be for the rights reasons, or it is only the idea of being active, but not actually helping the cause, but rather associating with it because it is the "cause of the hour". Most students I see in class are actually very well dressed, or they are in "workout clothes". I find this a nice change from High School in the respect that I always found it odd that people thought that it was acceptable to wear their pajamas to class. However, the work out clothes, are normally uggs, tights, and a North face jacket, and do not actually come with the intention of working out. I am not sure where this fashion started, or when tights became a form of pants acceptable on their own.

The most wonderful thing about the students on this campus is that they are entirely varied! Every group of any kind has a home here at UW. I honestly think the only type of student who would feel out of place here would be someone who needs to be coddled and can't succeed alone - someone who is not comfortable with independence. However, that being said, even those students can find some kind of support group! This campus is very laid back in the way that everyone is welcome. This is a very safe (emotionally, physically, and intellectually) campus! Everyone interacts with everyone else, and everyone's opinions matter!

They are busy, friendly and hard-working.

The school as a whole is very diverse, but living situations on campus are not nearly as diverse. For example, the Greek System is predominantly all-white, straight students, with maybe 10-20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} asian students. This varies vastly from the dorms, where there are probably 50-70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} asian students. Oftentimes different libraries will have greek system (mainly all-white) attendance and others (usually the ones closer to the dorms) will have almost all international (mainly asian) students. For some reason, there are not as many African-Americans that attend the University of Washington compared to other public schools I've visited such as University of Oregon, Oregon State University and University of Michigan. The vast majority of students are from the state of Washington (probably 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}). Out of these students, most of those are from the Seattle area, with Tacoma, Vancouver, Spokane, Wenatche-area and Bellingham following that. The state with the second most students at UW is California. There are quite a few Southern California students and Bay Area students as well. It is rare to meet a student from the Midwest, East Coast, or Southern part of the US, although I have met a few over the past few years. There seem to be a lot of International students on campus as well, they always seem to be hanging out with each other and speaking languages different from English. The majority of students in the Greek System are from Eastside Seattle and upper-middle class.

Classmates are optimistic, bright individuals who are competing against you for getting into graduate school.

The UW is a very diverse campus, in fact my essay on my application for admittance was on the topic of diversity. Just like seattle the UW is a place that really emphasizes equal human rights for everyone, no matter what their background. On occasion I have a lesbian or gay teacher, as was the case in my photography class. They are treated just like any one else. The type of student that may feel out of place with this school is any kind of religious conservative. While UW is a secular school, religion is a common topic on campus and students are very opinionated. A person who does not want to have their beliefs challenged or wishes to learn in an atmosphere that's conducive to religious people may want to consider other schools. Like the majority of seattle, this school is very liberal and NO topic is off limits. That being said, the students are open to any kind of person as long as you are open to them. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated by the school or the students. If there were four tables of students in the dining hall they would be as follows: Jocks Asians Dorm kids Greek System kids Many of the students are local, but a large minority of them are from foreign countries. The largest majority of the foreign born students are from china, japan, and korea. These student are often quite wealthy due to the fact that there parents had to have enough money to send them to school in the United States. The foreign born students tend to stick together and stay to themselves. It's one of the few groups on campus that seems to be racially homogenous.

Friendly, willing to help with homework or forming study groups, and considerate of everyone in the classroom.

My classmates at the University of Washington are very supportive. Most of them are capable and ambitious in their chosen fields. They speak highly of their professors and intends to make a diffence for humanity. At first, I was intimidated to be in a class with many extraordinary individuals. However, most of the students that I met were very friendly and accepting.

I honestly do not have a lot of direct, first-hand experiences with other racial, religious, LGBT, socio-economic and/or other groups on campus. Really, the only times that I see these types of groups is when they set up booths at Red Square and do "tabling" which is where they advertise for their clubs or perhaps a certain event or cause that they're sponsoring. I honestly think that all students can find their place at school. UW has over 600 clubs for students to join and find their niche, and these clubs include ethnical, religious, sexual orientations, academics, athletics, and various other interests. There are a lot of programs and sessions for scholarships for students who feel the strain of tuition, and although budget cuts are taking a lot of things away, I think the UW is trying to do its best to cater to as many students as possible. Seattle is often a cold, blustery place, so North Face is everywhere-- vests, jackets, raincoats, backpacks, you name it. It's everywhere and it's worth it, so invest in one. I have three coats and a backpack myself. Jeans and Ugg boots are popular as well amongst girls, and jeans and sneakers are what guys wear. Frat and sorority members are more obvious on campus since they all dress alike-- "bros" wear basketball shorts, crewneck sweatshirts, backwards caps, and socks with slippers--even when it's raining. You might see them wear suits as well since a lot of them try and go into the business school. Sorority girls tend to wear crewneck sweatshirts with lululemon yoga pants tucked into Uggs with their make-up done but hair up in a bun held back by a headband. These might sound scarily specific but that's really how alike they all seem. This is a generalization, but it's about 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} true. There's always an exception, but I wouldn't know since they probably look like everyone else. I would say different types of students interact. This isn't high school anymore. Granted, I feel that the Greeks tend to keep to themselves, but otherwise, people are more interested in actually maintaining a meaningful conversation rather than being friends with "cool" kids. Considering the fact that UW has a student population of 40-something thousand, no one is considered popular. Sure, we know our athletes names, but honestly, I walked by Chris Polk yesterday and had no clue until my boyfriend told me. So there you go. A lot of students are in-state, but increasingly we've been getting a lot more international students-- China, Korea, Japan, Australia, England, Germany, all over-- and more students from out-of-state as well: particularly from California, but also some from the east coast as well. A few mid-westerners, but mostly people from Oregon and California. In terms of what financial backgrounds are most prevalent, there is a wide variety, although I don't know the exact background. What UW is great about is that it acknowledges all financial backgrounds--it has a program called the Husky Promise in which it gives full scholarships to students who qualify, for all four years. It's a great program that was started by our previous President, and the program does a great job at getting its name out there and being visible for people to contribute to. Students are politically aware but I don't know about active. We've certainly tried to be, especially when it comes to lobbying Olympia. Our ASUW is great about encouraging participation. Most people at UW are predominantly left-- Seattle in general is fairly liberal-- but the campus is respectful of people's beliefs regardless. We have an active UW Republican club, and the Republican and Democrat clubs enjoy getting together to debate.

Frankly, you get a lot of diversity looking around campus here at UW. Whether it be international exchange students chattering in different languages or protesters supporting the latest cause or even light-up hula hoopers swaying to a calming tune in the middle of the walkway, you're sure to find a group to hang with. Conversations will vary wildly from the latest sports game to what tactics to use when approached by passionate missionaries. Nothing's looked down on. I hear we even have a club supporting the rights of campus squirrels.

The University of Washington's student body can be described in one word: diverse. Students at this school are not only diverse in terms of race, gender, religious views, socio-economic status, or age but in terms of experience, beliefs, tastes, and views. Political variances go hand in hand with student nationalities. The campus is scattered with international as well as in-state resident students. The extensive variety of students lends itself to creating a complex, creative, and welcoming atmosphere. Where culture can be experience, political views can be voiced, financial backgrounds are discussed, and religious views are respected. Every difference amongst UW students is valued as a unique and important contribution to creating a diverse student body.

There is a lot of diversity at the UW. You will find a club for everything you can imagine! We have a lot of religious and political groups, we also have some interesting groups like the Quidditch club and the PB&J club. The students here have a voice, they stand up for what they believe in and when they don't agree with something they let their voices be heard.

UW is a widely diverse community, and the prevailing atmosphere is one of acceptance.

There are all kinds of specialized groups and clubs for whatever your interest. Every year at the beginning, they all set up in a main area and you are free to just wander and sign up for information and get all sorts of crazy free stuff. If you can't find the specific group of people, you are free to make one and become a RSO (registered Student Organization). You even get a a bit of money to print copies. Because this is Washington, people are predominately liberal, but that doesn't mean everyone is, and that doesn't mean people don't keep an open mind. To pigeon hole an 40,000 people as one thing or another is impossible. There is literally every type of person here, and I'm sure with a little effort, you will find each other.

The University of Washington has an immensely diverse populations. There are many active student groups for various ethnicities, sexual orientations and political standings that are always recruiting and demonstrating in the main square. It is wonderful to know that there is so much acceptance here. I am constantly amazed by the kindness of students around me.

You can't really describe the students at my school because it's so diverse. It would take years to describe all of them. We've got someone from every race and ethnicity you can think of. UW welcomes all religion, traditions, sexual orientation, socio-economics, and any other groups. I've met snotty, rich kids and I've met kids who lived in underrepresented areas such as myself. It's quite a mixed diversity.

UW hosts every single type of person. Every race, religion, and sexual orientation is represented on campus and there is a niche for everyone.

UW students tend to be more liberal - from my experience - there are always rallies being held for some purpose or another, if you have a cause you are passionate about, it is easy to get support from the student body. Everyone seems to be very involved and aware of politics and what is going on around the world. It's great because it leads to such interesting and diverse conversations!

There are so many different kinds of students here, you'll find your niche. There are a lot of different clubs and activities designed to help students interact with others who have the same interests. I feel like it's pretty typical in that you have your geniuses, spoiled kids, hard-workers, etc. The general feel is that students are more liberal than conservative, but this comes as little surprise. A, this is Seattle, Washington. B, these are students who have just moved away from their parents. But this is just a generalization, and you will definitely find a mix of different opinions.

Seattle is a very liberal place. Because of this, the UW is a very accepting place of all different types of students. No matter your sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or place of origin, there will be a place for you. The student body mainly comes from within the state of Washington. However, because of the recent budget cuts, more out of state students are being accepted. There are many California, Oregon, and Idaho students as well. The international student population at UW is also very large. Many people come over from Asia, The most needed clothing at UW is an umbrella, rain boots, and a rain jacket. This is what the typical student wears to class on rainy days. People say that Seattle is not a fashionable city, but students at the UW don't fit this stereotype. On days it's not raining, students usually dress up to class and look very presentable. Financial backgrounds range a lot. It is hard to tell which financial background a student is from and frankly, it doesn't really matter. There is a group for everyone at UW. This being said, people tend to stick with those that are most like them. The international students stick together, the athletes are always together, and the greek students usually are together as well. Students are very politically active. Seattle is a very liberal city and so is the UW. There are always protests going on in the main square. People predominately tend to lean towards the left, but there are still some that lean to the right. There are groups for everyone and a place for everyone. People are also very focused on what they will be doing after they graduate. People don't really talk about how much they'll earn one day, but they talk about what they want to do and are always searching for internships or jobs., There are many different schools and majors at UW, so it just depends on which school you are in.

Diverse, energetic, passionate, and eclectic.

Every day, there will always be students come late or leave early and don’t cooperate well with others in group projects; therefore, even if it is a group project, students still will be dividing the work.

I would describe my classmates as intuitive, innovative, and bright young individuals, who strive to make both this campus, and this world, a better place.

Socialize off campus and are generally career focused.

My classmates at the University of Washington are diverse. You have some that are serious study going students who do not talk at all and just attend classes. Other students are easy going and easy to engage in conversation and make friends with. You have some students who do not attend class at all and wonder where they have been all quarter when you see them show up for the finals.

Diverse - some take work more seriously than others and they are different races.

My classmates are laid back, friendly, and eager to investigate all that Seattle has to offer.

Classmates are welcoming and warm to all. If you talk, you can get to know a lot about different people.

Since the University of Washington is a big school, there is a lot of variety when it comes to the students. However, everyone is really friendly and I have gotten to know a lot of people in my short time here.

Ready to learn with a genuine desire towards acquiring knowledge describes University of Washington students.

Students come from diverse backgrounds with varied goals; although most are very dedicated to their studies, there is a range in how important having fun and socializing is.

Mostly white suburb kids from all the small Washington cities ( bham, tricities, spokane, etc), Asians who grew up in the states and are cool, and FOB Asians who are sweet, don't talk much in class, but destroy the tests...go them... And then they're are the occasional international students from Europe or other places, but you need to go slightly out of your way if you want to be friends...

My classmates are committed, diligent, bright, and collaborative self-starters.

Liberals and international students.

My fellow classmates at the UW are hard-working students who responsibly balance their schoolwork and social lives to assure healthy and balanced lifestyles, while fulfilling each step toward their future and their hopes and dreams. With so many events and clubs hosted by the university every week, a student who was once a recluse in high school with no interest in getting involved with "out of school activities" can surely find a club or activity of which works within the student's comfort zone. This ultimately allows the student to become more well-rounded and comfortable with themselves.

My classmates come from all walks of life, as in any large university, but the majority are simply undergraduate 18-22 year-olds like myself. I haven't met that many people, but the ones I have run the gamut of personalities and backgrounds. The UW is less diverse than some schools because of the extremely high out of state tuition, but many students attend from accross the country anyway. I only wish that I could know my classmates better, but that will happen over time, I suppose.

Fun to hang out with.

Kind, conciderate and, attentive.

They move with a pretentious air, and largely behave that they are better than they are, and yet hardly any of them have any direction, or deep desire for anything.

My classmates did not become very focused until I was a junior and senior. Once people are in their major and have an idea of what they want to do in life, they are better focused on class and in school. It is easy to get notes from classmates and in small sections everyone tries to get along.