Meeting Students At The University Of Washington: A Guide

The University of Washington offers a range of opportunities for prospective and current students to meet each other and connect with the university community. From campus tours and information sessions to student groups and activities, there are numerous ways to get involved and build meaningful relationships. The university also provides resources for career exploration, internships, and volunteer opportunities, enabling students to gain valuable experience and broaden their horizons. Whether you're a prospective student or already part of the UW community, there's something for everyone to make the most of their time at the university and foster lasting connections.

Join a student group or activity, from sports to Unite UW

The University of Washington offers over 1,000 registered student organizations (RSOs) to help students meet and connect with each other. One such group is Unite UW, a cultural exchange program that bridges the gap between domestic and international students. The program is designed to foster cultural understanding, overcome barriers, and inspire lasting international relationships. With a family-like atmosphere, Unite UW promotes genuine connections and cultural understanding among its members.

Unite UW's unique seven-week program includes weekly cultural bonding activities for pairs of domestic and international students, facilitated by a group leader. These activities provide an opportunity for students to learn about their peers, their backgrounds, their goals, and their struggles, creating a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for one another. For example, students have shared meals of Indian dosa, Japanese cuisine, and Mexican-American Chipotle, moving beyond labels like "international" to simply share a human experience.

Unite UW also offers seasonal activities to help students connect and celebrate together. For Halloween, they might venture into haunted houses or carve pumpkins together. In the winter, they might go ice skating or share a warm Chinese hot pot meal. These seasonal events provide further opportunities for students to get to know each other and build lasting friendships.

In addition to Unite UW, the University of Washington offers a wide range of other student groups and activities to cater to various interests. Students can participate in intramural sports, from basketball to kayaking, or focus on mindfulness and cardio. The Husky Union Building (HUB) also provides a variety of student services, including the Q Center, the D Center, and lounge areas for students to socialize and study together. With so many options, students can easily find their community and feel connected on campus.

Go on a campus tour, either self-guided or student-led

One of the best ways to meet students at the University of Washington is to go on a campus tour. You can either opt for a self-guided tour or a student-led tour, depending on your preference.

If you're an independent explorer, the self-guided tour is a great option. You can download the tour from the University of Washington's website and explore the campus at your own pace. This gives you the freedom to spend as much or as little time as you like at each point of interest. The self-guided tour is also a good choice if you can't make it to a scheduled guided tour. Additionally, there is an Indigenous Walking Tour option, created by a UW alumnus, which is dedicated to Indigenous students.

On the other hand, if you want to meet fellow prospective students and have a more interactive experience, the student-led walking tour is ideal. This 75-minute tour will take you through the heart of the campus, covering about 1.4 miles. You'll get to see highlights such as the Liberal Art Quadrangle, Drumheller Fountain, and Sylvan Grove. The student guides will be able to share their own experiences and perspectives, giving you a better sense of what it's like to be a student at the university.

In addition to the general campus tour, there are also specific departmental tours available, such as for the School of Engineering and the School of Music. These tours are led by current students and provide an in-depth look at the respective departments and resources available. If you're interested in a particular major or field of study, these tours offer a great opportunity to connect with students who share similar academic interests.

The University of Washington also offers a 45-minute guided tour of a residence hall, presented by Housing & Food Services, which can give you a sneak peek at what it's like to live on campus and allow you to meet other prospective students who are considering on-campus accommodation.

Attend an information session, either in-person or virtually

If you're interested in attending the University of Washington, one great way to meet students and learn more about the university is to attend an information session, either in-person or virtually. The University of Washington offers a variety of information sessions and tours that can help you explore the campus and its various academic programs.

For example, the Computer Science & Engineering, Paul G. Allen School offers hybrid info sessions that you can attend in-person or virtually. If you attend in person, you'll have the opportunity to go on an optional tour of the two Allen School buildings after the information session. This session is intended for current high school students interested in applying to the University of Washington as first-year students. Similarly, the Business, Foster School of Information Session is designed for current high school students interested in studying business at the University of Washington. After the session, led by a Foster School academic advisor and a current student ambassador, there will be a group tour led by the student ambassador.

The University of Washington also offers a 75-minute student-led walking tour that takes you through the heart of the campus, covering about 1.4 miles. This tour explores landmarks such as the Liberal Art Quadrangle, Drumheller Fountain, and Sylvan Grove. Additionally, the Engineering, College of Tour is a 45-minute tour led by a current undergraduate engineering student that explores the engineering departments and resources available on campus. This tour is approximately 1 km or 0.6 mi and includes minimal stairs or inclines. It's important to note that this tour only covers outdoor areas and does not include entering any buildings.

If you're unable to attend any of the in-person sessions or tours, there are also virtual options available. The University of Washington has dozens of videos featuring campus highlights, housing tours, student perspectives, and even Seattle sights. You can also download a self-guided tour to explore the campus on your own, either physically or virtually. One such self-guided tour is the Indigenous Walking Tour, created by UW alumnus Owen L. Oliver, which is dedicated to Indigenous students.

When planning your visit to the University of Washington, there are a few things to keep in mind. The university recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early to find parking and navigate to your destination. The Central Plaza Garage is a convenient parking option, and you can use the PayByPhone service in lots C02, C03, or C04. Additionally, don't forget to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Seattle weather is generally mild, but a hooded jacket or umbrella is often a good idea. Lastly, if you are feeling unwell, especially with any symptoms of illness, please do not come to campus.

Read and contribute to The Daily, the student-run newspaper

The University of Washington has three student newspapers: The Daily (Seattle campus), the Ledger (Tacoma campus), and the Commons (Bothell campus). These student-run newspapers are a great way to meet people and get involved in the campus community.

The Daily, the student newspaper of the University of Washington's Seattle campus, has been serving the UW community since 1891. It covers a range of topics, including news, arts, and sports, and is always looking for new contributors. Getting involved with The Daily is a fantastic way to meet fellow students and share your ideas and perspectives with the campus community.

You can contribute to The Daily in a variety of ways, including writing, editing, illustrating, designing, or selling ads. Whether you're passionate about journalism, creative writing, or simply want to share your thoughts on campus issues, there's a place for you at The Daily.

Writing for The Daily allows you to explore a diverse range of topics and connect with sources across the university. You can interview faculty, staff, and students, attend events, and develop your own unique voice as a writer. It's a great way to enhance your communication skills and build a portfolio of published work.

In addition to writing, contributing to the editorial process is invaluable. Editors play a crucial role in shaping the content and direction of the newspaper. They work closely with writers, providing feedback and guidance to help them refine their pieces. Being an editor allows you to develop leadership and management skills while collaborating with a dedicated team.

Whether you choose to write, edit, or get involved in another capacity, contributing to The Daily is a rewarding experience that will help you meet new people and leave your mark on the University of Washington. It's a great way to stay informed, share your ideas, and become an integral part of the vibrant campus community.

Explore the Husky Union Building, which offers a range of student services

The Husky Union Building, or the HUB, is the centre of the University of Washington campus. It is an event centre, a place for student engagement, and a place intended to improve the student experience. The HUB offers a range of student services, including:

Student Activities Office

The Student Activities Office is a great resource for students looking to get involved in extracurricular activities. With over 1,000 registered student organizations (RSOs), there is something for everyone. The Student Activities Office can help you find out about different groups and activities, as well as how to get involved in student government.

Study and Lounge Areas

The HUB provides various study and lounge areas, offering a great environment for students to study, relax, and socialise. These areas are perfect for students who want to find a quiet place to focus on their studies or those who want to socialise and connect with other students.

Bowling Alley and Gaming

The lower floor of the HUB hosts HUB Games, which features a bowling alley, an esports lounge, table tennis and pool tables, and various gaming consoles and board games. These amenities provide a fun and engaging environment for students to socialise and connect with peers.

Dining Options

The HUB also houses the Husky Den Food Court, a dining hall offering a variety of food options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Additionally, in 1953, a branch of the University Book Store was added to the building, providing convenient access to textbooks, stationery, and other academic resources.

The HUB is a great place for students to meet and connect with peers, with various events, activities, and services that cater to a wide range of interests and needs, all aimed at enhancing the student experience at the University of Washington.

Frequently asked questions