So I sometimes check back on UW’s College Confidential page and search twitter to see if anybody’s mentioned UW…and what I’ve gathered is that there isn’t much going on in terms of people on social media talking about this school. Same on Facebook. Is this in any way indicative of the UW experience? Like, are people not as social and more likely to keep to themselves? I’ve applied to 5 other schools and their CC pages and twitter mentions and Facebook groups are blowing up! Is it because decisions for UW are a long ways away?
Kind of a weird question, I know, but it’s got me wondering… :-/
Well… what exactly do you define as “experience”? Talking to other people on the internet about your school? Getting good education? Having greek life?
We have some closed Facebook groups for UW students and they are fairly active.
@seatac I was just curious about the social side of the school. I’m from the deep south and everyone here strikes up conversations with everyone, regardless of whether you know them or not, and I don’t really know how people up in Seattle are in terms of openness and friendliness to strangers. UW is one of my top choices and so I’ve been looking around trying to get a better feel of the people who applied/are going but I just can’t seem to find a lot of people on social media or large closed groups.
Seattle is very friendly, they don’t care where you come from. But it’s a big school and people socialize in their dorms or classes or major interest groups.
As a footnote, a college’s social media feed or presence on college confidential is not indicative of the activity on campus. You could try using review sites such as uniggo though to see what some students are saying about campus life. Take everything you read on the internet though with a grain of salt
@girlfromworld1 Oh I see. You need to look up “Seattle freeze”. Many people state it’s an actual thing, not an urban legend. As an immigrant, I’ve experienced it myself and since I’ve spent enough time here, I probably contribute to Seattle freeze now too. I recommend you SERIOUSLY consider this phenomenon while thinking about Seattle. Lack of social interaction desired by you (in terms of quality or quantity) coupled with not-the-best weather might affect you in a major way.
I am a parent of a daughter who is considering UW (my alma mater) and Texas A&M, so this post caught my attention. I currently live in Houston and have been here 25 years (I grew up in the Pacific Northwest). My son goes to Texas A&M, so I have some perspective on both schools. I believe UW is a great institution as well as Texas A&M and I would be happy wherever my daughter chose to go. However, when I compare A&M with UW on the social factors, there is a palpable difference, in my mind. A&M is a very friendly school, with a tight knit community. I have experienced this first hand in many circumstances with the school. UW a little less so. So, for my daughter, who is a very social person, I just want her to be aware of the difference, if it makes a difference. She has visited UW in the summer, but I would want her to spend more time there to get a feel for the “vibe” before she made any decisions. School is what you make it, though…Good luck on your decision…
There are regional differences in how friendly, outgoing and expressive people are with strangers or new acquaintances generally.
In any city, and on any college campus, large or small, friendly and outgoing people can always find other friendly and outgoing people. I have friends who are from or went to college in Texas, and they are friendly and outgoing “big” personalities. I have personal experience in Seattle and UW, and the Washingtonians I know are perhaps more reserved and conscientious than the Texans, but they are also very friendly, warm and caring and couldn’t be nicer. I think your own personality and attitudes are what matter the most.
Here is an article suggesting that Seattle is the friendliest city:
@seatac Wow…I’ve heard of Seattle freeze before but that’s super interesting and a little bit…off-putting? I still consider UW one of my top choices but I will definitely take this into consideration before making my decision.
@inspiration12 I was actually considering applying to A&M! I don’t remember why I didn’t…but I know that I regret it now. I did apply to UT Austin though and I may apply to TCU. Anyways, I think it’d be smart to visit sometime other than summer to get a better feel for the city. I visited a few summers ago, and it was 100% sunshine but sadly, it was an anomaly for Seattle weather. Honestly, I’m sure I’ll be happy wherever I end up since (like you said) college is what you make of it, and I’m intending on bringing a positive mindset
