<p>I've just been accepted to UW, and am really leaning towards it... (Northern California native, dont know how I'm going to get used to the rain) but wanted to know more about what kids do on the weekends up there. Is it so easy to get to downtown that people are there all the time? and are people really into clubs/organizations? whats the greek scene like, and are a lot of people a part of it? I'm really just wondering what everyone does on the weekends, so let me know anything you know!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>what is the percentage (approx) of students who go home on the weekends? I've heard that the dorms pretty much empty out.</p>
<p>bumping bumps being bumped</p>
<p>I'm not entirely sure what percentage goes home on weekend, but maybe a third? It doesn't completely empty out, but it is a lot more quiet. If you're worried about that though, you shouldn't be. You can make a lot more friends by getting involved in activities and in your classes. Plus you're more likely to hang out with those friends than people in the dorm since you'll have more in common.</p>
<p>There's so many students at the school, even if a 1/3rd go home on the weekends, that still leaves a lot more students than many other schools. That's the way I see it.</p>
<p>I've lived in San Francisco all my life, and I'm debating between UW or UC San Diego. The only godo thing UC SD has going for me is the sunny weather which I think would be really nice, but at this point I'm leaning really hard towards UW.</p>
<p>I too was kind of concerned about the social scene. But I was reassured when people told me the scene is actually pretty good.There are parties, there are clubs, there are sports. I think I'll fit in nicely...</p>
<p>It snowed like heck today in Washington...but UCSD has GREAT weather.</p>
<p>And UCSD is cheaper....but UW is awesome.</p>
<p>thanks for the info! im heading up on sunday to take a look...im getting so excited! im glad to hear that even though about 1/3 goes home on the weekends, theres still stuff to do...since ill be an out of towner. Also, does anyone know what the percent OOS is? thanks</p>
<p>I believe that about 15% of the kids at UW are OOS. Both of my UW kids were from Ca. Neither ever had a problem with weekends being a little quiet. There was always so much going on all the time that they would be relieved for a moment or two to get caught up with work and life. And, as previously mentioned, there are still tons of kids around. By the end of the first year, you will probably either be going home with them for a homecooked meal (Wa. families are just like that..!) or your IS friends will be hanging around with you if there is something going on. Don't spend time worrying about keeping busy/making friends--Seattle, the U-District, and surrounding area are heaven for active people. Both my kids thought that was one of the best things about going to school there. For young adults, the U District and Seattle have it all--college sports, pro sports, big music scene, fantastic and huge selection of restaurants, active art scene, great downtown and shopping!...... Neither of mine wanted to leave Seattle after their time there ...it is a distinct and unique experience. </p>
<p>Good luck with decisions.</p>
<p>This guide was probably designed with faculty and staff in mind, but it has a lot of useful info about Seattle and places around UW:</p>
<p>I would say about 1/2 or more of the students in the dorms go home every weekend, at least in Terry Hall where I am. I wouldn't recommend Terry because it's just long hallways, fairly impersonal, and mostly everyone on my floor leaves their doors shut all the time. If you're a freshman I would go with Lander or McMahon.</p>
<p>Lander is a great choice for freshmen who want to get to know people (I lived there during my first year), but McMahon is a toss up for freshmen because no one leaves their cluster door open. The people you see a lot of are your 7 or so other clustermates. If you're not fond of your cluster mates, it's a bit harder to make friends with others in the halls because everyone's doors are closed. If you're a freshmen who wants to meet people and want to live on the north side of campus, McCarty or Haggett are probably better choices.</p>
<p>My daughter's first choice is Lander Hall because she is an incoming freshman and Lander is all freshman. Any/all info you can provide about choice of residence hall would be helpful for us. I wish Lander had single sex floors but I hear it doesn't -- is that a negative in terms of privacy and all the other things a mom might worry about?</p>
<p>Lander is a wonderful dorm for incoming freshmen to meet friends and other students in the same boat as them. Don't worry, even with co-ed floors, there really isn't anything negative in terms of privacy. Guys have their own bathroom; girls have their own as well. Girls also get an extra key as their bathroom is locked. There are always RAs on duty too. I'm thankful that there were guys and girls on the floor as it made for a more balanced environment. The community in Lander is very strong and people bond quickly because they're all excited about being in college. The RAs are always upperclassmen who help get everyone acclimated and become your good friends. To give you a personal story, Lander was my fourth choice originally (behind McMahon, McCarty, and Haggett). Well, I ended up being placed in Lander, and to this day, I'm so glad that I did because I met some amazing friends and have some fond memories. I hope that helps.</p>
<p>Thank you for your insight. It is stressful sending an oldest child, my daughter, away from home and off into a co-ed community. When I was that age I scoffed at my parents when I thought they were too protective and now the wheel of karma has spun round... when you get old enough you see these patterns!!</p>
What I typically do on weekends (as a sophomore) is spend some time studying, try to go downtown or to other parts of Seattle like on capitol hill, and I also try to go out and get food with friends when I can!