<p>I'm just curious about how students at UW spend time socially, whether they live on campus or not. Because a lot of students are unfortunately at UW only for their own education or degree and not to spend a lot of time with other people. But for those of you who know the place really well, what do you do? And what can you do that won't get boring after a few times? I'm hoping that there is more than just the IMA and bars. I know that there are plenty of restaurants and cafes, but I'm thinking of something a little more substantial than just sitting and talking. Preferably not something like taking the bus to a distant touristy part of Seattle that any local to the area has already been to many times. I feel like this is something I should already know by now, but I still don't. Thanks for any suggestions.</p>
<p>This is actually a good question, I would also like to know as well</p>
<p>IMA and bars lol that sounds like my group.</p>
<p>All the things you said of course (IMA, bars, coffee, etc.).<br>
I would also add if you live on/near campus you’ll probably be hanging out at your place a lot and having people over.
Join a club, sport, leadership org or GLO, and you’ll most likely have more activities than you know what to do with.<br>
You can walk across the freeway to Wallingford if you get sick of the Ave.<br>
Take the Burke-Gilman trail to Gasworks Park or beyond.
Explore buildings on campus that are off the beaten path and take note of any cool spots you find.
Roll down Rainer Vista in the middle of the night.
Go the shipping canal under the Montlake Bridge.
Rent canoes from the WAC.
And what would college be, if I didn’t mention parties.</p>
<p>I know you said you would prefer not to take the bus to touristy Seattle spots, but consider doing it once or twice at least. You will have friends who don’t know Seattle at all, so if do, it’ll be fun to show them some local secrets, and if you don’t either, you can discover things together. They made the UPASS mandatory this year, so why not use it. :)</p>
<p>^ </p>
<p>Great post. 10charr</p>
<p>Do…Get a bike…it really is impossible to get bored. Starbucks, U-village. Burke Gilman Trail, google it. Get your skis/snowboard waxed…</p>
<p>Don’t…wear a mask on campus, the crows don’t like it and will attack.</p>
<p>It really depends on what you like. If clubs, sports, frats/sorts don’t interest you, then go somewhere that you enjoy. The Pacific Northwest is synonymous with nature- skiing, fishing, hiking, boating, birding, etc. is everywhere. If you like art, music, or food, Seattle has different ‘districts’ that has its own distinct flavor. On a college campus, you’re bound to find people that have similar (or partly similar) interests to you.</p>
<p>Seattle, with all its glory, does get repetitive after a while. But what I can stress, is don’t think of the downtown as where everything’s at. Unlike San Francisco or New York, its the outer areas of the city where all the stuff is at- Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard, Queen Anne- these districts are where locals go… to bars, restaurants, farmers markets, museums, and boutiques- which you don’t really like.</p>
<p>Any city has its limitations; you eventually see everything. And thats why people have jobs or school to take time. If you really are going to be venturing out that much, have a passion in something or a hobby- that is what will take you further.</p>