University of Washington-Seattle Campus

If you can get past the large number of students in your lower-level classes, learning will not be a problem. Professors, TAs and study centers are generally very kind and willing to help you out. If you seek help, you will get it.

I have learned more at this University than any of my past educational institutions. There is so much information and knowledge condensed into each class, it's sometimes mind blowing. Every class seems interesting, so you'll never be left without options.

University of Washington is a school with very strong academics and different options on campus. There's a big culture of discovery, of debate, and of moving into the future. It's a rainy, rustic campus with a lot to offer to students.

Paying attention in class is very important - I notice a lot of students get away with surfing Facebook or MSN in class because undergrad classes are so large. If you take notes and use the wealth of knowledge that your TA's have, you'll do well.

I was afraid that I'd come to the University not knowing anything, desperately trying hard to keep up with the curriculum. It turns out that the UW isn't so scary. Yes, it is a challenge, but it's a great experience that's easily overcome with growing up and taking responsibility of your studying habits.

There are so many resources here. You can pretty much get help with ANYTHING! All you have to do is ask. Something I've been told several times is that the everyone here wants you to succeed. You've got office hours to talk to your professors (asking for help or just to talk), TA's, study centers designed for specific classes and subjects, online forums for individual classes, even study buddy systems in dorms.

Not only can you get help on any subject, but there's so many resources to help find yourself, what major might fit you, internships, careers you might want to consider, etc.

The diversity on campus is also a great source of learning. Just making friends help you explore yourself and learn about worlds you’re not familiar with.

Yeah, there can be some huge lecture classes, but you get separated into smaller classes within most classes where you can ask any questions you have. So it's almost like watching a video in a movie theatre and then being able to talk about it in a class of 20-30 people.

College is about learning as much as you can about yourself and the world in which you want to live in (let it be science, technology, art, history, etc). The University of Washington helps you do all of that. You just have to ask.

The University of Washington is a challenging school that blossoms independence and creativity. The majority of all faculty members are enthusiastic about the subject they teach, and are willing to assist all students. This school provides excellent opportunities for students who want to grow, not only academically, but socially as well.

Excellent balance between academics, rigor, activities, opportunities, and social life. With such a large school, finding your niche becomes easy. While the size can be daunting, the school provides access to clubs and societies to make UW feel like home.

I am only a part-time student right now (I'm trying to establish residency) but I can tell that I have still grown a lot academically by taking just one class, my Honors class. The discussions that we engage in are so thought-provoking; I always leave class with my mind going 100 miles an hour! There are also so many opportunities to learn outside the classroom, such as student organizations or guest lecturers.

I took a drama class because I needed a VLPA and I thought it would be a breeze. It wasn't exactly as easy as I predicted: I performed monologues and scenes in front of my quiz section as well as in front of my lecture. It was nerve-wracking; I was tense before class; I ended up loving the class. It let me focus energy on something other than a paper or an in-class exam and then release it in a controlled whoosh in front of people who were just as nervous and busy as I was. Not only did I have a blast being challenged in an area outside of my once puny comfort zone, but now I can give presentations about early childhood education as well as talk openly with professors in conferences no sweat. Well, let's be honest, there was a little sweat, but much less than before.

So, yes, I am learning a lot in class, but the University of Washington offers much more outside of class. I came from a smallish town in Washington and had only been to Seattle a few times before I started school at the UW, so when I did start school, the UW forced me to take the bus (something which was both daunting and extremely foreign to me). Now I am not so scared to try to take the subway in NYC.

Amazing campus and beautiful buildings and people. The students are very diverse and all of them talented. With 40,000 or so students, you are sure to find friends whether you look for them or not.