Aside from some 100 level classes, class sizes are generally small (at most 20-30 students), allowing for more one-on-one time between students and professors. In my experience, all of my professors have made themselves very available to students and have offered plenty of opportunities for extra help if needed. Classes are engaging and professors are very enthusiastic about their subjects, making learning all the more enjoyable.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
There is always something going on at Western, and Bellingham is a beautiful city. The campus is on top of a hill overlooking gorgeous Bellingham Bay and the eastern side of the San Juan Islands. Residential living is very comfortable, and the residence hall staff does their best to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and included in their new environments. It's difficult to be bored when you're living in Bellingham: Boulevard Park is located right on the water and is only a short walk from campus; downtown is also within walking distance of campus, and there are a multitude of shops and restaurants that are frequented by students. Each student gets a city bus pass with tuition, and the transit system is very easy to navigate.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Having just finished my first year at Western, I can honestly say that my time there thus far has been well worth the price. I have absolutely loved living in Bellingham, and being a part of the Western community is a ton of fun! Not only are classes fun and engaging, but there is always something going on on campus. Advisors and professors make themselves easily available to students, and the campus Tutoring Center is another great resource for helping students to succeed. I lived in the dorms this past year and found it to be comfortable and enjoyable. I would recommend that all students try living on campus for a year just for the experience if nothing else. In comparison to some other colleges around the state, Western definitely gives you the most bang for your buck.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
While at Western, don't be afraid to try new things! There is an information fair each fall a couple of days before school starts and all the clubs and various student organizations turn out to connect to students and get people involved in the student community. If you love sports but find that you aren't exactly varsity material, give intramural sports a try! These are student run sports teams that compete against each other throughout their season, and there's even a tournament at the end of the season to decide the season's champion. The winner even gets The Shirt to show that he's won! Also, membership to the student rec center is included with tuition, so be sure to make the most out of that and try a class or two at the rec center. No matter your level of physical fitness, the rec center has something for everyone!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Honestly, Western's got a little bit of everything. Despite it's reputation as a granola or hippy school, Western has one of the most diverse campuses in the state. A lot of people here are very athletic and enjoy running up to Mt. Baker to ski or snowboard in the winter, but just as many enjoy biking or hiking on any of the area trails. Also, with Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and Seattle such a short distance away, there's always something to do! Western is a very accepting community and it seems almost impossible not to fit in here!
Aside from some 100 level classes, class sizes are generally small (at most 20-30 students), allowing for more one-on-one time between students and professors. In my experience, all of my professors have made themselves very available to students and have offered plenty of opportunities for extra help if needed. Classes are engaging and professors are very enthusiastic about their subjects, making learning all the more enjoyable.
There is always something going on at Western, and Bellingham is a beautiful city. The campus is on top of a hill overlooking gorgeous Bellingham Bay and the eastern side of the San Juan Islands. Residential living is very comfortable, and the residence hall staff does their best to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and included in their new environments. It's difficult to be bored when you're living in Bellingham: Boulevard Park is located right on the water and is only a short walk from campus; downtown is also within walking distance of campus, and there are a multitude of shops and restaurants that are frequented by students. Each student gets a city bus pass with tuition, and the transit system is very easy to navigate.
Having just finished my first year at Western, I can honestly say that my time there thus far has been well worth the price. I have absolutely loved living in Bellingham, and being a part of the Western community is a ton of fun! Not only are classes fun and engaging, but there is always something going on on campus. Advisors and professors make themselves easily available to students, and the campus Tutoring Center is another great resource for helping students to succeed. I lived in the dorms this past year and found it to be comfortable and enjoyable. I would recommend that all students try living on campus for a year just for the experience if nothing else. In comparison to some other colleges around the state, Western definitely gives you the most bang for your buck.
While at Western, don't be afraid to try new things! There is an information fair each fall a couple of days before school starts and all the clubs and various student organizations turn out to connect to students and get people involved in the student community. If you love sports but find that you aren't exactly varsity material, give intramural sports a try! These are student run sports teams that compete against each other throughout their season, and there's even a tournament at the end of the season to decide the season's champion. The winner even gets The Shirt to show that he's won! Also, membership to the student rec center is included with tuition, so be sure to make the most out of that and try a class or two at the rec center. No matter your level of physical fitness, the rec center has something for everyone!
Honestly, Western's got a little bit of everything. Despite it's reputation as a granola or hippy school, Western has one of the most diverse campuses in the state. A lot of people here are very athletic and enjoy running up to Mt. Baker to ski or snowboard in the winter, but just as many enjoy biking or hiking on any of the area trails. Also, with Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and Seattle such a short distance away, there's always something to do! Western is a very accepting community and it seems almost impossible not to fit in here!