University of Washington - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Seattle provides a colorful palette of choices, whether it’s places to eat, bars to frequent, neighborhoods to visit, or just something to do on a Saturday evening. Seattleites and tourists alike soak up the rich culture of institutions like the symphony, opera, theater, art museum, and zoo, and Seattle’s surroundings make many outdoor sports and activities a way of life. Whether in the backyard or a car ride away, it’s easy to get away and ski, snowboard, boat, sail, hike, fish, or just stroll. Downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle attract many people, and local events like the Bumbershoot Festival and neighborhood parades and fairs make weekends unique. A Seattle columnist once compared living in Seattle to having a really hot girlfriend who’s always sick. You can bet the analogy resonated well with locals. Seattle’s natural surroundings rival the most magnificent in the country, with Lake Washington sparkling under the Montlake cut, lush Evergreens in every direction, and majestic snow-capped Mt. Rainier looming in the distance. But the semi-constant drizzle of rain often drowns out the beauty all around campus. In fact, during winter months, the view of Mt. Rainier disappears for weeks at a time, and come springtime, Seattleites announce, “the mountain’s out!”

Seattle culture is as inspired as the natural atmosphere surrounding it. A city of many neighborhoods, Seattle offers everything from the colorful Ave. to lush Capitol Hill, to cozy Queen Anne, to ritzy University Village, to bustling downtown Seattle, to zany Broadway. The vibrant-yet-chill Seattle scene threads the diverse group of neighborhoods together, and virtually everyone finds a niche.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere is awesome; it’s a... The atmosphere is awesome; it’s a total college community surrounding the campus, and just a few steps away is the city. There are parks everywhere, so it’s not just some industrial wasteland. It’s a good time, and there’s something for everyone. The local atmosphere is great. It’s a beautiful city, and there are neighborhoods with a lot of attractions close by. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I think the University of... I think the University of Washington is in a prime location. There are so many different places to go, and all are accessible by the metro bus system. You can get to the city, go off for a small lunch in Fremont, or go canoeing on Lake Washington. Even though there are other universities around, it’s mostly UW students, and it’s a great environment to be in. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere is great in... The atmosphere is great in Seattle. There are always things to do at any time of the day. There are several other universities present in Seattle and are about 10 minutes away. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It’s Seattle—what’s not to love?... It’s Seattle—what’s not to love? The city is great to go to regularly, whether to find a job, go shopping, or to enjoy Pike Street Market in the spring time. Of course, don’t go downtown by yourself and get lost at night, like I did one night coming home from work. It was about 10 o’clock at night, raining, and only the strange people were out. I got lost because I took the wrong bus to get home. That was an interesting night, but it all turned out fine—I got home. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Seattle is one of the best... Seattle is one of the best locations to have a college or university. The city life really makes you interact with people and other cultures, as well. There is so much you can do around the campus and the city that a student should never be bored. The transit system can take you to different towns, as well, if you are bored. However, since UW is in a big city, students need to be careful of certain aspects of the area. For example, staying out too late is dangerous, as is not being protective of yourself or your belongings. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Seattle:
• Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is home to the original Starbucks coffee store.
• Dozens and dozens of movies, television shows and commercials have been filmed in the Seattle area, including Sleepless in Seattle, Frasier, War Games, and An Officer and a Gentleman.
• Seattle’s skyline staple, the Space Needle, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, whose theme was “Century 21.”
• Nintendo’s US headquarters is located in Seattle.
• Seattle’s favorite pig, a bronze porker named Rachel who resides in Pike Place Market, is a popular meeting place for friends.

Famous People From Seattle:
William Boeing (Aviator)
Chief Seattle (Suquamish Indian leader; the city’s namesake)
Kurt Cobain (Alternative rocker; music legend)
Fred Couples (Golfer)
Bill Gates (Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation)
Matt Groening (Simpsons creator)
Jimi Hendrix (Rocker; great guitarist)
Bruce Lee (Martial arts expert; film star)
Guthrie McClintic (Theatrical producer and director)
Gypsy Rose Lee (Actress and burlesque entertainer)

Local Slang:
The Needle – The Seattle Space Needle.
Pop – What Seattleites call carbonated drinks. Many Seattleites will argue against those who call it soda.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Emily Sugiyama
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: English/Women's Studies

There's a strong likelihood that Emily will be teaching ESL in Korea next year.

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