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Founded in 1861, before Washington gained statehood, the “Territorial University” (what UW was initially called) had 30 students in its first class and was located in downtown Seattle. The campus later relocated to what is now called the University District, an area in Northeast Seattle. Today, the University of Washington’s U-District campus boasts a student population of over 40,000. Denny Hall, constructed in 1895, was the first building on the new campus in which 200 students took classes. Denny Hall contains the cornerstone of the old “Territorial University,” keeping alive the history of the University of Washington since its very first days. Two hundred and eighteen more buildings have been built and seventeen major schools and colleges now occupy 693 acres of the fondly nicknamed “U-Dub” campus. To learn more about the history of UW, you can trace its development through pictures by visiting:
http://www.washington.edu/home/historical/index.html
The UW’s Seattle campus has a wealth of resources of which you can take advantage. Your student ID allows free entrance into the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and Henry Art Gallery. You can check out books from the 16 libraries’ collections of more than six million volumes. For health and wellness issues, resources and staff at Hall Health can address your concerns. The newly remodeled Intramural Activities Building (IMA) offers access to exercise and fitness facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, treadmills, weight machines, racquetball courts, play fields, and much more.
The UW is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S., but don’t take our word for it—come see for yourself and get acquainted with the campus. Campus walking tours designed by the Office of Admissions are led by UW students who combine knowledge of campus history and architecture with personal experiences. The tours are free and do not require any reservations. They leave from Schmitz Hall, 3rd floor lobby, at these times:
Monday through Friday, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Saturday, 10:30 am (with some exceptions; check the Web site)
Tours usually last 60 to 90 minutes so bring comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella if rain is likely. For more information, visit:
http://admit.washington.edu/Visit/WalkingTour
Because the campus and surrounding areas are so large, it is easy to get lost. Familiarize yourself with a campus map and keep it accessible for quick reference. A simple manner of finding your way is learning landmarks. Check out the campus map and search for specific buildings at:
http://www.washington.edu/home/maps/
We are so pleased that you have chosen the University of Washington for your studies. We wish you a successful and rewarding academic and social experience. Good luck!
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