Seattle University
Seattle, WA, USA

Reviews

Seattle University

Kevin from Lacey, WA

a current student here
35 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Excellent Academics. My first year here helped me to grow a great deal intellectually, personally, and spiritually. The core (required classes for all undergrads) may seem too extensive but, believe me, they truly do help to create in you a balanced and well rounded person. Plus you will be opened up to new ideas that you would have never otherwise explored.
Am enjoying being here
This is a complicated question so I will address it in two separate areas: socially and academically.

Socially, I have not had a very great time at Seattle University. Because it is a private Jesuit college, there is a very large population of students from very privileged backgrounds. Being peers with people from wealthy families who went to private school their entire lives is frustrating because their views of what the reality of life is is very limited. Many of them don't work in college (and many more hadn't ever worked before) and for many of these same people school is not their priority. Seattle University students are very caught up in being glamorous rather than focusing on their own growth and benefiting from the great opportunities Seattle U has to offer.

Academically, SU has been great, as described above. The reason I have rated this area as 4 stars is because I believe that, though the social situation at SU is not what I would have wanted, for college academics trump whatever the attitudes and experiences of the students are. In encouraging me to pursue my passion of Social Work, connecting me with the community, and further opening my mind, SU has exceeded my expectations.
Bang for the buck
I know of only one student whose parents literally write him at $12,000 check each quarter for him to attend. Seattle U is very generous in its aid packages. Most students who are very middle-of-the-road as far as criteria for scholarships get around $15,000 in GRANTS from SU (money that does not need to be paid back). Furthermore SU has a huge excess of work-study jobs so these are very easy to find if you get on the search early on. Though SU has not been EASY for me to afford, it has been much more so for me than it would have been at any other private college. In fact, it was cheaper for me than the public University of Washington was.
Tips for prospective students
-Apply for the Sullivan Scholarship (competition to select 9 students to award full-rides to in each incoming class).

-Apply for PLENTY of outside scholarships. Though SU gives generous grants, they have few supplementary scholarships available until students are Juniors. Without outside scholarships, SU would have still been out of reach for me even with their assistance.

-Find a job early, preferably before even moving to Seattle. You will be hurting if you wait until Winter Quarter to work.
Great for these types of students
SU is great for students who are

Passionate: if you know what you are interested in and Seattle U provides a program in it, they will be very helpful in directing and giving you opportunities to expand.

Directed: Students who are driven, actually want to be at college (aren't there just because they're supposed to be) and have goals will find a great resource in the school.

Mature: SU spends a lot of time babying students who have honestly had too much provided to them. Students who enter as adults (in mindset/behavior, not age) will flourish and be independent, leaders, and develop great connections with the great faculty and staff there.

Unconventional: Students who are questioning, challenge the status quo, and desire something other than the typical go to college to make a lot of money path will find encouragement at SU. Seattle University roots its education in opposition to any kind of oppression and will encourage you to pursue whatever you are passionate about regardless of its social acceptability. SU helps to make its students thinkers and challengers to confront the issues of the world, rather than be complacent.

Taylor from Seattle, WA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
It is EASY to learn in a school that has--at the most--32 students in each class. ALL of my teachers were more than willing to help me with homework, essays, and any other questions i may have has

As long as you are willing to do the work (which is mostly reading and a few essays) you will get a lot out of your college experience at Seattle University. There are several places to study and more than enough places to help you succeed in college, such as the Writing Center in the library and the Learning Center in Loyola (the Learning Center has a tutor for almost EVERY subject). No matter what you weakness, Seattle University will do it's best to get you through college!
Am enjoying being here
They have encouraged me to step outside my box and go some things i may not have even tried. i have gone to a few basket ball games, 2 plays at the Seattle Rep Theatre, 3 museum visits and some public readings at Town Hall.

The campus is beautiful! There isn't a spot on campus that isn't designed for the student. Some of my favorite places are the ones I discovered while walking through the smaller parks. There are many places to study as well. After next year the New University library will be completed, not to say that the current library isn't a wonderful resources, because it is.

You are sure to like all of the people. I am a commuter student, and even though i am not living in the dorms i have met a lot of people through the collegia program, which offers places for commuting students to study, have lunch, or just hang out.
Bang for the buck
Seattle University is an expensive school, but they are also very generous with financial awards. Try to get as many scholarships as you can. If you are planning to stay on campus remember that the university offers FREE Room and Board if you decide to become a Resident Assistant after spending at least One year in the dorms. Also remember that scholarships are not limited to high school senior and that there is always a scholarship you qualify for.
Tips for prospective students
Come to the school if you can! You will learn a lot more from being here than looking at the school through your computer screen. Take a campus tour, and talk to some of the student you see on campus. Most of them will be more than happy to talk to you and share there experiences.
Great for these types of students
Any one who...
Wants to be a part of a community
wants to be MORE than just a number at a University
enjoys the city life
is looking for a great, and I mean GREAT college experience

P.S...If your thinking I don't know if i should be going to a Catholic College THINK AGAIN! I'm not religious, and I have yet to feel uncomfortable at Seattle University. They are not going to try to convert you. Only ask you to try new things, take advantage of all opportunities, and learn with an open heart.

Kinsey from Brandon, FL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is challenging, to say the least. A jesuit school, that tries not to impress upon people it's own regilious background (however ethics and theology courses are required in the CORE studies). Overall a good, well-rounded school.
Tips for prospective students
Tip number one: if you are from places like California, Texas, Hawaii, Florida (like me) or any other place in which the hot climate never really changes, be prepared for a culture shock when you hit Washington. There's a reason why they call it the Seattle Freeze.
Tip number two: choose your classes wisely. If you choose a class with a hard or boring professor, or even one you think you won't mesh with, GET OUT. Your GPA WILL suffer. You need to pick classes and a major/minor that you are truely interested, invested, and excited about. Don't try to make it work because I've tried that, and it is almost impossible to fake enthusiam and interest in an academic setting.
Academic Rigor
It is hard for me, I won't deny or try to sugar coat anything. I have friends currently taking the nurse program, and they study night and day. The academics here are challenging, but usually teach you things you want to learn, and will be able to use in the furture. Just choose your classes wisely!
Dorm Life
I personally live off campus, which is a whole other ball game. But I've heard from other classmates and friends that the dorms are pretty laid back. The students here are not the students gone wild that you see with larger universities. More students here are hard workers, and it's evident around the campus and the dorms.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good. It's from BON APPETITE, and tastes sort of like the chef's apprentice's food rather then the chef himself. Expensive, though, if you live off campus like I do and don't have a meal plan. Most students on meal plans usually have left over money and have their friends dine with them the last week of the quarter to use up all of the rest of their plan money (because it doesn't roll over).
What to do for fun
Washington in general is great only because there are lots of outdoor activities to take part in (although not so fun to do so when it is raining). Seattle U's campus is on capital/first hill, which is great because there are lots of different businesses around to shop/eat/play. The campus itself has a brand new gym and library that are also fun to go to because they offer sort of out of the box things like workout dance classes, recreational activities (like hiking/rafting...off campus of course), and a media department of the library that you can record music in (so I've heard).
Campus Safety
Seattle U's location is great because it is in the city, but the city is also alive. There is crime, just like in any other city. However, Seattle U has it's own public safety department complete with officers (some students and others non-student). Overall, its a pretty safe environment on campus. I've been attending school here for two years now, and I haven't had any major brushes with criminals, and I commute back and forth to school everyday.

Dana from Seattle, WA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I would have given 5 stars to this question, but I am an older student and have studied a lot on my own before attending.
Even with that I am having a blast in my classes. The business courses have been wonderful. If you do the work--homework, read--you will have few problems. Professors go out of their way to be helpful and make assignments topical. They often bring in articles, web info, etc that relates to what you are covering.
All professors are major accessible. Home phone numbers and extra office hours are common, even for core courses. Learning Center, and other resources are available if you need help in any topic.
Am enjoying being here
No, I would say I love it! I have lived n Seattle for ten years before attending SU, and not a city person. Through SU I am actually starting to love being in Seattle.
I have gone to some basketball games, a fashion show, two concerts, and other activities. I am a member in several clubs and find new people to meet and hang with almost daily. I am a commuter student and enjoy the collegia. It is a great place to chill between classes, study, or visit with new friends.
I have found new places in Seattle to try and explore through friends on campus. SU has actually made city living fun for a non-city person, a major achievement.
I'm having more fun than my friends that are going to U of Washington.
Bang for the buck
OK so it can be expensive to attend a first tier, private university. However, SU gives many scholarships and grants. Apply to them. All of them. If it weren't for the scholarships I would not be able to attend, but SU offered me a much better aid package then UW. I do have some loans, but it will work out to be less then what it took getting my AA.
There are lots of work study opportunites, and within walking distance there are lots of businesses. So if you need to you can find something. It is worth checking into, both aid and jobs. SU has a great finacial aid office and career center where they will go out of their way to help you. So don't hesitate to ask.
Tips for prospective students
1. Come check out campus.
2. Do a tour--and ask questions.
3. Talk to students--ask for what they like and dislike.
4. Listen--students will tell you honestly what they think.
5. Talk to a professor or two. They are all very approachable.
6. If you can sit in on a class in your program of study. I have seen other students do this, and it can give you an idea of what the work level is like.
7. Look around--SU is by far the most goregous campus I have ever been on.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking for direction. If you are passionate about a topic/cause.
Ready to learn and take action. SU is not great if you want to sit there like a lump.
You want city environment and lots to do. Eager to succeed.

College Freshman from HI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Seattle University is by far a University to honor in its dedication to educating the whole student. Life here is extraordinary and the scene here with the music in Seattle and the city life just astounds you and captivates you beyond your belief. Of course this school can seem, like any other, like it is not for everyone, but it does one amazing job at making you question that.
Tips for prospective students
Students planning to come to Seattle, if they do not already know the place, should very well make sure to plan for an adventure. Seattle University is at the heart of Seattle and does an amazing job of blending in. Make sure you bring comfortable, warm clothes and have a pair of shoes that you don't mind walking everywhere in. The campus is small enough to get around by walking which eliminates the need for any bikes and boards, but it will indeed benefit you. Freshman 15? Seeing as you walk pretty much everywhere you go you may actually be losing 15. A big tip is to be open to the city around you. The city is absolutely amazing and is less than a mile or two away! You can find all the shopping places you need, so you definitely wouldn't need to bring you entire house with you. Although it may be wonderful here the whether is extremely bipolar. One day it may be sunny, and the next it can rain. One year may have snowfall, and the next Seattle decides not to have a White Christmas. Make sure you love the cold when you come here because you will easily start to feel like cool drafts if you haven't already!
Academic Rigor
This University has a very rigorous program for all major fields. With required core classes and a brand new system reinvented to educating the whole person recently established, Seattle University continually seeks to improve the curriculum and makes it quite evident with this recent change. Each class pushes you and makes you strive for the grade worthy of your efforts. Indeed it is a very tough journey, but what journey isn't? The teachers get to know each of you individually and also finds the methods to teach you to best improve your capacity for learning and succeeding. You will be faced with very critical moments in your academic life here, but teachers and staff are ready to guide you along the way making readily accessible office hours to everyone. You truly receive all of what you put into tuition when you go here.
Dorm Life
The dorms are clean and well kept with custodians maintaining the facilities every single day. Yes, every single day. The dorms have more than enough space and each dorm is capable of keeping outside noises to a minimum. The floor itself can be very social if people choose to do so just by keeping their doors open or even posting or writing things on the door/whiteboard that's provided. The school allows you to personalize your room to your liking and allows for individuality. For people who like to sleep versus the nocturnal people, there are quiet hours which are enforced and implemented so that your dreams stay undisturbed and you remain sleeping in peace.
Food and Dining
The food is magnificent. There are so many options of food with consideration of dietary health such as vegan, vegetarian, and so on. For breakfast there is always an omelet station open or a station with the good old bacon, pancakes, sausage, potatoes, and eggs. You could also opt out to make some cereal, makes some toast, or even have some bagels. Fruits are always available and is always made an option. For dinner the services range from pizza, burgers, chinese, sushi, italian, and more! There's also a bistro for coffee and late night bites!
What to do for fun
You could join all the activities that Seattle University has to offer, or just simply go outside and enjoy the city. There are so many places to explore that you can venture off to and possibly find you new favorite spot. Remember, this is Seattle. This city is the center of music and there are always bands playing every single night and it is just a matter of buying tickets and heading out for the concert! It's that simple! There is so much to do within this city that you'd be surprised how overwhelmed you may feel when given all the options.
Bang for the buck
This school may be a Private Institution, but it is purely amazing. Located at the heart of Republic City and with the wonderful atmosphere around it it is very hard not to instantly love this place. You will be able to enjoy all four seasons of the year and find the school does very well to help you celebrate it. The academics are of sole importance because that's what everyone goes to college for, right? Well, Seattle University has a strong connection to all of its Alumnis and upon graduation the school will do its absolute best to help you secure a job and be well on your way.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A wonderful tradition on campus is that every year the Health and Wellness Crew (HAWC) of Seattle University brings in puppies for a week for students just to play and have fun to relieve all the stress built up from homework, activities, and just everything in general! Puppies are amazing picker-uppers!
Great for these types of students
This place is great for many types of students that like the music scene! This is Seattle and it is very hard to stay away from all the wonderful bands that come up every year. This school is also recognized by President Barrack Obama for being a school of excellent sustainability and Seattle University prides this honor. With this, environmentalists are well encouraged and you will absolutely fall in love with this school.
Clubs and Activities
For most Americans who favor football, we are undefeated since 1891 when the school was established. Why? We may be just the best team around, or because we don't have a NCAA football team. If you absolutely need to be at a school where they have football, then this may not be the right school for you unless you are okay with Intramural Flag Football. Other than that, Seattle U has many Division I Athletics and it currently holds a wonderful standing with both men and women's basketball team seeing as they are potential competitors that are seen to make it to the finals of the Western Athletic Conference title. Not to mention all the other wonderful Division I sports such as soccer, tennis, swimming, track, rowing, and more!

For clubs, there are many clubs established which include the largest club on campus, Hawaii Club. If you're from Hawaii, then you definitely will feel welcomed here seeing as there are so many others that know where you come from and there is a club dedicated to keeping your culture alive. There are also other clubs such ones dealing with art, journalism, honor society, community service, and even music. SU has its own student-run radio station known as KSUB and you can listen from anywhere by just logging on the to their website! The school gives many students wonderful opportunities to do whatever it is that they love. You can even create your own club!
Greek Life
Unfortunately, there are no sororities or fraternities.
Campus Safety
Safety is #1 at SU seeing as there are many resources for one to keep safe. The Seattle University Public Safety has connections with the Seattle Police Department so that the school is always updated and every student is sure to be safely returned to the school if anything may arise. There are emergency phones located throughout the entire campus to notify Public Safety if anything at all were to go wrong. Late night snack? No problem. Public Safety has the Night Hawk which sends out officers within a 6 block radius of the school to go and pick you up free of charge. Seattle U emphasizes your safety over all else and takes the worry for you so that you can stroll around campus without having to afraid. Not to mention that they do have alerts if anything were to arise sent directly to your phone which is pretty handy.

Ciera from Seattle, WA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have intellectually grown SO much here. I had always heard that college was extremely difficult and people just had tons of homework but never really learned anything. This isn't the case. I have learned so much and I am only in my second quarter here. Don't be surprised if your professors give you their phone number so you can reach them at anytime.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here so much. It's amazing because you are in the middle of this huge city, but when you are on campus you feel like you are a part of a smaller community and family. Everyone smiles and acknowledges each other on campus. There are always activities that are being put on by SU that are actually really fun!
Bang for the buck
Seattle University is very expensive, but I have to say that it's worth it. It is a great education, and an amazing experience.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard! You only take three classes a quarter, but that's because they are all five credits which means that they are a larger workload than most other schools. All of my classes have been amazing so far though and all of the professors are incredibly accessible for students to talk to.
Great for these types of students
I think this university is great for someone who wants to be a part of a smaller community but at the same time a part of something that is much bigger. If you want to be more than just a number at a school, come to Seattle University. All of my professors know me by name and the largest class I've had was 28 people and the smallest was 12.

Sufia from Mission Viejo, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Seattle University is a wonderful school that not only gives you the tools to succeed academically but also experience tremendous personal growth. The university's focus on social justice allows you to utilize your growth to become a valuable member to the community you live in as well as the global community. The people, professors, and resources all make for an amazing college experience.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved on campus to ensure a great college experience. I joined as many clubs as I could my freshman year and it was an amazing way to meet people who were passionate about the same things as I was.
Academic Rigor
The classes at Seattle University are small and discussion based. Professors push you to participate and attend class regularly. You have to be self sufficient when it comes to deadlines because often times your professor will not remind you! Read the syllabus, study, and stay engaged to ensure success. No classes here are Easy A's
What to do for fun
There is never a shortage of things to do on campus or off when attending Seattle University. Parks, clubs, rallies, protests, concerts, museums, and sports are all things you can participate in to have fun.

KID

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Seattle University is a Jesuit school that is right in the middle of the city. Just because Seattle University is Jesuit does not mean you have to believe in a certain religion. It just means they pride themselves in helping you become a smart graduate, not just a smart student.
Tips for prospective students
There are no tips that can help a student prepare for life at college. No matter how prepared you are to face independent life away form your friends and family, rigorous homework that keeps you up late, and new people, tips will not help you. College is something you have to experience and work at constantly. You can prepare your brain for something, but never your heart. The one thing you should remember is to make new mistakes and learn from them, not always make the same mistakes.
Academic Rigor
In high school I could get straight A's with just the barest amount of studying. In college, however, all that has changed. I have a study desk, a lamp, a drawer full of books, and all the sugary snacks I would need to keep me up all night and I use them all the time. You cannot slack off with the classes here. But just because the classes are hard does not mean you cannot get good grades. The amount of help you get is astonishing. In the library is the tutor center, writing center, and math lab. The professors meet up with you when needed and they even set up their own special study time with tutors that you can attend for free.
Dorm Life
I live in the Campion dorm which is the biggest one with 12 floors. Even if it is so big it can feel small because of the Learning Communities. Based on a survey you are placed on a floor with people who answered their surveys similarly so it is easy to get along with people on your own floor because of your shared interests. There are also plenty of dorm activities happening all the time that get you exploring Seattle and getting to know the people on your floor even better.
Food and Dining
Cherry Street Market which is affectionately nicknamed C-Street is the best place to get a variety of food on campus. It is our main eating area with a bunch of different stations. You can eat pasta, pizza, sushi, burgers, etc. The menu is changed every day so you can enjoy a variety of different foods. There is also a global station that has a lot of ethnic food that I have never heard before, but that taste so good. Also if you are worried that they do not serve rice, but only potatoes because Seattle University is on the mainland, fret not because they have a rice bowl station. If you are vegetarian or vegan there are signs next to the foods that will tell you if they are vegetarian or vegan friendly.

Kea - Lynnae from Green Bay, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Seattle University is an amazing college focused on the holistic approach to teaching. Although it is a bit pricey, the food, small class sizes, and one-on-one time with your professor is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as possible and make sure it is the right choice for you before committing.
Academic Rigor
The beginning is not as difficult because of all the help available. It does become more rigorous as time passes.
Dorm Life
Life in the dorms is great. Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming creating a community based living environment.
Food and Dining
There are many options for vegetarians and vegans which is a major plus and almost everything is homemade. It is easy to eat healthy and be environmentally conscious since the school does compost and recycle.
What to do for fun
There are many activities hosted each week that are free around campus. If, however, one wishes to travel a little farther, Seattle University is located in the perfect position to check out museums, art exhibits, and many other great activities.

Sarah from Bremerton, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is very small, so you meet everyone. It is near downtown, so you are able to be very mobile and independent. The classes are also very interesting and fun.
Tips for prospective students
Honestly, go here if you want a complete education and meet really great people.
Academic Rigor
A lot of the classes are hard, but not to the point that you are destined to fail. You are just going to just have to keep on track and don't fall behind on reading... ever.
Dorm Life
There are always activities and events going on and you really get to meet people.
Food and Dining
There is a large variety to what you can choose from and most of it is amazing.
What to do for fun
You can go anywhere in the city and there is so much to do.
Bang for the buck
It is really expensive and they will bill you for anything.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
None.
Great for these types of students
Students that want a more intimate education, while being able to experience the city and get to know people better.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs and they fit every interest and all of them are well managed.
Greek Life
We don't have Greek Life
Campus Safety
There are emergency phones to contact Public Safety and they will escort you to a safe place. There is also a service called the Night Hawk that will pick you up, if you are within 7 blocks at night. All of the residences have a public safety official at night until early morning and they monitor it for intruders.