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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA

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Colleges » By State » Washington » University of Washington-Tacoma Campus » Reviews

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Reviews

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  • 08/27/2009

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    9 out of 9 people found this review useful. 1 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Because it is a newer branch of the University of Washington in Seattle, Tacoma campus is smaller, and more personal. It doesn't have as large classes which enables your professors to work more closely with their students. Its caliber of education requires that you are dedicated to your studies, so don't expect to be able to dawdle about on homework.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would highly recommend visiting the campus and meeting with an advisor. They are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable about the school, and have excellent advice to give those who need a bit of direction. You have a much better chance of being accepted if you apply early in the year, and once in, make sure to register for classes as early as you can.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition for instate residents is very affordable, roughly 7,000 a year for a full time student. They offer a myriad of scholarships, and their financial aid office is especially helpful, although they can be hard to reach the couple months before classes start. They also collaborate with local community colleges to accommodate place-bound students whose classes are not offered at the Tacoma campus.
    Will enjoy being here

    University of Washington-Tacoma has a beautiful campus. Set on a hillside in down town Tacoma, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of sunshine on water as you climb the terraced stairs to class. Speckled throughout with small trees, the grounds are full of places where you can sequester yourself to study that ever present homework!. You are within walking distance of quite a few restaurants and cafes, one of which is located directly on campus.
    Will learn a lot

    I am excited to attend UW Tacoma because I have heard exceptional recommendations about the science faculty which is the program that I am majoring in. The professors require you to work hard and apply yourself and if you want a good grade you can't help but study and learn! Their science program is very strong so if you are looking for that major then your have many wonderful classes to chose from.
  • 11/01/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 2 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Already in the workforce and returning to school Prefer small-school atmosphere
    Tips for prospective students

    Definately consider the University of Washington and the Tacoma campus if you are local. If not a local, you may have a better experience at the Seattle campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Before applying, I spoke to a few job recruiters independent of the school and asked them if a degree from one of the private universities nearby was of any greater value to them on a resume than the University of Washington. Across the board, they agreed that an education from the UW was just as valuable as a private school, and at a fraction of the price!
    Am enjoying being here

    If you want a party school, this is probably not the place for you. If you want a small-school environment with big-school education tools and resources, this is a great place to be. The location is convenient and near many of the attractions Western Washington has to offer.
    Am learning a lot

    The teaching staff at the University of Washington - Tacoma has been top-notch for me so far. I have taken classes in Literature, Mathematics, History, and other varying categories and each professor has delivered an interactive curriculum enabling students to learn both in and out of class.
  • 06/20/2011

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    I would say this school is great for students who do not want to communte to Seattle or do not need to live in a dorn considering there really is not much living on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Well, this is not a private school, so I guess I need to appreciate that it does cost a lot less to attend this school as appose to a private school. Also, I will be paying in state tuition which will save me a lot of money compared to out of state. However, it is very difficult to get scholarships or financial aid. There are very few scholarships to reward students for academic excellence or volunteer work. basically if you are not extremely financial needy you will get no help at all. On top of that, tuition rates are going up starting in the fall.
    Will enjoy being here

    I will enjoy being at this school because I have heard many great things about it from a lot of different people. Everyone loved the small class sizes, the good location and the fact that it is close to home, and that there is more of a closer relationship with the professors since the class sizes are smaller.
    Will learn a lot

    University of Washington is a prestigious school and is known for its academic excellence.
  • 02/03/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    if you life close to campus and are willing to make the commute, this is a great deal because you can save on boarding. my tuition each quarter has been $3,445 or so, but i also got a scholarship so i only pay $2,445 a quarter for full time. in my opinion that's really super awesome, so if you utilize this site and others like it to earn those scholarships, yeah i think this school has a great value.
    What to do for fun

    there is the tacoma art museum right across the street, and a plethora of small shops around which are a blast to explore. plus there are on campus events like movie nights, dances, tie dying, and so much more. personally, for me fun means eating, so if you share a similar passion i suggest reading about food and dining :)
    Food and Dining

    because the campus is right in the middle of thriving tacoma, there are plenty of places to eat. besides the many coffee and snack shops in the school, there is starbucks, subway, taco del mar, and a cute gyro shop very close by. if you're willing to walk just a bit further, there is a hello cupcake (i cannot recommend this highly enough), thai, japanese, pizza and candy shops all within a block of campus. the food is a definite plus!
    Dorm Life

    it's not that dorm life is actually bad, but rather that there are very few dorms to begin with. while most students do commute to the campus, that doesn't mean that there's any shortage of on campus events. students are very social and friendly, and there's always someone new to meet.
    Academic Rigor

    the uw tacoma campus is just as rigorous as the main seattle campus. personally, i've been in college for the past three years, so at this point it doesn't seem all too hard, grant there are those moments with teachers or homework or peers that just makes you want to pull out your hair--but hey that's college. it is comforting to know that my degree is the same as someones who graduated from the main campus, even though it was less competitive to get in.
    Tips for prospective students

    the biggest tip i can give a new student is to take one of the new student tours that they offer. all the buildings where classes are held are actually renovated old store buildings, for example the mattress factory building where you can find the cashier's office, did in fact use to be a mattress factory. many of these buildings are one building with multiple names, so it's important to have an idea of where everything is, otherwise it's all too easy to get lost.
    In three sentences

    the uw tacoma campus is beautiful and unique in that it is right in the heart of tacoma, washington creating a truly urban campus experience. another thing that makes it unique is that it is a commuter campus, meaning that very few students actually live on campus and most students are transfers. one of the things i like best about this school is that you can get a great, highly recognized education, while still getting a small school feel, without actually being secluded.
  • 08/14/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    5 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Everyone can find a place at this school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not be afraid to approach your professors if you have questions, they truly are there to help you with your education. And make use of the peer advisors, they will help get you involved around campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Because of the flexibility of the class schedules, I have been able to live at home and work five days a week, saving money all the while. It is a great opportunity to earn a four-year degree for less money than many other universities, while maintaining the prestige of the University of Washington.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus has a convenient street location amongst small businesses and restaurants which allows for easy access to coffee, snacks, even meals during breaks. The mattress factory is a great hang-out spot which offers TV, pool tables, ping pong and more as entertainment. The peer advisors are great at getting you involved, just be open and you will definitely meet some fantastic people.
    Am learning a lot

    There is a pretty extensive variety of courses available to accommodate many with different interests and intended degrees. The professors are approachable and willing to work outside of class time in order to ensure that every student has the opportunity to get questions answered. I have learned a lot more this past year at the university, than I have in my previous years in other education systems.
  • 08/22/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    6 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who loves being in an interactive environment where their opinions are welcome.
    Tips for prospective students

    The campus is wonderful. What I love most is how friendly the campus environment is, as well as the Professors. The amount of interest they show in the subjects being taught makes it a wonderful place especially for those who are visual learners. It is a university that teaches its students to speak up and become more opinionated and the encouragement of growth is a key factor in the professor’s lessons.
  • 09/02/2011

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    7 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    People that want the smaller town feel but want the opportunities for fun in the city as well. It has lots of fun activities very near by and many out door opportunities!
    Tips for prospective students

    Begin researching early to find out all the requirements, especially for graduate studies, you need a certain GPA and not a lot of college students realize that!
    Bang for the buck

    Totally affordable, especially if you are prior military using the Post 911 GI bill and the yellow ribbon programs!
    Will enjoy being here

    I love Washington, I would suggest for the older student returning to school to live in one of the the local suburbs like University Place or DuPont since downtown Tacoma can smell fishy at times and it's really crowed, If you like the downtown scene then living in the urban environment near the harbor may suit you nicely!
    Will learn a lot

    They have dedicated Autism Centers for advancing research in the cause and treatment of this disorder that are open to the public and offer many needed services for the community while affording it's student hands on real life training.
  • 03/06/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    tuition is not that bad.
    What to do for fun

    ruston way. point defiance. mattress factory is a great hang out
    Food and Dining

    great cafes and resturants in the area.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life is nice. campus is great. students are easy going.
    Academic Rigor

    professors are cool and work you hard. they also are very helpful. there are lots of resources for academic success.
    Tips for prospective students

    check out the school web-site, it has a lot of information about the campus. if you can visit, that would be great.
    In three sentences

    university of washington-tacoma has a beautiful campus. you are within walking distance of quite a few restaurants and cafes, one of which is located directly on campus. tacoma campus is smaller, and more personal.
  • 03/07/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    9 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    campus security is always close at hand.
    Bang for the buck

    uwt has one of the best computer programs in the state, and is much more affordable than other universities in the area.
    What to do for fun

    there is a glass museum across the street from campus, along with the washington state history museum.
    Food and Dining

    there are many different places to eat on and around campus. they range from big restaurants to small cheap walk-in pizzerias. almost any food you could be craving can be found nearby with a great college student price.
    Dorm Life

    uwt is mostly a commuter college, they are planning on adding dorms in the near future, but for now there is a floor of an apartment building used for uwt students. i am a commuter, i don't have any real experience with the uwt dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    the classes in the computer software and engineering program can be very difficult and time consuming.
    Tips for prospective students

    start or join study groups with your classmates, they are very important if you want to succeed in your classes. most professors have office hours, if you have any questions about class, or about jobs in your field of study, talk to them.
    In three sentences

    uwt is an excellent urban university. it has small class sizes, so a one on one with a professor is very easy to do. ideal commuter college for students who have jobs or want to stay close to home.
  • 07/02/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    10 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    I have always felt very safe on this campus. The security staff is very willing to help with any problems if they are able to .
    Bang for the buck

    This school has services that help the entire learning experience, not just the academic one . This school takes active involvement in it's students in the form of the staff that work there and the services offered .
    What to do for fun

    There are a lot of extra activities that enhances campus life as well as student involvement .
    Food and Dining

    There is a large selection of restaurants and cafes for the student to choose from.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are fast paced, however there is ample tutoring and support service offered to help with the coursework
    Tips for prospective students

    This school is a fast paced diverse learning environment.There is a large selection of classes to chooses from, as far a class selection. The extra curricular activities enhance the learning experience at the campus.
    In three sentences

    The Unversity of Washignton was a place where I could learn in a diverse enviorment . The instructors and support staff were helpful in my success at this school. I came into the University as homeless, because I had lost my job. The professors and other staff were extremely helpful in helping me improve my situation for myself and my family.
  • 07/28/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    11 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    One thing I really like about this campus is that it is very safe despite being right in downtown Tacoma, there have not been any security problems since I began and the security officers are always a quick phone call away.
    Food and Dining

    There are many places to eat out here, The Swiss (pub), and The Rock and a few other, smaller cafes.
    Dorm Life

    I personally cannot say anything about the student housing here, but from what I have heard is that the apartments are nice. You either live with one or three other people,each paying $700+/month.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes can be anywhere from easy to difficult based on personal strengths.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you don't plan on living in Tacoma, live north of Tacoma because traffic is horrible going south.
    In three sentences

    UW Tacoma is a nice place to study, right in downtown Tacoma. There is a variety of majors and minors to study and the ratio of faculty to students is helpful in the learning ability. This campus is also easily accessible with I-5 just off campus and the campus itself is not spread over a large area, making it easy to get from place to place.
  • 09/03/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus may be in the third largest city in Washington, but it's also one of the safest. You can have a campus safety officer escort you to your car and the area is pretty lit at night.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are several clubs but not many advertise; therefore you have to take the time to seek out these clubs. It's quite exciting as if you are a part of a secret society once you join, but not really. What's great is that it's fairly easy to create your own club!
    Great for these types of students

    UWT is great for those that have a busy schedule but also want to work in an intimate academic environment in an urban setting.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are some odd but amazing study areas that over look the city. It's really peaceful. It's just a matter of finding those special places.
    Bang for the buck

    Because it is a commuter school, you are really just playing tuition and your books which is definitely a BANG! UWT has a general scholarship application that is considered for several scholarships offered by the school - DOUBLE BANG!
    What to do for fun

    You can take fitness classes during the day and participate in an Open Mic event in the evening. Billiards and ping pong are popular on campus.
    Food and Dining

    There are several places on and nearby campus ranging from $2 pizza to a fancy meal at the Melting Pot. Usually people go to the West Coast Grocery store that is located on campus to buy delicious snacks and deli products.
    Dorm Life

    Because UWT is a commuter school, not many people live on campus. However, there are apartments available for students at Court 17 which can be paid with financial aid. Unfortunately, there aren't any meal plans and only a section of the building is reserved for UWT students.
    Academic Rigor

    Freshmen take part in UWT's core curriculum which is a mixture of different fields of study into interdisciplinary classes. Students get to know their professors and take part in research and service projects.
    Tips for prospective students

    You help make the campus what it is. A lot of people don't realize how much activities goes on, on campus because it is a commuter school. Stay up-to-date with current events.
    In three sentences

    It's a small campus with an urban setting, renovated from historical buildings including a mattress factory and a grocery store. The school is only 22 years old and continuously undergoing change. You can make history!
  • 09/10/2012

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    13 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    They did not have a single incident the entire last year.
    Clubs and Activities

    They have a wide variety of clubs.
    Great for these types of students

    Small school students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus. You won't understand how great the campus is until you take a tour. Itâ??s truly an awesome campus.
    In three sentences

    I've visited the campus and it's beautiful. It has a nice small town feel. All the historical buildings give it a nice feel. The dorms are great there as well. They are apartment styled, but not expensive.
  • 11/06/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    14 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Transfer students, graduate students, students who don't like large campuses, students who like school to be fairly close to home, and students who don't know yet what they want to major in.
    Food and Dining

    A decent amount of places nearby to get food, you just have to know where to look.
    Dorm Life

    I don't actually live in the dorms, but I hear they're nice. Dorms are in an apartment building near the campus.
    Academic Rigor

    I think it depends on what your major is and who your professors are. Some are easier than others and some are harder than others. Either way, hard work will get you good grades.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're interested in environmental science, business, nursing (though you can't enter this program as a freshman), graduate studies, and education then this school is for you. UWT offers a variety of other programs but the ones already listed is what the school is most well known for.
    In three sentences

    The University of Washington-Tacoma is quiet, clean, and small. Students for the most part are friendly as well as the faculty. I give UWT an A-.
  • 12/01/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    15 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    strict police men are always surrounding the area
    What to do for fun

    There are many activity nights and clubs all students and faculties are always ivited
    Tips for prospective students

    always keep track and schedule important dates when assignments are due
    In three sentences

    diverse, friendly, fun
  • 12/28/2012

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    16 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    People who want to feel like the campus is their family.
    What to do for fun

    Glass museum, WA history museum, and art museum right across the street. Campus is right on the bus line, so you can take a trip to Seattle for about $6.
    Dorm Life

    I lived off campus and didn't experience the dorm life. I've heard it was a great experience from others though!
    Tips for prospective students

    Enjoy it :)
    In three sentences

    Small classroom sizes make for great discussions. Feels like a community college. Great professors and staff.
  • 12/29/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    17 of 20

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    I like supporting the sports teams. There are also so many different clubs to join and you can even start your own.
    Food and Dining

    Haven't really ate here
    Dorm Life

    I don't live in the dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    My advice is just try to be ahead on all your work and do not procrastinate.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you never give. You always want to give 110% in anything you do because you will never know the outcome.
    In three sentences

    This is a wonderful Uw campus. If you love a small classroom environment and a more closely related group of students then this is the school for you.
  • 01/27/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    18 of 20

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Haven't had much problems besides the occasional parking ticket. But I guess campus security were doing their jobs.
    Greek Life

    I haven't heard of any frats at UWT, but then again I haven't really looked into it.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a bunch of different clubs available, there'll always be at least one that you'll fancy.
    Great for these types of students

    If you had a rough education background, bad grades, etc. This UWT is a great place to go to if you'd like to start fresh. As long as you're willing to put in the extra effort the curriculum isn't too grueling. Those that like smaller class sizes (as opposed to the Seattle's campuses 300+ students per class) will really like it here.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The school used to be a bunch of businesses. Some buildings still kept their name (ie. The Mattress Factory). Most of the buildings are brick buildings, they look like they came straight from the early 1900s.
    Bang for the buck

    It costs about the same as the Seattle campus, but I think it's worth it for the sake of smaller class sizes.
    What to do for fun

    Tacoma is on of Washington's largest cities, there is always something to do here.
    Food and Dining

    There is a pavilion towards the waterfront with a load different places to eat.
    Dorm Life

    I don't live in a dorm, I really don't know from first hand experience, but from what folks tell me the dorms costs roughly the same as an apartment in downtown Tacoma. It probably isn't a terrible place to live if you're away from home.
    Academic Rigor

    Overall about the same you'd find anywhere else, as long as you put in the effort you'll do fine.
    Tips for prospective students

    Join clubs, meet people, study hard. It's a college experience, enjoy your time here.
    In three sentences

    Although my grades were sub-par throughout high school and my community college years, I managed to get accepted into UW Tacoma, and let me say, I love the school. I would highly recommend it to those students living in the Tacoma area and don't want to drive up to the Seattle every morning. The class sizes are small, roughly 20-30 folks per class, so you'll receive individual attention as well as a better learning experience.
  • 03/11/2013

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    19 of 20

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    They are a lot of lounge bars and close to Museums.
    Food and Dining

    So many places to go and most have student discount. The Harmon is one of my favorites. They have local brews and great happy hour and sometimes live music.
    Dorm Life

    I have heard that they got great dorms
    Academic Rigor

    I'm only researching this school, but I'm sure the academic-wise its going to be challenging.
    Tips for prospective students

    Check with your advisors on applying for scholarships and merit aid. Take a tour of the campus and take a look at surround local business.
    In three sentences

    The campus is beautiful and blends well with the community. This school have a smaller numbers which makes learning more personable. The administrative staff are helpful and provide many resources to help students succeed.
  • 05/15/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    20 of 20

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    There is a ton of museums right across the street. Most of them have student discounts too.
    Food and Dining

    There are so many shops and amenities around. There's Subway, Starbucks, and the Cupcake Shop just to name a few. There's a few classy places up the street like Pacific Grill.
    Dorm Life

    I live up the hill so it's only a 3 minute drive for me. You can find reasonably priced apartments on the Hilltop, but the area isn't comfortable for everybody.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are as challenging as you pick them. Again, the students are a very good resource to help pick classes, along with the advisers.
    Tips for prospective students

    I don't find the enrollment or support that too helpful for new students. The best way to find your way around resources is the other students around you, they have always been amazingly supportive and helpful.
    In three sentences

    It's a good location in downtown Tacoma, and free parking is available if you're willing to walk a block or two (up and downhill). The class sizes are very reasonable, similar to a community college atmosphere. The best thing about it is all the shops and food places that are attached to the buildings.
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