Seattle University Top Questions

Being located in the the metropolitan Pacific Northwest means every student in this school is within walking distance to great eateries, great shops, and great local organizations. As a school that really stresses social justice, the community at this school finds ways to make sure that students are aware of what's going on in the world and presents many opportunities for students to be involved.

SU is a really good size. I will leave my dorm to go get food and I'll see people I know and people I don't. Its big enough that there are lot of majors and classes to choose from but small enough to receive individual attention from the faculty and staff. There is a lot of support for students. Each floor has two RAs and one LLC mentor. The dorms each have one Jesuit living there, one minister and one Resident director. There is always someone to lean on if there is an issue. On top of all that, there's a health center, a counseling center, and plenty of other places to get help if you need it. Some things I'd change: Library closes at 6 on fridays! And at 11 or 11:30 other days. There's a twenty four hour computer lab and ready/studying space though. Also the main cafeteria closes at 7:30 on Weeknights and 7 on weekdays. Theres a cafe to get food after that but the menu is limited. Sometimes the wifi isn't that great. A few wifi spots broke down the week before finals one time...not so great. Tuition is expensive because it is a private school. I've heard people say that they will have to leave soon because they are not able to afford it. Tuition is often raised too :( Some people say that have gotten good financial aid, some not. It depends on who you talk to. There are some issues with the school going to Division 1 athletics. A lot of students feel like the school should spend the money on financial aid or academics instead of sports, but again, it depends on who you talk to. Also, the night shuttle/safety service shuts off at midnight and it doesn't go very far of campus. Frustrating, because the surround neighborhoods can be a little sketchy at night. When the library is open, its great! It was just remodeled and it has lots of group and private study spaces. It has a lot of sustainable features too! The school is great with sustainability. New buildings are made with green techniques. The seafood in the cafeteria is mostly sustainable as well. There are recycling, trash, and compost services in every dorm and all around campus. SU is in a great neighborhood. The neighborhood can be kind of sketchy but if you walk around with a few friends it is fine. There are lots of awesome places open late in capitol hill (the neighborhood next to campus). From my dorm it is a ten minute or less walk to shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, parks, grocery stores, bus stops, and a bunch of awesome local businesses. Seattle is pretty good about that! My teachers have all been great, but I hear complaints as well. Overall, I enjoy it here. Seattle is great and the things I would change about the school aren't huge issues.

SU from when I was a freshman and as a senior now, has changed. I remember coming to the small school for the communal aspect; that everyone knew each other... sort of like high school (both the good & bad). However, SU has been on a mission to expand the campus, meaning the freshman size has nearly doubled, dorms are being built on street corners, a BIG push on D1 sports is top-priority, and most notably, class sizes aren't as small as they once were. They're trying to compete with UW and larger schools - to make their name more known. I don't blame them, but I don't think they realize many people come to SU because it ISN'T a well known or populated campus. They need to accept this and learn that it isn't a bad thing. That said, SU's heart is still there and they mean well... the students aren't your typical UW frat boys or girls; everyone has something unique to offer and very welcoming. The teachers & staff (including the dorm's cleaning & lunch ladies) know you by first name. Religion or beliefs aren't pushed on you. There's a group for everyone - the nerds, the jocks, the hipsters, the gays, the partiers (which, btw, SU DOES have - for anyone questioning our party habits; they exist, believe me). So long as you don't come to SU expecting the cliche college experience of frats, auditorium classes, and football tailgates, then you'll fit in fine... it's an overall very laid back & honest campus.

I just started law school at SU. I fully recommend this college for its great resources and great staff who go over and beyond to make sure the students succeed in school and obtain great jobs once they graduate. My first summer I took criminal law with one of the best professors I have ever had, and received workshops on time management, case briefing, exam writing, legal writing, resume writing, interviewing, mentoring, and was invited to many social parties to meet alumni and attorneys in our area. The staff and students really are there for you if you feel you can't handle the pressures of law school and will give you encouragement the whole way. This is a good school! Difficult as it should be, but manageable.

Seattle U is a great size especially given the location. People and places on campus will be familiar and if you need an escape the city provides endless opportunity. That being said students tend to spend lots of time on campus or in local coffee shops. Most recently the biggest controversy has been our move to D-1 athletics. Although this has been a point of contention for many students and faculty. The University has handled it fairly well though open forums and focus groups. Seattle University has a strong focus on social justice and in my experience actively works to achieve its missions of empowering leaders for a just and humane world.

Seattle U is a school that's so committed to their Jesuit mission while at the same time being really open to all religions. They're dedicated to the environment (check out the LEED-certified Student Center or the pesticide-free grounds), social justice and educating the "whole" person. Being near Broadway and downtown makes it conveniently close to city life, but the serenity of the campus is a great place to take classes. The biggest controversy lately on campus has been themed parties and the administration's involvement in off-campus student activities. If there's a criticism of the admin to be found, it's that--students should be able to have their private lives and SU needs to respect that.

The school is losing sight of the all around mission that is stated as the cornerstone of Seattle University. Teachers are not treated with the respect that they should be, specifically adjunct teachers, who are an integral part of the programs that are offered. In the effort of diversity, there are quite a few students accepted into Seattle University that are in way over their heads academically. That being said, many are given scholarships where they are not truly warranted, and others who would utilize and appreciate assistance are left to their own devices. One should not be embraced because of their race, creed, or religion any more than one should be rejected.

The best part of Seattle U is that it is right in the city so there is so much to do, but at the same time when you're on campus you feel like you're in a bubble away from the city. One thing I would change about Seattle U is the ratio of girls to guys. There is about 2 girls to every guy, which is good for the guys and sucks for the girls. If you're a guy, come to Seattle U, you will definitely find a girlfriend. If you're a girl, don't come to college expecting to find a boyfriend. I love that Seattle U is small, all my teachers know my name and encourage me to come speak with them if I'm having issues in their class. It sucks we don't have a football team, but if you want the aspects of a big school that Seattle U doesn't offer you can always just go do them at Udub while still attending Seattle U. When I tell people I go to Seattle they ask me if the rain bothers me, which it really doesn't. I didn't really think it rained all that much actually. Then they ask if I go to a private school, and assume I'm rich. On campus most of my time is spent in my dorm room doing homework or hanging with friends. There is definitely of school pride, but since we don't have a nationally ranked football or basketball team, there's not much to brag about.

There's always stuff to do in Seattle. Most people are quite liberal!!!! Totally sweet!! I love the size of SU and the classes. Most are just about between 20 and 30 people. There's tons of stuff to do on campus as well. Sometimes, you forget that you're in the middle of a big city if you live on campus. Take time to explore. The administration is okay. Not the best, but they will hear you out quite well. One thing I'll always remember about SU: The Senior Streak. eeeeeek.

It's a beautiful place with wonderful people.