University of Puget Sound Top Questions

The stereotype is upper-middle class students dressing like hipsters and wearing "Pata-gucci" (a play on the words Patagonia and Gucci), meaning being decked out in those expensive outdoorsy brands, and being obnoxiously over-concerned with issues like the environment. Though this is not a particularly negative image, I would say the reality is in a much more positive light - students at Puget Sound are enthusiasts, and a large number of Puget Sound students are genuinely outdoor enthusiasts whether it be backpacking, rock climbing, or skiing. For example, Puget Sound Outdoors is a very active club on campus with a large membership, proving how actively students pursue their passions in their extra-curriculars. It is hard to find a student involved in only one club or group on campus whether it be Greek Life, student government, club sports, or student-run clubs. The hipster-vibe has much to do with our location in the NW, and really students are just laid-back in general though it is true that they participate in areas of political and environmental activism.

From athletes and artists to bookworms and Greek students, Puget Sound students come in all shapes and sizes. No single stereotype characterizes the student body. My experience has been that most students have multiple interests while also being willing to try new things.

Being a small University, The University of Puget Sound has both large all-encompassing stereotypes and small specific group stereotypes. The larger stereotypes are that all the students here are overachievers, outdoorsy hippie types and can be slow to warm up to new students. I've found that while many students are certainly academically concerned, they tend to be well rounded individuals who are just as interested in fun and community. I have never encountered a student who was not quick to welcome and include me socially, and after transferring from a large state school I can confidently say that the environment here is warm and inclusive. In terms of specific group stereotypes, students seem to be pigeonholed by their peers into different categories. For example, it is a common belief that everyone working at or affiliated with KUPS are hipsters or anyone you meet who is involved in Greek Life is haughty/arrogant. I've found these group stereotypes to be incorrect on almost every occasion. I've met so many fantastic people from all walks of life here and each person is so much more than the groups they are affiliated with.

Being a small University, The University of Puget Sound has both large all-encompassing stereotypes and small specific group stereotypes. The larger stereotypes are that all the students here are overachievers, and slow to warm up to new students. I've found that while many students are certainly academically concerned, they tend to be well rounded individuals who are just as interested in fun and community. I have never encountered a student who was not quick to welcome and include me socially, and after transferring from a large state school I can confidently say that the environment here is warm and inclusive. In terms of specific group stereotypes, students seem to be pigeonholed by their peers into different categories. For example, it is a common belief that everyone working at or affiliated with KUPS are hipsters or anyone you meet who is involved in Greek Life is haughty/arrogant. I've found these group stereotypes to be incorrect on almost every occasion. I've met so many fantastic people from all walks of life here and each person is so much more than the groups they are affiliated with.

A typical Puget Sound student would be one that is academic, involved (both inside the classroom and out), and cares for others. Puget Sound students are often adventurous and love the outdoor. Yet, many Puget Sound students would much prefer to hole up in a Music Building practice room than explore the nearby Olympic Peninsula. Puget Sound offers something for everyone.

The stereotype is upper-middle class, pre-dominantly white students dressing like hipsters and wearing "Pata-gucci" (a play on the words Patagonia and Gucci), meaning being decked out in those expensive outdoorsy brands, and being obnoxiously over-concerned with issues like the environment. Though this is not a particularly negative image, I would spin the reality in a much more positive way - students at Puget Sound are simply enthusiasts, and a large number of Puget Sound students are genuine outdoor enthusiasts whether it be backpacking, rock climbing, or skiing. For example, Puget Sound Outdoors is a very active club on campus with a large membership, proving how actively students pursue their passions in their extra-curriculars. It is hard to find a student involved in only one club or group on campus whether it be Greek Life, student government, club sports, or student-run clubs. The hipster-vibe has much to do with our location in the NW, and really students are just laid-back in general though it is true they are active in areas of political activism and environmental concerns.

The stereotype is upper-middle class, pre-dominantly white students dressing and acting like hipsters and wearing "Pata-gucci" (a play on the words Patagonia and Gucci), meaning being decked out in those expensive outdoorsy brands, and being obnoxiously over-concerned with issues like environment. Though this is not a particularly negative image, I would spin the reality in a much more positive way - students at Puget Sound are simply enthusiasts, and a large number of Puget Sound students are genuine outdoor enthusiasts whether it be backpacking, rock climbing, or skiing. For example, Puget Sound Outdoors is a very active club on campus with a large membership, proving how actively students pursue their passions in their extra-curriculars. It is hard to find a student involved in only one club or group on campus whether it be Greek Life, student government, club sports, or student-run clubs. The hipster-vibe has much to do with our location in the NW, and really students are just laid-back in general though it is true they are active in areas of political activism and environmental concerns.

To put it bluntly, the stereotype is upper-middle class, pre-dominantly white students dressing and acting like hipsters and wearing "Pata-gucci" (a play on the words Patagonia and Gucci), meaning being decked out in those expensive outdoorsy brands, and being sometimes obnoxiously over-concerned with issues such as those in the environment. Though this is not a particularly negative image, I would spin the reality in a much more positive way - students at Puget Sound are simply enthusiasts, and a large number of Puget Sound students are genuine outdoor enthusiasts whether it be backpacking, rock climbing, or skiing. For example, Puget Sound Outdoors is a very active club on campus with a large membership, proving how actively students pursue their passions in their extra-curriculars. It is hard to find a student involved in only one club or group on campus whether it be Greek Life, student government, club sports, or student-run clubs. The hipster-vibe has much to do with our location in the NW, and really students are just laid-back in general though it is true they are active in areas of political activism and environmental concerns.

It's hard to articulate just one stereotype of Puget Sound because we have so many different types of people on campus. Probably the dominant stereotype is that Puget Sound students are outdoorsy, but I think that active is a more accurate description. Many students are involved in sports, whether it be through Puget Sound Outdoors or Varsity Sports or Club sports. We also have many music geeks and a significant LGBT population on campus, and while we have frats and sororities, people involved in Greek Life fall into a wide range of categories.

The stereotype of students here is that everyone is a typical Pacific Northwesterner: lumber jack, outdoorsy, and "hippie". People are incredibly laid back, relaxed, and concerned about present topics including the environment so people assume that falls under this stereotype. I think it is accurate to describe one group of people but is also very limiting. People are much more than that here.