Western Washington University Top Questions

The stereo type of my school is that everyone is a stoner. I do not feel this is true because many people I know do not associate with drug-related activities. I know some people who smoke marijuana, but the majority of my friends don't.

The stereotype of our school is that we are a bunch of hippies, hipsters, and stoners who aren't as serious about school as they ought to be. While there certainly is a large contingent fitting this stereotype there is an equally large if not larger group who are serious about their school as well as their personal life.

Many outsiders think Western students are hippies- wrong! In fact, many students are "normal" just like you. Most people do not walk around without shoes or eat berries off of campus bushes. However, this can be seen on a weekly basis, especially when the weather permits.

At WWU, everyone exemplifies the laid back attitude of just being chill and relaxed. People here are very open to everyone and you get an awesome sense of community here. Yes we do have the common stereotype of being hippy (ex: some kids do walk around barefoot everywhere here and we are big on being enviromental friendly and buying things locally).

But that isn't true. There are people from all over the world that go to Western. There are also different types of students.

Well... the first thing that comes to mind is: stoners. Everyone seems to think that Western is full of hippies and pot-smoking students! While this stereotype is not completely true, Western students will tell you that they see many students running around barefoot, students who are very conscious about recycling and the environment, and lots of outdoor activities going on like hiking and kayaking. These are sometimes referred to as "hippy" activities, which is probably where the stoner stereotype came from. Of course there are people who smoke weed at Western - EVERY college has students that smoke weed!! But to say that stoners make up a majority of Western's population would be wildly incorrect from my experience at the school. Honestly though, the students at Western are generally incredible people. I have had friends visit from UW and WSU, and they are just amazed at how many people smile at you and say hi when they walk by. I thought this was normal... haha. But I never really thought about it until then, and I certainly don't take it for granted anymore! Students seem to be so friendly here, and it makes Western feel so comfortable and safe. I really don't think I have anything bad to say about the students here. We don't have many "jocks," certainly no "frat kids" since we don't have a greek system... everything is pretty relaxed. Many describe Western students simply as "chill" - very easy-going and carefree.

Well... the first thing that comes to mind is: stoners. Everyone seems to think that Western is full of hippies and pot-smoking students! While this stereotype is not completely true, Western students will tell you that they see many students running around barefoot, students who are very conscious about recycling and the environment, and lots of outdoor activities going on like hiking and kayaking. These are sometimes referred to as "hippy" activities, which is probably where the stoner stereotype came from. Of course there are people who smoke weed at Western - EVERY college has students that smoke weed!! But to say that stoners make up a majority of Western's population would be wildly incorrect from my experience at the school. Honestly though, the students at Western are generally incredible people. I have had friends visit from UW and WSU, and they are just amazed at how many people smile at you and say hi when they walk by. I thought this was normal... haha. But I never really thought about it until then, and I certainly don't take it for granted anymore! Students seem to be so friendly here, and it makes Western feel so comfortable and safe. I really don't think I have anything bad to say about the students here. We don't have many "jocks," certainly no "frat kids" since we don't have a greek system... everything is pretty relaxed. Many describe Western students simply as "chill" - very easy-going and carefree.