This is the Seattle U journey for the one who is ready to discover their unique place in the world by taking advantage of all the university and city have to offer. You are prepared to try many paths, knowing that achieving your goal will require tenacity and an open mind.
Everyone—whether they show it or not—finds the transition to college daunting at times. Here’s the good news: Getting lost is part of the process. Finding your way involves venturing out and trying new things. You might join the rowing team where beginners are welcome. Competition not your thing? Consider joining a student club or starting one of your own. Or simply spend a day with a new friend wandering the neighborhood coffee shops, independent bookstores and city parks. Like many students before you, you’ll become more confident as you try new things and discover your unique gifts and interests. Your backpack is waiting to be filled.
It makes sense to explore academic programs and careers before committing to a major. But why go at it alone? The university offers a unique Premajor Studies Program that pairs students with academic advisers who can help identify goals and establish a plan to determine a major by the end of your sophomore year. Part of the journey will involve exploring new courses through the Core Curriculum. The Core is a set of courses all students take that expose you to a range of academic fields including psychology, public administration, communications, computer science and theology, to name a few. You can even learn about chemistry in a “Potions for Muggles” class! Many students stumble upon an interest that leads to their major and, in some cases, a lifelong calling. What will you find when you go to the Core?
In her Fire and Ice Geology seminar, senior Instructor Lyn Gualtieri, PhD, asks students to design their own research questions and conduct geologic fieldwork to answer the questions, “What is the relationship between volcanoes and glaciers and how have these seemingly opposing forces shaped the landscape?”
Braden Sigua, ’20, from Snohomish, Wash., enjoys taking classes outside of his double major in Strategic Communications and Spanish. Here he takes a break from writing his final Philosophy paper.
Physics Professor Mary Alberg, PhD, is a nationally recognized teacher-scholar whose research is in theoretical nuclear and particle physics. Alberg has made collaborative work with undergraduates central to her scholarly life. Her research and mentorship of students receives continuous support from the National Science Foundation.
Nahdia Bell, ’20, a premajor from Federal Way, Wash., takes time to select a major that is right for her. She finds Seattle U’s smaller class size supportive. “That’s how I succeed,” she says.
“Seattle U and particularly the Honors program … taught me how to learn, how to be curious, how to pursue knowledge … and not give up until I had the answers.”
Drew Herdener, ’01 Journalism Global Corporate Communications Vice President, Amazon
Campus involvement can enable you to delve into areas you’re curious about and make friends in the process. With more than 120 student clubs, Seattle U is overflowing with choices. Getting oriented is easy at the Center for Student Involvement, a student-run center that will help you find your fit. Sport Clubs are another way to try something new, like rugby or ultimate disc, or just keep up your tennis game or play baseball with friends. Maybe you are a first-generation student who is trying to navigate college or a military veteran seeking resources. Seattle U’s Outreach Center is your place for support. In the spring, everyone is invited to Quadstock, the university’s live music and arts festival featuring national and local up-and-coming bands.
Seattle U’s spring music mash up has something for everyone. Past performers have included The Thermals, OK Go, Macklemore, Ivan & Alyosha and Saint Motel.
Mark your calendar for the long weekend of Nov. 8-11 and Seattle U’s Homecoming, which is making its fall debut, complete with special events and can’t-miss matchups for men’s basketball and soccer.
Redhawk Madness kicks off the men’s and women’s basketball seasons at SU. Everyone is invited to Redhawk Center for snacks, dancing and some giveaways!
Seattle U’s student-run Dance Marathon supports children’s care and cancer research at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Seattle U’s student-run radio station, KXSU 102.1 FM, has a place for on-air talent as well as program, music and media directors, among other positions.
Putting yourself in unfamiliar situations is a great way to grow and to learn more about what interests you. And, what better way to explore new terrain than via the region’s public transportation system—its buses, streetcar, light rail or ferries? Maybe you’ve covered all the territory you can on foot and want to check out some other areas. Take a ride on the region’s light rail and stop at distinct neighborhoods like Columbia City and the International District. You don’t need a kayak to reach the region’s famous San Juan Islands—simply walk onto one of the ferries downtown and you’re on your way! Hop on a Metro bus and enjoy an afternoon wandering the Olympic Sculpture Park downtown or take a quick bike ride from campus to catch a concert at Neumos. If the mountains are beckoning, there are buses for day hikes or overnight camping. Whether your mode is transit or trail, the path you take is up to you.
Students take in the view at the West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park. The 534-acre park in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood offers miles of walking trails, protected tidal beaches, forests and sand dunes that surround Magnolia Bluff.
“When I was younger I saw Seattle as a place I happened to live in and it didn’t intrigue me much. Coming to the university opened my eyes to how much I appreciate Seattle. I got to experience … how cool it is.”
Naod Sebhat, ’19 Environmental Science
Let Washington state’s fleet of ferries carry you through the islands off the coast. The choices are vast. Care to spend the day biking Bainbridge Island? It’s a short ferry ride from Seattle’s waterfront. If you’re game for an overnight trip, several ferries will take you to the San Juan Islands where sea kayaking, camping and mountain biking are popular.
Pike Place Market is your gateway to the city. Spend the day visiting the market or let it be your entry point to even more. It’s blocks from Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood and the Seattle waterfront.
Accessible by water taxi from downtown Seattle or by bus from campus, Alki Beach in West Seattle is one of the region’s best sandy beaches—right down to its beach volleyball courts, fish and chip restaurants and natural tide pools.
Accounting
At the end of the day, McKenna Jay Mauliola Mau, ’19, hops a Metro bus from his summer internship on Seattle’s waterfront to his Capitol Hill apartment. The Hawaiian native has grown accustomed to his urban lifestyle—from conveniences like the city’s bike share program to opportunities for networking with some of the world’s top companies.
Looking back, Mau is glad he chose Seattle U over the rural university he was also considering his senior year of high school. Then a prospective business student, Mau was banking on Seattle’s international business hub offering more job prospects.
