Located in the north of central Seattle, the University of Washington is a high-ranking national university and one of the oldest institutions on the west coast of America, with a large and attractive city campus. Available to its 45,000 students, there are various clubs, sororities and fraternities in addition to a diverse selection of faculties, ranging from medicine and law to oceanography and the arts. The university repeatedly places in the top 100 in the world and is especially renowned for its research facilities and environmental awareness, including recycling and green energy initiatives.
Visitors to the University of Washington can witness the main sites of the campus, including Drumheller Fountain, Suzzallo Library, Red Square and Denny Hall, and can take guided tours during open days. The Liberal Arts Quadrangle, known as the Quad, is another key attraction, as a central student meeting place and large, open green space, surrounded by beautiful nature and trees. There are over 500 buildings to explore on campus, including more than 26 libraries holding an immense collection of literature, and a 99-metre high tower, looking out over Seattle. One main experience for visitors to enjoy is a University of Washington sports game, which take place in the impressive Husky Stadium, especially as the football team, known as the Huskies, is one of the best in the country.
As it is located in the city of Seattle, visitors can reach the University of Washington via Sea-Tac International Airport, which is only 30 minutes away and has a variety of bus, taxi and shuttle connections to campus. Students can use a U-Pass, allowing free transport services within the city as part of the university sustainability programme, but visitors can also use the metro transit from Seattle city centre. There are various bus routes from downtown, or drivers can reach the university via the main roads to Seattle and stay in the Central Plaza Parking Garage on campus.
Founded in 1861, the history of the university began when Isaac Stevens suggested the establishment of an academic institution in the state of Washington. In 1895, the campus relocated from downtown to its current site and various development projects expanded the university throughout the 20th Century, including the opening of two more campuses.