University of Washington Tacoma
A modern urban campus seamlessly woven into downtown Tacoma, offering a unique academic and exploration experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Experience the campus buzz
University of Washington Tacoma
Best Time
Experience the campus buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern urban campus seamlessly woven into downtown Tacoma, offering a unique academic and exploration experience.
"The campus is aesthetically pleasing and walkable if you’re looking for an urban spot to visit in the downtown area."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or carpooling. :bus:
🚶♀️ Urban Exploration
Great for a walk, even if not a student. Modern buildings blend with history. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Urban Oasis
Downtown Tacoma
A modern campus seamlessly integrated into downtown Tacoma, offering a unique urban learning environment.
Architectural Blend
Campus Grounds
Discover a striking mix of contemporary buildings and historical structures that define the campus aesthetic.
Proximity to Culture
Adjacent to Museums
Conveniently located across from renowned museums and the scenic waterfront, offering cultural enrichment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Urban Campus Vibe
Commuter Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or carpooling. :bus:
🚶♀️ Urban Exploration
Great for a walk, even if not a student. Modern buildings blend with history. :walking:
🚌 Public Transit Access
Conveniently located near buses and light rail for easy commutes. :train2:
📚 Unique Programs
Offers specialized programs, like documentary filmmaking, not found elsewhere. :film_projector:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or carpooling. :bus:
🚶♀️ Urban Exploration
Great for a walk, even if not a student. Modern buildings blend with history. :walking:
🚌 Public Transit Access
Conveniently located near buses and light rail for easy commutes. :train2:
📚 Unique Programs
Offers specialized programs, like documentary filmmaking, not found elsewhere. :film_projector:
🤝 Community Hub
The YMCA Student Center fosters connection and wellness for students. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise UW Tacoma's aesthetically pleasing urban campus, its seamless integration into downtown Tacoma, and its convenient location near museums and public transit. However, some students express dissatisfaction with advising services and administrative processes, suggesting it may be better suited for those who can navigate bureaucracy independently.
"I’m not a student, so I can’t speak much about UW Tacoma. The campus is aesthetically pleasing and walkable if you’re looking for an urban spot to visit in the downtown area. Buses and light rail service are right off-campus. I was disappointed that they replaced a mural that had twulshootseed text on it. Lovely campus overall."
F A
"The campus is very urban and located right in downtown Tacoma, yet the center of campus feels like a quiet park. It's right across the street from famous museums and the water front. There's also convenient transportation, with frequent buses and the light rail running nearby. Although it is sometimes considered a second rate school compared to UW in Seattle, the Tacoma campus offers some unique opportunities and support that cannot be so easily found in Seattle, including an amazing program for aspiring documentary filmmakers. All of the faculty I've interacted with have been kind and generous with their time and knowledge."
Green Deathray
"Most of the reviews here are NOT from students but from people who think the campus is pretty. As a returning student- DONT WASTE YOUR TIME. Advisors are useless, they will tell you that credits expire, when they don't. Transferring take forever and is rigorous, you have to be on everyone to do their jobs. My transcripts sat for a month before I had to ask for them to be reviewed- even though my application was pending due to transcripts.... This college is meant for children who dont work or have lives, not adults returning to further education...."
T Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
UW Tacoma is easily accessible by public transportation. The Sound Transit Link light rail and numerous bus routes stop near campus, making it convenient for commuters. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging and may require payment.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be limited and often requires a fee. Many visitors and students opt for public transit due to the urban location and potential parking difficulties.
The campus is well-served by Sound Transit buses and the Link light rail, providing excellent connectivity to the surrounding Tacoma area and beyond.
Absolutely! The campus is designed to be walkable and integrated into the downtown area, making it a pleasant place for a stroll even if you're not a student.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can easily drop off and pick up passengers at various points around the campus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to visit and walk around the University of Washington Tacoma campus. It's an open urban campus.
As an urban campus integrated into downtown Tacoma, there are no set visiting hours for general public access to the grounds. Buildings may have specific hours.
While there isn't a formal 'tour' for the general public like a traditional campus visit, you can explore the grounds at your leisure. Prospective students can inquire about official campus tours through the admissions office.
There is no admission fee to enter and explore the University of Washington Tacoma campus.
UW Tacoma occasionally hosts public events, lectures, or performances. It's best to check their official website or community event listings for current happenings.
🎫 🏛️ Campus Experience
UW Tacoma has an urban, commuter-heavy feel. While it's a functional campus, it also offers a pleasant environment for walking and enjoying the architecture, especially when school is not in session.
The campus is known for its blend of modern and historic architecture, its integration into downtown Tacoma, and its proximity to cultural attractions like museums and the waterfront.
While the campus itself might have limited dining for visitors, the surrounding downtown Tacoma area offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to explore.
UW Tacoma offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular fields like computer science, social work (MSW), MBA, and nursing (RN to BSN). 
UW Tacoma is a branch campus of the University of Washington. While some reviews suggest it's perceived as secondary to the Seattle campus, it offers unique programs and a distinct urban experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The campus offers great photo opportunities with its modern architecture, the blend of old and new buildings, and its urban setting. The area near the museums and waterfront is also picturesque.
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos on the UW Tacoma campus grounds. It's a popular spot for casual photography due to its aesthetic appeal.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of students and staff.
Architectural photography, urban exploration shots, and general campus life photos are popular. Some students also share outfit-of-the-day posts from campus.
The campus's modern architecture and urban backdrop can make for unique graduation photos. It offers a different aesthetic compared to more traditional university settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you have college-bound students, exploring UW Tacoma could be part of a broader college tour of universities in Washington State. It provides a glimpse into a different style of higher education—an urban, commuter campus—which might resonate with students seeking that environment.
🎓 Prospective Students
+1When considering UW Tacoma admissions, it's important to note that it's a branch campus of the University of Washington. While some reviews suggest a different experience than the Seattle campus, it offers unique opportunities and a supportive environment for its students. Prospective students should research specific programs like UW Tacoma computer science or UW Tacoma nursing to ensure it aligns with their academic goals.
🚶♀️ Urban Explorers & Day-Trippers
Its prime location across from famous museums and near the waterfront adds to its appeal for day-trippers. Combine a campus visit with exploring Tacoma's cultural attractions and waterfront for a well-rounded day. The easy access via public transportation also makes it a convenient stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Academic Programs at UW Tacoma
+2For those interested in specialized fields, UW Tacoma provides programs such as cybersecurity and IT programs, catering to the growing demand in the tech sector. The university is also known for its online degrees and flexible learning options, making it accessible for students who need to balance education with work or other commitments.
Prospective students can find detailed information on UW Tacoma admissions and specific UW Tacoma graduate programs on the university's official website. The application process for various programs, including the UW Tacoma MSW application, is outlined to guide applicants through the necessary steps.
The Urban Campus Experience
The architecture of UW Tacoma is a notable feature, characterized by a striking blend of modern buildings and the preservation of historical structures. This creates a visually dynamic and engaging campus landscape. While it may not offer the quintessential 'campus feel' of a sprawling residential university, it provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for learning and interaction.
Accessibility is a key advantage, with excellent public transportation links via buses and the light rail. This makes it an attractive option for students who prefer not to drive or who live in areas well-served by transit. However, visitors and students who do drive should be prepared for potential parking challenges in the downtown area.
Student Life and Community
New student orientations are a key part of welcoming the latest cohort of Huskies to campus. These events help new students acclimate to campus life, explore available resources, and connect with their peers. This is particularly important for a commuter campus, ensuring that students feel integrated and supported despite not living on-site.
Although the campus is commuter-focused, it offers a different kind of student experience. It's a place where students can access higher education opportunities within their local community, often balancing studies with work and family life. The presence of various student groups and campus activities contributes to a vibrant, albeit different, college atmosphere.
Social
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