Academics
Armed with a “beautiful campus” and “excellent academics,” the University of Puget Sound is a great option for anyone hoping to study in the Pacific Northwest. The school provides students with “an amazing support system” and truly strives to “help them [meet] their goal[s] in whatever capacity necessary.” Academically, undergrads here are especially quick to highlight Puget Sound’s “great arts programs, whether [in] English, music, or theater.” They also applaud the fact that there are ample “project-based learning opportunities such as relevant work study [and] summer research for all majors and interests.” Additionally, students benefit from small class sizes, which lead to plenty of “open discussion and interactive engagement with the course material.” This also allows undergrads to develop “close student-professor relationships.” And speaking of professors, they work hard to ensure their classes are “challenging” yet “accessible.” Importantly, “they have open office hours that all students are encouraged to attend, and there is no shame in [doing so].” As one grateful student sums up, “Professors are genuinely excited to make time for students in their schedule for advice, homework help, or even just sharing a coffee. The level of concern of the professors for undergraduate education is almost unmatched.”
Student Body
At first glance, the University of Puget Sound’s student body appears “fairly homogenous.” After all, most undergrads come from “white middle-class families along the West Coast.” However, the school is making strides to become “more diverse,” especially “in terms of gender expression and sexuality.” What’s more, Puget Sound students are “not afraid to voice their [opinions or] their views [on] everything from political to social issues.” In turn, students also caution that “more conservative views can [either] fall on deaf ears [or] can be met with a strong argument.” However, others quickly assert that no matter your background or leanings, Puget Sound students are “open and welcoming to all.” As one undergrad shares, “[Students are] not just nice in passing, but they have depth and consideration; when you run into someone in a café and [make] small talk, it doesn’t feel surface level.” This makes for a “general vibe … [that is] laid back.” Students also tend to describe their classmates as “unique,” “adventurous,” and “passionate” people who maintain a strong “desire for new experiences.” Of course, if you’re looking to easily pinpoint these undergrads, you’d simply say that the “typical [Puget Sound] student loves the outdoors, is a critical thinker, and knows what makes a good raincoat.”
Campus Life
It’s no secret that undergrads at Puget Sound are “very dedicated to their studies.” In fact, “most students have a fun time studying in [the] two different cafés on campus.” Of course, even these dedicated scholars need to kick back, so they frequently take advantage of the various “performances, talks, or events going on almost every week.” Additionally, many students flock to “the athletic center to get in a workout, attend a dance class, or rock climb.” A good number also participate in “at least one club or are [involved] in Greek life.” Puget Sound undergrads report that “on any given Friday night you can find a party” to attend. No need to worry if that’s not your scene. Students here are an “outdoorsy” lot, and when the weekend rolls around, many of them can be found “hiking, skiing, kayaking” or “[taking] camping trips to the Olympic Peninsula or out to Eastern Washington.” People are also just as happy to stay local and explore all that the surrounding area has to offer including “the Bridge of Glass, Point Defiance park, and the Puget Sound waterfront.”
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