Western Washington University
School info
3.7
Overall Quality
Reputation
3.8
Food
3
Clubs
3.8
Facilities
4
Internet
3.3
Location
4.4
Opportunities
3.7
Safety
3.6
Social
3.6
Happiness
4.1
Basic Information
Location
- Bellingham, WA
Institution Overview
- Public/Private: Public university
- Established: February 24, 1893; 131 years ago (1893-02-24)
- Founder: Phoebe Judson, William R. Moultray, George Judson
Academic information
Degree Courses
- Nearly 200 undergraduate degrees and more than 40 graduate programs
Key Area
- Research in biodiversity and ecological studies
- energy systems and efficiency
- social justice and equity
- interdisciplinary spatial research
- environmental toxicology and chemistry
Student and Staff Numbers
- Students: 14,747 (2022)
- Undergraduates: 13,801 (2022)
- Postgraduates: 947 (2022)
- Academic Staff: 684 full time (2022)
- Administrative Staff: 1,437 (2018)
Notable Alumni
- Ben Gibbard
- Carrie Brownstein
- Hiro Yamamoto
- Mike Duncan
- Julie Larson-Green
10 FAQs about this University fromReddit
Students talk about this school
Good reviews
Overall 5
love this school
Overall 5
It's a great school with fantastic professors who are very great at there jobs.
Overall 4.7
Love this school! If you are looking for more of a low-key school in the woods vibe this is totally the place for you. Good professors, awesome people. While there are always things to do, it isn't a crazy party town. Bellingham is pretty quiet, there are parties but if you're looking for a big school vibe you won't find it here. Very laid back.
Overall 4.5
Western Washington University offers a fantastic educational experience! Its picturesque campus and dedicated professors ensure your success. The only challenge lies in securing off-campus housing that's both affordable and well-maintained, so make sure to conduct thorough in-person research!
Overall 4.3
Bellingham's relatively smaller than where I come from but once you dip your toes in, you'll realize there a lot more going on than at first glance. Love campus (f#ck covid), the rec center is great. The restaurants on campus are fine but the dinning services are lacking (except for breakfast).
Overall 4.2
Great school, design department is awesome, cool campus, nice people, good teachers
Overall 4.2
Great school, incredible location, and good culture if you know where to look
Overall 4.2
It's pretty alright! nothin to write home about but not bad!
Overall 4.2
It’s the perfect sized school where they have lots of great resources and opportunities, especially in research, but not as much of the cost or completion as larger schools. During my time there I was about to work in 2 research labs and hold 3 different jobs related to my field! It’s also a gorgeous campus in a fantastic location!
Overall 4.1
It is super easy to be social here, food is okay definitely could be better. I really enjoy the location a lot it is very pretty and peaceful in Bellingham.
Bad reviews
Overall 1.2
Dont dorm if you are actually going to use the dorm, didnt have hot water or WiFi for months at times, food was absolutely horrible (sometimes not even cooked correctly). Have to wait for good classes because they were only offered in a specific quarter. Horrible news more than you would like. Dont. Just dont.
Overall 1.4
Worthless institution. Only go here if it is your only option. You won't have a social life, most of the professors (except for the ones in the math department) are incompetent, and Bellingham is not a great place at all. The visual appeal of the campus is the only thing this school does right. Avoid.
Overall 1.6
Western's doubling of undergraduate enrollment reflects their lack of emphasis on quality education and would rather fill seats. There are amazing professors but unfortunately many of them aren't valued according to their merit. Other professors seem to fly by the seat of their pants without any motivation for teaching.
Overall 1.8
Western will allow students to be harassed, stalked and assaulted by staff and patrons and does nothing about it because student have no legal rights so legally they do no have to do anything about these cases. Check WWU title IX public records or more detail.
Overall 1.8
Im living on south campus and I suggest to rent an apartment rather than stay here. Its expensive with nothing much to do. I guess you can go hiking if you dodge the homeless people. Im scared of getting mugged every time I leave my room. Also if you dont like anime or gaming you will have a hard time finding friends here. Big thumbs down!!Lol
Overall 1.9
By far the best part about the school is the outdoorsy stuff you can do in your free time like hiking or skiing (Mt. Baker is pretty boring, go to Whistler). But the actual city of Bellingham is very expensive and limited in fun activities. Classes are the same as any other college.
Overall 1.9
WWU is a joke of a school. The professors and admin don't care about the students. Feels like the admin are there to collect a check. I have been given bad advice by academic advisors that has cost me thousands of dollars and needlessly extended my stay. In general students are nice enough but not welcoming. Save your money or go somewhere else.
Overall 1.9
A state school that is really heavily investing in the wrong things like virtue signaling and appearing diverse instead of hiring qualified educators and promoting real career opportunities for graduates.
Overall 1.9
Not the greatest place. Very poor and spotty internet connection. Terrible dining hall food, and expensive to eat out. Few social opportunities and bad infrastructure. Quite average for a state school and gives you the education you might need. Nothing to write home about, but if you're looking for a good social life, it's not for you.
Overall 2
Western is just not a school for anyone wanting to move beyond Washington state. The opportunities that you get from attending are minimal if any, and no careers care about the degree from Western. The campus is small and uninteresting, the only plus is if youre into hiking in the rain, then this is the place for you. Wish I went elsewhere.