For prospective UW students interested in environmental studies, here’s some advice based on my experience. First, explore UW’s diverse environmental programs by taking a variety of courses and engaging with faculty. This will help you align your interests with the rich resources available at the university. Second, expand your learning beyond the classroom by joining environmental clubs, pursuing internships, and volunteering in Seattle’s diverse ecosystems. These experiences provide invaluable hands-on learning and networking opportunities.

Third, build relationships with professors and peers who share your passion for environmental stewardship. Their mentorship and collaborative research opportunities can be incredibly enriching. Additionally, maintain a balanced approach to your education. Stay informed about research opportunities and get involved in activities that align with your career goals.

And remember, college is also about having fun and taking care of your mental health. Find a supportive community to share your journey with and enjoy the experience alongside your academic pursuits. UW offers a plethora of pathways and opportunities—embrace them, apply yourself, and stay passionate about your work. This will make your time in the College of the Environment truly special.

My experience at the University of Washington (UW), particularly within the College of the Environment, has been incredibly rewarding. The diverse coursework has given me a solid foundation in environmental science, covering topics from marine biology to climate dynamics. This academic journey has sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping me for future challenges in the field.

Seattle’s location has provided ample opportunities for hands-on learning. Volunteering and participating in field research with local environmental organizations have allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world situations, reinforcing my dedication to environmental stewardship.

The College of the Environment at UW undoubtedly has the kindest, most supportive faculty and community. As a part of the Program on the Environment, I have strengthened my passion for sustainability and environmental action, and the classes are thought-provoking and insightful. Additionally, the environmental studies major is interdisciplinary, allowing me to discover my interests within the field. My advice for prospective students is to take the environmental studies FIG, where you can take ENVIR 100. I met people in my FIG who I am still friends with today, and it is a great way to meet people in your major. Also, join an environmental RSO on campus! It’s a great way to meet other people on campus who are passionate about sustainability. Overall, majoring in environmental studies has helped me learn how to communicate environmental issues to broad audiences, and become a proponent for the environment.

My experience at UW and in the College of the Environment has given me incredible foundational knowledge in the classroom that applies easily in the lab and in the field wherever I go. I could not name a more valuable program that provides such a strong scientific education.

My advice to prospective students is to get connected with your department! Sign up for FIGs, go to socials, networking events, and talk to faculty. Having a sense of community within your field is incredibly important and will set you up for success.

The College of the Environment has given me the opportunity to work on research, explore new passions, and meet many like-minded people. Coming from an arts background, I was initially unsure of what to expect academically and socially when majoring in a scientific field. The College of the Environment has allowed for the dauntingly large university to feel significantly smaller. My advice would be to get involved in clubs and take classes if you have even the slightest interest in them. Some of my most fulfilling experiences have been found this way, including volunteering on the UW Farm. Another piece of advice is to take advantage of the support available. I’ve found professors, especially in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, to be incredibly approachable and happy to help with questions or chat about opportunities available. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I’m happy to help!

The most important advice I would share is that UW has so many opportunities. If you’re passionate about the work you’re doing, there are so many pathways and doors to go through with incredible opportunities at each turn. You gain so much knowledge and so many skills when you apply yourself to different aspects of classes or programs, and meet some very incredible people along the way. So my best advice is to apply to programs, apply yourself, and make sure you’re passionate about what you’re doing because that’s what’s going to make your time in the college of the environment special.

One piece of advice I have for prospective students is to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources the College of the Environment offers. If there is something you are even a bit interested in–be it undergraduate research, an internship, or a class you know nothing about–definitely go for it. Even if you end up realizing it’s not for you, it will give you valuable experience. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for advice! I am now strongly interested in fire ecology because I talked to a professor and other students at the UW and learned more about research and classes related to the topic. The College of the Environment’s professors, advisers, and students are very supportive and willing to help. Through my experience so far, I have gained so much excitement about being at the UW and being part of the College of the Environment, and I hope to share it!

I greatly value my experience at UW because it has provided me with an interdisciplinary education and has many incredible opportunities.

As I began college, I was very uncertain about which major was right for me. With a wide variety of interests, I found myself struggling to choose one. With guidance, I discovered a major which allows me to apply my passion for environmental sustainability using engineering principles — Bioresource Science and Engineering (BSE). I encourage students to reach out to professors, even out of their field of study, to inquire about how they apply their major and any research involvement. A simple email exchange can invite a supportive mentor and many great opportunities — it did for me!

Undergraduate research has been one of the most enriching aspects of my time in the College of the Environment. Working in a lab has given me valuable hands on experience and the ability to gain knowledge from graduate and PhD students working in the field. It is fascinating to see the process and progress of the many projects fellow UW students are developing. Plus, it’s a great way to find out what you are interested in!

Although it is highly imperative to think about the academic adventures of a student’s life within UW and the College of the Environment, it is also important to discuss every other aspect of the college experience. In other words, think of this as the everyday life of students: the location, price, career opportunities, recreational activities, and more. Seattle and Washington boast numerous companies that are prevalent worldwide. In addition, Seattle continues improving its public transportation system, connecting the airport to UW. The unlimited access UPASS offered by UW is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used in four different counties. There are many eclectic neighborhoods of Seattle to be explored with arts and culture at the forefront of many. The cost-of-living in Seattle is quite high, but the minimum wage compensates, reaching $19.97/hr! Throughout the entire year, Washington has many outdoor recreational opportunities from skiing to hiking to swimming to climbing to camping, just to name a few. The professional sports teams of Seattle are all in the heart of the city and are easily accessible via transit. Lastly, Washington hosts a diverse set of ecosystems: forests, mountains, glaciers, coasts, lakes, islands, and the inland shrubsteppe.

Majoring in Environmental Science has allowed me to study what I am passionate about and has opened my eyes to the meaningful contributions that can be made within this field. There are so many opportunities for new experiences, one of these I have really enjoyed is Spring quarter at Friday Harbor Labs. Participating in the ZooBot program has taught me a lot about field research and prospective paths in this area. The College of the Environment is such a welcoming and embracing community that I’m so glad to be a part of. There are so many resources and opportunities to get involved with to learn what you can do with your passions. My advice to prospective students is to take advantage of the variety of courses offered at UW and take what catches your eye. Every course I have taken in the College of the Environment has been a positive experience and expanded knowledge on the environment to include different disciplines. As an out of state student I have really enjoyed exploring Seattle and Washington and finding things to do outdoors. Feel free to reach out to me about my experience in the college of the environment or to chat about fun things to do!

To prospective students interested in studying the environment, my best advice is to go for it! Explore classes that intrigue you, seek guidance from advisors, and remember that it’s okay to explore different paths, even if things don’t go as planned. You don’t have to feel confined to one path; it’s okay to change your mind and explore what interests you. I initially pursued a pre-med major at UW, but after taking a Natural Disasters class, I discovered my passion for working with natural disasters. It was daunting to change my major, but it was a decision I don’t regret. UW offers numerous opportunities for students, so I encourage you to seize every opportunity available to you. Take classes that pique your interest because you’ll always gain valuable insights from any class you take.

My involvement with the UW College of Environment has allowed me to learn about and try new things that I did not know about or didn’t think I would be interested in. Even though I have wanted to study meteorology for a long time, I didn’t think that forecasting in front of the green screen was for me. I then joined the UW Dawgcast (the student forecasting club) and learned to love filming forecast videos. Through my involvement in other College of Environment RSOs such as the American Meteorological Society, I learned about the different career paths I had after graduation. My peers in the club also helped me land a summer internship by recommending programs that they had done and advising me on my application. My advice for prospective students is to find your niche, or if you don’t have one yet, try a few out and see what you enjoy. Also, say yes to things, even if you have reservations. You’ll never know where it will lead you!

Navigating the myriad of opportunities within the College of the Environment can initially feel overwhelming, but fear not – there’s a supportive community ready to guide you through. As you embark on your academic journey, it’s crucial to communicate openly with faculty and staff about your needs and challenges. They possess a wealth of resources, from class relevant info, to affinity groups and opportunities that could be the right for you. Embracing community engagement and exploring campus resources will become an integral part of your growth on campus. Those who have stood where you are today remember what it is like and are eager to support your success and share their wisdom. By cultivating professional connections with advisors, mentors and peers; you will not only be enriching your experience but paving the way to your future success in environmental studies.
If you need some help or a friend on campus- reach out! We can talk; tide pooling, drawing, boats and cryptids!

My experience in the College of the Environment and the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences has shaped me academically and as a person in many ways. I came in as an ESRM student, but I didn’t realize the extent to which I would continue to become more and more passionate about my field of study. The College of the Environment is incredibly interdisciplinary and I have found a variety of new interests that I’m looking forward to exploring further! I appreciate how hands-on the classes are; there are countless projects, labs, and (especially) exciting field trips that have allowed me to see a glimpse into my future as a researcher and professional in the field. These hands-on classes have also led to deeper relationships with my professors and peers. My advice to prospective students is to try as many classes/clubs/activities that you are interested in as possible, you never know who you’ll meet or what experiences you’ll get to enjoy. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

My advice for prospective students is that you do not need to decide on a major right away! If you know you want to study the environment, but you do not know what major is the right fit for you, a great place to start is to take ENVIR 100 your first year. This class can help you learn about different areas of interest within the environmental field. I also recommend taking classes in a few different environment-related disciplines and seeing what fascinates you the most. Another piece of advice is to get involved outside of the classroom as soon as you can! You do not need to wait until later in your college career to get involved in the community. You can volunteer at the biology greenhouse or on the UW Farm. I also recommend participating in clubs and other on-campus initiatives that promote environmental stewardship like SEED and Beautify UW. Do not worry too much about deciding on a major right away, take your time to explore your options and decide what feels right for you.

Coming into UW as an older transfer student was an incredibly daunting experience, especially since I had been out of school entirely for a long time. I was worried I would struggle to find community, to do well in my classes, or to be able to get involved with research like I wanted to. Fortunately for me, the College of the Environment has been a wonderful, welcoming community, and programs like GEODUC and IBIS have allowed me to establish a warm and supportive network of friends both within and without my major. I have gotten involved in research and have plans to do more, and I’m taking advantage of the incredible faculty-led study abroad opportunities UW has on offer. There are so many different avenues of study, both in terms of method and subject, that it’s impossible not to find something to your liking.

Coming to UW as a 27-year-old transfer student, I thought I would feel out of place. I could not have been more wrong! During my first week, I met other non-traditional students like myself in the College of the Environment’s GEODUC Scholars program for transfer students. Since then, I have taken classes, spent hours in Odegaard, and even visited Friday Harbor Labs with those students. There is a community for every type of person, just like there is a major, a mentor, and a lab for every type of person at the College of the Environment. During my time at UW, I have connected with professors that are leading their field, gotten involved in research, excelled in my ochem classes (ask me how!!), and bloomed into my choice to declare Marine Biology as my second major because of the amazing the support and guidance I have found at the College of the Environment. Ask me about undergraduate research, commuting to and from UW, GEODUC, how to connect with that really cool professor you are nervous to talk to, my favorite classes (umm… Arctic Marine Vertebrate Ecology!!), and (seriously!) how to pass ochem with flying colors!

Arriving at UW from out of state seemed very intimidating at first, but studying in the College of Environment has been both a rewarding and motivational experience. It helped me build a great community through unique experiences, my favorite so far being the overnight field trip to Friday Harbor through the FISH 250 class. I’ve grown as a student and friend as I complete my undergrad, and am constantly exposed to new opportunities.
One piece of advice for prospective students is to not be afraid to explore all of the opportunities UW has to offer. Joining clubs, attending College of the Environment events, and connecting with faculty, alumni, and current students have all helped me succeed, and push me out of my comfort zone. With such a big campus, its easy to feel lost, but the many resources the University provides can be a great aid.

It’s going to sound cheesy, but my advice to prospective students would be to follow your heart! One of my biggest struggles coming into college was a feeling of uncertainty about what I wanted to do with my life (fairly common for incoming students!) I loved the PNW, science, and meeting new people, but I wasn’t sure how to combine those interests and felt like I lacked the skills and knowledge to pursue a science-y career. But that’s exactly what the UW is here for! The UW/College of the Environment is going to equip you with the skills you need to become a marine biologist, data analyst, educator, environmental advocate, or whatever else it is that you dream of becoming; the true passion for the work, of course, comes from you. Invest energy in your interests by getting involved with clubs, actively participating in class, and asking many questions (the answer is always no if you don’t ask). You belong here!

When I first started at UW, I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to major in. This indecisiveness combined with difficulty to keep up in my prerequisite STEM classes led me to join an Introductory Oceanography class for my Spring quarter. I was hoping that it would not only count as my “easy” class, but that it could also help gauge my interest in the field as a potential major or career. I fell in love with it immediately! Since joining the College of the Environment, I have been connected with countless opportunities to explore my future in Marine Sciences both academically and professionally. It has made my time at UW so much more worthwhile, and the sense of community that CoE has built makes me feel prepared to take any new challenge on with the support of my classmates and advisors!
To prospective students:
Don’t be afraid to reach out! Adjusting to college life can be difficult, especially if you are still considering whether your major is a right fit for you, or if classes are harder than you expected. Explore your interests, find your support system, and the rest will come in time!

Being a College of the Environment Student at UW is a reminder that I am not alone in my love for our planet! Going into this field can be daunting and being surrounded by peers who are just as passionate as you are is a game-changer. If the Earth is something that you care about, I can’t imagine a better place to study than here. I grew up in out-of-state, where there was a very different atmosphere regarding environmentalism and our responsibility, and so Seattle has been a fantastic opportunity for me. Another benefit of this school and program is how massive it is. I came in thinking I wanted a career in the field and have discovered that I’m much more interested in the policy side due to all the great classes that are offered here. Explore! With this being an open major, you aren’t tied to anything and get to find the path that is best for you.

My time in the College of the Environment has been incredibly impactful. As a non-traditional transfer student who savored my community college experience, my fears of being just a face in a sea of students quickly dissipated upon transferring to the University of Washington. I’ve felt personally supported by faculty, graduate students and advisors throughout my time in the College of the Environment. I have developed strong relationships with peers and mentors by immersing myself in my classes and seeking out affinity groups with shared interests and values. In order to take full advantage of the abundant opportunities the college has to offer, I recommend forming study groups with peers and attending office hours regularly. Above all, be brave! Ask for help when things are difficult because folks want to invest in your success. Please know that there is a place for you here.