University of Washington

Save
  • Address
    4014 University Way, U District
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    543 9198

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

Established in 1861, the University of Washington was first built downtown on the site of the present Fairmont Olympic Hotel, moving to its present location along Lake Washington's Union Bay in 1895. Much of the 259-hectare (639-acre) site constituted the grounds of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Dozens of new buildings were constructed for this World's Fair-like gathering.

Today, the university is the largest in the Northwest. Noted programs include law and medicine; it's also highly regarded for computer science and liberal arts. More than half of its students are in graduate programs. The university publishes its own paper, aptly named the Daily. In it, you'll find out about whatever's currently causing angst around campus, details about campus events and U District classifieds.

The university is a lovely, lively place; it is definitely worth touring, especially in spring when bulbs and azaleas paint the verdant campus with brilliant colors. Maps are available from the UW Visitors Information Center. The center also offers free 90-minute campus tours that start at its offices at weekdays.