Is it better to live on-or off-campus?
— JENNIFER ZAYSHLYY, AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Personally, I like both. They are two completely different experiences that are wonderful in their own way. The residence halls are where I made most of my friends. For the first few weeks of my first year, I was a shut-in, but a second-year resident reached out to me. It didn’t take long for us to become close friends, and he even came to visit me in Hawaii! Typically
juniors and seniors live off-campus and it is great for growing and developing life skills. I used to be afraid of cooking, but now I am the king of curry and sandwiches. You have to start somewhere, right?
How difficult is it to balance your school work and still have a fun college experience?
— ISABELLE MATSON, KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON
Sleep. Fun. Homework. There is a popular misunderstanding that a college student can only choose two at a time, but at SPU I’ve learned how to find a balance. That is why living in the residence halls is so great; they bring the fun experience to you.
What’s your favorite time of the year at SPU and why?
— EMILY GRAYBILL, SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
I like weeks two to five in Autumn Quarter because this is when most floor traditions go down, names are finally starting to
stick in your head, and students in the residence halls go on a weekend trip.
What is a memorable moment from the beginning of the year at SPU?
— DAVIS DELFIN, KENT, WASHINGTON
I lived in the residence halls for three years, and without fail I attended the residence hall retreats at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island. A good chunk of free time was worked into our schedule so that we could get to know our floormates while we explored the awesome World War II artillery post at Fort Casey State Park next door. There is nothing quite like watching the sun go down on Puget Sound while sitting right next to a 20-foot cannon.
What makes an education at SPU stand out from schools that may be bigger, louder, and more well known?
— ANASTASIA KHARITONOVA, FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON
Seattle Pacific University’s education is holistic. What I mean by this is that each moving part at this school works together to help us grow. Faith is an integral part of our learning experience. And, since there are a large number of clubs and leadership positions but fewer students than at a larger school, there is a greater chance that you can get involved in the exact way you desire.
How would you characterize the campus culture in three words?
— BENJAMIN LOVE, PORTLAND, OREGON
Friendly. Diverse. Exciting.
How did you decide on SPU?
— NICOLE HAIRELL, BRIER, WASHINGTON
I visited more than 15 campuses on the West Coast, and I loved the size of this school. I didn’t want to be another number in a lecture hall at another mega-university. I am a relational person, and SPU is the perfect size to meet a lot of people and know that you could see them around campus again.
Do you have questions about university life?