11 tips and tricks every UWT student should know
There are 11 things that I believe every UWT student should know. I wish someone told me them when I first entered college instead of having to discover all these things by myself with only one year left to wreak in all the benefits. So you don’t suffer the same fate, here’s some tips you should know from the get go that will help you not only financially, but mentally as well:
YOUR UW TACOMA DEGREE IS NO DIFFERENT THAN A DEGREE FROM THE SEATTLE CAMPUS. THEY BOTH WILL SAY UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON REGARDLESS OF WHICH CAMPUS YOU ATTENDED.
Don’t sweat it if you didn’t get into UW Seattle, if we’re being completely honest here, many of us didn’t get accepted into the Seattle campus. However, as a UWT student, you are allowed to take classes at the Seattle campus, participate in any of the events and activities they have to offer or any of the various study abroad programs they host.
WEST COAST GROCERY HAS CHEAPER COFFEE THAN STARBUCKS.
$1.88 for a 24 ounce coffee, but let’s not forget the extra 15 percent off when you use your Husky ID. It beats paying $5 at Starbucks which will add up in the long-run.
THERE IS FREE PRINTING IN THE COMPUTER LABS AND CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT — PRINTER AND PAPER ARE BOTH PROVIDED.
No need to bring your own paper to print at one of the printing stations around campus or pay to use the printer at the library. Just head over to one of the computer labs located in Cherry Parkes room 005 or Walsh Garner room 108 if you need to print in black and white. Color printing is available at the Center for Student Involvement inside of the University Y across from Court 17.
YOU CAN CHECK OUT MACBOOKS, DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS, VIDEO CAMERAS AND MUCH MORE FROM THE IT HELPDESK.
Students can checkout media equipment from the IT Helpdesk in WG 108. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis for checkout periods of up to one week. The following equipment is available to checkout: MacBooks, Windows laptops, boom boxes, data projectors, digital SLR cameras, digital still cameras, headphones, laser pointers, lighting kits, microphones, speakers, transcribers, tripods and video cameras.
FREE FOOD AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PANTRY IN DOU 104.
The Pantry provides free supplemental, nutritional and culturally relevant food as well as hygiene items to all UWT students. You can stop by Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or complete a food request form online. There is a limit of 10 food items and three hygiene products per person, per week. There are diapers and baby wipes if you have little ones, as well as donated winter essentials like jackets, gloves, hats, scarves and socks.
CAMPUS SECURITY WILL GIVE YOU A RIDE TO YOUR CAR OR CLASS IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE TO WALK AT NIGHT.
Do you have any night classes that run after 6 p.m.? Feeling a little uncomfortable or scared that your car is parked up the hill in an alley away from campus? No worries. Just call campus security at 253-692-4416, explain your situation and they’ll be more than happy to drive you to your car or Court 17 — student safety is always a priority. Campus security is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
YOU CAN GET AMAZON PRIME FOR FREE WITH YOUR UW EMAIL.
Textbooks can be pretty expensive from the campus bookstore, but fear not. As a student, you are eligible for a free six-month trial of Amazon Prime which can be used to rent and purchase textbooks at lower prices than the bookstore. After the six-month period, it’s only $50 to continue your yearly membership. Amazon Prime includes free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, Prime Wardrobe and more exclusive offers. Just simply sign up through Prime Student with your uw.edu email.
THERE IS FREE 3D PRINTING FOR ALL UWT STUDENTS.
From 3D animal sculptures to phone cases, to chess pieces and smartphone stands, UWT students are allowed to use the campus’ 3D printer. Just no weapons or sexually explicit items. Stop by WG 108 to learn more.
FREE PARKING ON THE SIDE OF AND BEHIND THE UNIVERSITY Y.
Paying for parking can truly be a pain because it eventually all adds up. But there are several free parking spaces around campus, you just need to be quick enough to snatch a spot. In front of the University Y, there is a free two hour limit parking area that can hold around eight cars, as well as free parking on the side of and behind the building without a time restriction. It can fill up pretty quickly, but it’s worth checking when you’re trying to find a place to park.
THE CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT SELLS MOVIE TICKETS FOR A FLAT RATE OF $7.
At the University Y in room 107, the Center for Student Involvement sells movie tickets to participating Cinemark theaters for just $7. These tickets are good for any movie at these participating theaters. Just make sure to bring your student ID with you when you buy your tickets.
UWT STUDENTS GET FREE ADMISSION INTO THE TACOMA ART MUSEUM.
Any day and anytime, UWT students just need to bring their student ID to the front desk at the museum in order to redeem this amazing offer. Students also get an extra 10 percent off on their purchase inside the TAM cafe.
