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Housing & Food Services

Perks & Recreation

Area 01, The 8, The Mill and Fitness Center West

Our team has designed spaces that aim to offer everyone a little something different. Whether you are a student that lives on-campus or commutes, we look forward to working with you to create something new while you find community!  

Locations offer a variety of labs and engagements such as: 

  • laser engraving  
  • sound recording 
  • variety of study/community spaces  
  • 60+ workshops per quarter like 3D printing and embroidery  
  • fitness classes 
  • and more! 

The Perks & Rec spaces were created to both support students holistically and academically, but also to help build a sense of belonging. We enhance the UW community by offering a variety of memberships, immersive learning opportunities and spaces to enjoy.

Creative community centers & makerspaces  

UW has three total makerspaces, two of which are located within community centers. One other, The MILL, is a standalone makerspace.

A laptop with a sticker reading "the mill" in front of students.

The MILL Makerspace

Hands-on makerspace with workshops and classes of all sorts offered throughout the academic year. 

Location: McCarty Hall |  (206) 616-1162

Students working with hand tools in The 8.

The 8 Community Center

Features a study lounge, game area and makerspace, all-in-one. There's a little something for everyone.  

Location: McMahon Hall  |  (206) 685-7612

Students playing ping pong while a group of students watch in Area 01.

Area 01 Community Center

Community space housing sound, image and game labs as well as the Dabble Lab makerspace. 

Location: Maple Hall  |  (206) 616-9666

Students using exercise equipment in Fitness Center West.

Fitness Center West

Large fitness facility offering cardio equipment, free weights, strength equipment, yoga, Zumba and meditation classes.  

Location: Elm Hall  |  (206) 685-2260

Our spaces can be enjoyed by:

I am a… Area 01 FCW The 8 The Mill
On-campus HFS resident FREE FREE FREE FREE
UW Student, non-HFS resident User Fee* No Access FREE FREE
UW faculty User Fee* No Access User Fee* User Fee*
UW conference guests User Fee* FREE No Access

No Access
UW alumni No Access No Access No Access No Access
Unaffiliated with UW No Access No Access No Access

No Access

* User fees are as follows: $15/Day Pass, $25/Quarterly Membership, $40/Summer Membership and Conference Guest membership to Area 01 Dabble Lab, Sound Lab and Image Lab. Conference guests have free access to the Area 01 Game Lab.

Before your first visit

Complete the Training Quiz.

 

 

 

For students not living in campus housing please read and sign our User Agreement.

For all students living on campus, you are automatically approved when signing your housing agreement.

Students doing yoga with Dubs in a studio in Fitness Center West

Workshops and classes

Experience a world of possibilities with our workshops and classes! Dive into over 60 dynamic opportunities each quarter, including exciting options like 3D printing and embroidery, along with invigorating fitness classes, uncovering a realm of possibilities. 

Group of four women working on a device with wires for their bio engineering capstone project.

Emerging Leaders in Engineering Application

Gain real-world engineering experience while receiving academic credit and scholarship funds! Apply by January 20, 2025 to become an Engineering Ambassador, Engineering Design Coach or Engineering Peer Educator.

West Campus tour guide in Area 01 game lab

Take a tour

Join us for a West Campus Residential Life Tour by signing up on the UW Office of Admissions tour page. Looking for a more specialized tour? Complete the survey, by clicking the button below, to let us know what you are interested in and we’ll get back to you shortly.

We are here for you

Perks & Recreation was created to support students academically and holistically, while also working to help build a sense of belonging.

To support students academically.

Many of our spaces have a direct academic focus. Through our equipment, learning workshops and programs, we provide students with access to equipment and information that will help them succeed academically. We also host classes and academic courses in our spaces.

To take care of students holistically.

There is an emphasis on recreation in our spaces (physical fitness, learning workshops, fun events/programming). As a result, students' physical and mental health is supported, which ultimately benefits their academic performance.

To help students build a sense of belonging on campus.

Amenities spaces provide opportunities for students to connect with one another and for connections over shared interests as well as to discover new interests together. Several studies show that students who feel connected to campus and make connections with others have a higher likelihood of persisting to graduation.

Meet the Assistant Director of Amenities

Man in gray sweater smiling

Patrick Heneghan

Residence Education Specialist
(206) 616-4138 / heneghp@uw.edu

Patrick has worked at the UW since 2017 and has served in various roles within HFS. Patrick earned his BA in Psychology with a minor in English and Film studies, from Western Washington University and his M.Ed in Student Affairs Administrations from Western Washington University. Patrick oversees the operations of Area 01 and Fitness Center West.

Get inspired follow us on Instagram!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Perks & Recreation (@hfsperks) • Instagram photos and videos

Questions? Contact hfsperks@uw.edu. We are happy to help!