Hi, I’m Debbie Chen—UW student, ME major, and international student from China. I remember how hard it was to know what a school was really like before I got here, so I joined SchoolScoops to give you an honest, no-filter look at campus life. We can walk through the engineering buildings, check out the IMA (I swim and figure skate there), find the best coffee spots, or just sit and chat about what it’s like being an international student at UW. It’s your tour—you set the pace. Can’t wait to meet you!

Hometown

Wuhan China

Major(s)

Mechanical Engineering

Minor(s)

Applied Math

Clubs, organizations & involvement

husky badminton husky Swim Club uw figure skating e truck challenge engineering in action uw steel bridge uw new-student program, dawg daze leader

Describe your college experience

Coming to UW as an international student from China was both exciting and overwhelming. The transition wasn't always smooth—navigating a new academic system, adjusting to a different pace of life, and building a community from scratch all took time. But I've found my rhythm through ME classes, swim practices, and figure skating. Those activities ground me and give my week structure. UW is big enough that you can find your people, but you have to be willing to show up and put yourself out there. I'm still figuring things out, but I've learned that's okay—everyone here is, too.

Tip for future students

Get involved early—even if it feels awkward at first. Join a club, try out for a sport, go to that first meeting even if you don't know anyone. It's the fastest way to find your community. Also: don't be afraid to ask for help. Professors, TAs, and upperclassmen are more approachable than you think. And if you're an international student, give yourself grace—it takes time to adjust, and that's normal.

Favorite class

So far, my favorite class has been ENGR 401. I enjoyed it because it challenged me to think differently and made me appreciate how to encourage div in engineering field. It was the kind of class that made me excited to go to lecture, even on days when I was tired.

Career goals

After graduation, I hope to work in robotics, ideally in a role that combines Engineering and human. I'm still exploring specific paths, but I'm drawn to work that is hands-on and collaborative. Long-term, I'd like to stay in the Pacific Northwest—I've grown to love the pace of life here.

Ideal way to spend a free night

A quiet night—grabbing dinner with friends, going for a walk around campus, or just sitting somewhere with a good view and good conversation. I like nights that don't feel rushed, where you can actually be present with the people around you.

High school or secondary school

Wuhan Britain-China school