Hello Again, everyone! ANOTHER SESSION WITH ME ! As promised, this post will be about tips living as a student around Seattle. Before we dive in, let’s get to know a bit about the city. Seattle, located on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, with thousands of acres of parkland. It offers a unique blend of urban life and nature.
Okay, so first of all, budgeting can be challenging in Seattle, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time here without breaking the bank. Let’s go through some tips that’ll be especially helpful if you’re a student at the University of Washington. This is how I’ll break it down:
Public Transportation
Seattle’s transportation system is a solid option for getting around, especially if you’re a UW student with a Husky Card. This student ID card is a game-changer because it grants free access to most public transit systems, including buses, the Light Rail. The only exception is Washington State Ferries, which aren’t covered, but they’re still worth checking out for city views.
PS: delays do happen, particularly around the busy UW campus, so prepare a little extra time to get where you’re going.
My Take on the Dining Hall Here
For the food! Most restaurants in Seattle charge around $10+ per meal, excluding tax and tip. The dining hall food is decent, though it can get repetitive. If you’re okay with that, It’s cheaper than eating out, depending on how many portions you eat since the portions can be pretty small. I find the Asian options in the dining hall to be a bit soggy, although the Western dishes are alright. Personally, I eat a lot of instant ramen 😢.
Seattle’s Starbucks locations have a broader selection than you might find elsewhere, with more creative flavors, and you’ll see them everywhere around campus. A few combinations that are my favorite right now are iced latte with vanilla cold foam on top, and matcha latte with a strawberry pump, with or without vanilla cold foam.
Cooking your own meals is the cheapest option, and every residence hall, except McMahon, do offers a shared kitchen—this is something to consider when choosing where to stay.
Outdoor Activities
Seattle has endless options to enjoy both nature and city life. Hiking is huge here, although it’s not really my thing. However, I’ve heard from friends that places like Mount Rainier, Rachel Lake, and Rattlesnake Ridge are must-visit spots.
Since I’m here for the autumn quarter, I’ve experienced a lot of rainy days. But don’t worry—the rain here is usually a light drizzle rather than a heavy downpour, and it’s not as windy as Auckland. Still, remember to bring a raincoat or umbrella, especially if you’re visiting in autumn or winter.
If you want to experience the best weather, summer is the ideal time to visit Seattle. For anyone who loves adventure and hiking, it’s a dream destination.
Pictures from my friends!
Place to Shop
Here are my top picks for places to shop.
Downtown Seattle:
Take the rail train three stops from the U-District station, and you’ll arrive in Downtown Seattle. This area has it all—cuisines from around the world, shopping, and sightseeing.
- Uniqlo & Sephora: Perfect for those who want to stay ahead of makeup trends (since New Zealand usually gets trends a bit late).
- Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack: Nordstrom Rack is like an outlet store with brand-name items at discounted prices. While it’s not super cheap, it offers great deals. The regular Nordstrom store carries luxury high-end brands like Bottega Veneta, Chanel, and more.
University Village (U-Village):
Just next to campus, U-Village offers a mix of local brands like Gap and Banana Republic. The food here is good, though slightly pricey.
The Fremont Sunday Street Market
Has some great options for thrifting, plus a lot of jewelry. I even got my pinky rings there—love it!
Ross and TJ Maxx
Although these stores are a bit farther from campus, they’re great for affordable finds.
UW Surplus:
If you’re looking for furniture, electronics, or even clothes on a budget, UW Surplus is a hidden gem. Everything here is super affordable, though with limited options, so don’t forget to check it out!
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new country isn’t easy—you have to build new friendships, adjust to a different lifestyle, and adapt to a new academic environment. This is how I deal with the struggle:
- Join clubs and events: Making friends can be tough, especially when everyone rushes off after lectures. Most of my friendships started through campus events, so I highly recommend getting involved.
- Pace yourself: UW follows a quarter system, so the academic schedule can feel fast-paced. Make sure to balance your studies with some fun.
- Presentation skills are important: If you’re studying business, be prepared—presentations are a big deal here.
Thank you all for reading! I hope this blog was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram (@curlie_e04) or via email (ynit693@aucklanduni.ac.nz). Best of luck, everyone! I’ll see you again.
“In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed.”
― Sid Caesar