Finding a Place to Live
Location is Key
First year especially, choose housing close to the campus.
Find a place with easy access to a public transit route for at least the first year (MS) or first two years (PhD).
Students find housing is more affordable with a housemate, especially if you are living in a neighborhood further away from campus.
Seattle Neighborhoods
Seattle is a city of neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality. The following resources will help you navigate.
Findwell.com features a variety of neighborhood blogs.
Google Maps (directions to the Health Sciences building), King County Metro’s Trip Planner and Schedules and Maps allows you to verify if the neighborhood you are choosing has a direct bus to the University.
The OneBusAway app provides real-time and scheduled bus arrival information.
Most of Seattle is very walkable, but you may check walkability scores for specific neighborhoods at Walk Score.
Availability of parking (paid/free lots, garages, street parking) varies depending on the density of the neighborhood. Students without cars can rent a car or use car-sharing services (Zipcar) for trips to areas requiring a car.
Online Resources
UW Housing (includes graduate and family housing)
Ask Around
Staff or students in the program are often the best resource if you are looking for new housing. They will have first-hand knowledge about selecting a great neighborhood, can answer specific questions you may have, and will also have knowledge about bus routes.
Student Advice
“My first year, I picked an apartment in the U District because I wanted a short bus ride or walk from campus and no roommate. This was great because I wanted to spend a lot of time on campus, and the U district has grocery stores within walking distance.”
“In my 2nd and 3rd years, I was happy to live in Sandpoint which was more isolated. I was focusing on my course work and the private laundry was super convenient. Having a roommate also saved me some money on rent. Now I’m rarely going to campus, so living in far west Ballard is great. I have time to do stuff (yay Ballard) and I’m happy to not have a roommate since I’m working at home every day. My rent is high, but it’s worth not being disturbed while I work.”