Living in Seattle

Seattle is the 4th most walkable city in the US, with reliable public transit. Living here is a breeze with or without a personal vehicle.

On-campus housing for graduate students is available just a few steps from classes, perfect for both international and domestic students.

Most students live in neighborhoods near the University of Washington campus, including:

• University District
• Ravenna
• Capitol Hill
• Roosevelt

These neighborhoods offer easy access to campus via public transportation and are great hubs for both professional and personal life in Seattle.

The light rail system, known as the Link, runs from the airport in the south all the way to northern suburbs, with two stops at the University of Washington campus. King County Metro buses also traverse the campus, ready to take you anywhere you need in the Greater Seattle Area. 

Our Students’ Favorite Things To Do

While Seattle is famous for coffee and the rain, here’s what else students in our program love to do when they aren’t in class.

Coffee, Tea, & What to Eat 

“I love cafe hopping (some favs: Ben’s Bread, Temple Pastries, 9th and Hennepin Donuts).”

Mihye Chung, MCCN Cohort 2023

You’ll have no trouble finding something amazing to eat or drink whether on campus or exploring Seattle.

Enjoy a beverage at a locally-owned cafe or restaurant in the University District which has countless eating options. Explore further with international cuisine in the International District, Capitol Hill, or Columbia City.

Sports 

“I love going to Mariners games with my friends when it’s warm out!”

Amanda Chou, MCCN Cohort 22

Don’t miss out on Seattle’s major sports teams:

• Seahawks Football
• Mariners Baseball
• Sounders FC Men’s Soccer
• Reign Women’s Soccer
• Storm Women’s Basketball
• Kraken Hockey

The University of Washington is part of the Big 10 sports conference. You’ll have lots of chances to see the Huskies play! 

Farmer’s Markets 

“Walk around the Fremont Farmer’s Market.”

Paige Batteiger, MCDM Cohort 2023

Seattle hosts many farmer’s markets with weekend pop-ups in the University District, Fremont, and Ballard. You can also get local products year-round at the Pike Place Market.

Parks & Recreation 

“Favorite places to take walks are Lake Union Loop, Burke Gilman Trail, and around Green Lake.”

Nayeli Lopez, MCDM Cohort 2022

The UW campus is a natural wonder in its own right. But nearby you’ll find Ravenna Park, Lake Union and the Arboretum, featuring a world-renowned Japanese garden.  

Go a little further afield and you’ll find yourself hiking in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains or kayaking in Lake Washington. You can even take the ferry to Bainbridge or Whidbey Islands to enjoy a view of Puget Sound.

Tourism 

“It’s okay to be a tourist, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market are fun.”

Jacob Christensen, MCDM Cohort 2015

The Seattle Center hosts the Space Needle, Chihuly Glass Garden, and the Seattle Center Armory.

Pike Place Market has the original Starbucks coffee shop, fresh produce and local products, restaurants and pubs, and easy access to the waterfront and outdoor sculpture garden.

Follow our Instagram to see our students having fun across the city!