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Resources for Settling in


Watch this video to hear why three recent GEMBA alumni think Seattle is ideal for the entire family.

Experience the Northwest quality of life

With a mild climate, a lively arts and culture scene, and a natural environment that attracts visitors from around the world, Seattle has consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States. Seattle combines the benefits of a big city – an international airport, a diverse population and a thriving business community – with the safe family neighborhoods of a smaller town.

Click the following headings for more information about life in Seattle:

The Foster School of Business does not provide housing; however many resources are available to help you find housing during your stay in the Seattle area.

On-Campus Graduate Housing
On-campus housing options for graduate students are plentiful and varied. Singles and families are encouraged to contact Housing & Food Services for information.

Graduate Student Housing Website: https://hfs.uw.edu/Live/Graduate-Student-Apartments
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-543-4059
301 Schmitz Hall

Off-Campus Housing
The Seattle area offers a variety of housing options. The monthly rent costs vary depending on location and the type of housing preferred. Learn more about Seattle neighborhoods.

Additional housing resources:  

The city has an extensive public transit system that provides access to the University of Washington from most neighborhoods. More than 60 bus routes serve the U-District, including many that drive onto the UW campus itself. To find a list of bus routes that serve the various Seattle neighborhoods, click here.

The following links provide more information about Puget Sound Transit agencies. Each agency website will help you find which bus to take to your destination and timetables and maps for specific bus routes.

Seattle is home to many cultural groups and has strong ties to the Pacific Rim nations. The city has a long history of trade with Asian countries and an appreciation for Asian cuisine, art and culture.

Art Walks
Free self-guided tours of local art galleries, studios and museums are available at different days and times throughout each month. Many museums and galleries in Seattle observe “First Thursday” where on the first Thursday of the month, admission is free or discounted.

Chinatown / International District
Learn more about the attractions, news and events in Seattle’s International District.

Seattle Art Museum
Commonly referred to as “SAM” and contains three major facilities – the main museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park.

Seattle International Film Festival
This event is held annually in May-June and is among the top film festivals in North America.

For a current listing of cultural events check the free publications The Stranger or the Seattle Weekly.

Libraries
The Seattle Public Library system offers an abundance of information, activities and services. Many libraries offers free activities including classes and special events for children, teens, adults and English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

Community Centers
Community centers offer a wide variety of activities for kids and families.

Seattle is a gateway to the Pacific and the Cascade Mountains, golfing, bicycling, hiking and kayaking are just a few of the popular recreational activities available in the Seattle area. The city borders Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, providing miles of shoreline and glorious views. Nearby mountains are visited by hikers in the warmer months and snow sport enthusiasts in the winter. The area is also home to excellent golf courses – many of which are open during the mild spring and fall seasons.

Skiing and Snowboarding
Washington ski resorts offer a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

  • Crystal Mountain is located 80 miles from Seattle and offers fantastic views of Mt. Rainier.
  • Stevens Pass is about 80 miles east and slightly north of Seattle.
  • The Summit at Snoqualmie is a network of four ski areas located 50 minutes east of Seattle.
  • Mt. Baker is about a three hour drive from Seattle and is famous for its powder, expert runs and backcountry skiing.

Golf
There are numerous options for golfing in and around Seattle.

Hiking, Walking, and Public Parks
There are over 400 public parks and open areas in the greater Seattle area. For more information visit the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.

Discovery Park is the largest public park and is one of the best places in the city to view birds, marine mammals as well as the Olympic Mountain rage.

The Mountaineers has numerous resources, classes, and activities centered around regional hikes and mountaineering activities.

Seattle is home to several professional sport teams with state-of-the-art stadiums:

Baseball
Commonly referred to as the “M’s” the Seattle Mariners baseball season runs from April to August and games are played in the open-air Safeco Field.

Soccer
The Seattle Sounders soccer season runs from May to mid-September.

Football
The Seattle Seahawks are the Northwest’s only National Football League (NFL) team and their games are played in the 72,000-seat stadium, Qwest Field.

Basketball
Seattle Storm is the women’s professional NBA team.

Hockey
The Seattle Kraken and Seattle Thunderbirds games are played from September to March and the games are lively and well-attended.

The University of Washington games are also popular with locals and are a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Shopping
Shopping can be found all over the city including downtown, the International District, Pike Place and the University District.

Downtown Seattle

Near UW

Eastside

North of Seattle

Restaurants
Seattle is known for its food scene with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and great seafood options.

Restaurant Directory