Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Seattle

The cost of living in this city in the state of Washington is quite high. For this reason, international students attending one of its institutions, like Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University or Washington University, usually choose to live in shared flats. This type of accommodation allows them to spend less of their student budget on monthly rent, enabling them to enjoy more experiences and activities that enrich the exchange in the city.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Seattle

The following are some of the most prominent pros and cons of living in shared apartments in this American city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Seattle

• By saving on rent, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer, including its museums (the “Museum of Pop Culture” is great!), its monuments, local team matches, gastronomic venues and nightlife.
• You can choose between spare rooms in shared private flats and dormitories. Choose the option that is most convenient for you.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Seattle

• Housing rent in this city is quite high, but if you search in advance you can find some spare rooms at an affordable price.
• You have to check if utility bills are included in the monthly rent since if it is not, you will have to add an extra at the end of each month.

Apps for your international exchange programme in Seattle

There are several apps you can download to make the entire process of your exchange to Seattle as simple as possible. In them, you will find all kinds of information. You can read about the city, and details of the university you are going to, as well as advice from previous students. One of these tips is that you will get used to the grey and rainy climate of the city very quickly. Young people tend to do many activities outdoors or in different places of interest, so you won’t probably have time to get bored.

How to meet people in Seattle?

We brief you on some alternatives you have to meet people in this city in the state of Washington, in addition to sharing moments with your housemates.

Student Associations in Seattle

Higher education institutions have societies and clubs you can join during your stay in the city and according to your hobbies and interests. For example, at the University of Washington, there are more than 900 available, such as anime, movies, bicycles, and gender equality, among others.

Facebook groups for international students in Seattle

Among the groups you will find on this platform are those of universities and other organizations. Some are “Seattle University International Student Center”, “FIUTS International Students”, and “Seattle International Students”.

WhatsApp groups for international students in Seattle

Both students on their own, Facebook groups and student associations, often create WhatsApp groups for spontaneous connection. Take the opportunity to join plans and suggest yours, such as going out to a bar on Capitol Hill, exploring the Arboretum or going to Pike Place Market.

Tips for sharing a student apartment in Seattle

Keep the following recommendations in mind when living in shared apartments in this city in the northwestern United States:

• Did you know that Seattle is called the “emerald city”? This is due to the city's large number of green spaces and surroundings. If you want to take advantage of being outdoors, we suggest you look for a flat with easy access to some parks and areas with vegetation. We also suggest going to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park during your stay!
• Check out where the campus of your university is, to choose an accommodation with a convenient location. Of course, remember that in Seattle you can get around both by bicycle and by public transport, which includes buses, light rail, tram, train and monorail.

Frequently asked questions about a shared apartment in Seattle

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