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Old 11-28-2014, 02:12 AM
 
2 posts, read 2,125 times
Reputation: 10

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Hi guys! I am currently looking at going to UW-Seattle for my undergrad and looking for cheaper housing options than the dorm rooms. I heard that the U-district area can be sketchy and overpriced. I was wondering where I could find safe, cheaper (more affordable) apartments that wouldn't be too far of a commute to campus? I'm planning on just using the upass to use the metro.
Also, any tips for newcomers are welcome Thank you guys so much!
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Old 11-28-2014, 03:51 AM
 
644 posts, read 1,184,820 times
Reputation: 532
You should strongly consider living in the dorms for your first year. If that's not possible, I'd recommend trying to stay in the U-District at all costs. UW is not much of a commuter campus - most of the undergrads live either in the dorms or near the university, especially during the first year or two. Living too far from campus makes it much harder to be involved in extracurricular activities and to meet people in general. You have an entire lifetime ahead of you to try to save money on housing, but you're never going to have as unique an opportunity to meet amazing people whenever you turn the corner at UW. Branching out from the U-District might be a decent option after your freshman year, but it would be a poor choice to move further away before you have a solid social network and a clear idea of what you want out of your college experience.
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Old 11-28-2014, 11:07 AM
 
Location: Durham
660 posts, read 1,003,309 times
Reputation: 521
Default I agree -- sort of!

I 100% agree with this poster -- given that your main reason for not wanting to live in the dorms is economic. I say that because I went to an equally large school as an undergraduate (Penn State) and lived in the dorms ONE semester. I found them too loud to really study or rest, and far too many people "partied" (the bathrooms were so disgusting by Sunday that I went and used a friends).

That said, if you are extroverted (I'm not), want to go a little crazy/party and that kind of thing (I didn't), the dorms might be fine; and schools and dorms at each school tend to be different (I came to find out that my dorm was sort of a "party-dorm"), so do some research if you go that route.

I moved into a studio apartment and was much happier, though it was more expensive.

The cheapest option might be to find an off-campus place with 1-2 roommates -- though I do recommend staying in the U-District and keeping things close, especially your first year.

For what it's worth, I lived in Seattle for 13 years, went to graduate school at Seattle University, and am a professor, so I know campus and student life well. You don't need to LIVE on campus to have a rich college experience, but straying too far from that "world" will diminish your opportunities.

DM me if you want to know more . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by JBVirtuoso View Post
You should strongly consider living in the dorms for your first year. If that's not possible, I'd recommend trying to stay in the U-District at all costs. UW is not much of a commuter campus - most of the undergrads live either in the dorms or near the university, especially during the first year or two. Living too far from campus makes it much harder to be involved in extracurricular activities and to meet people in general. You have an entire lifetime ahead of you to try to save money on housing, but you're never going to have as unique an opportunity to meet amazing people whenever you turn the corner at UW. Branching out from the U-District might be a decent option after your freshman year, but it would be a poor choice to move further away before you have a solid social network and a clear idea of what you want out of your college experience.
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Old 11-28-2014, 12:16 PM
 
31 posts, read 47,507 times
Reputation: 40
I strongly agree with Professor46.......an off-campus place with 1-2 roommates would probably be the optimum solution for you from an economic stand point. You just have to put in the work to search for compatible partners. Other than the U-District, nearby neighborhoods you may want to check out include Eastlake, Walingford, Lake City, Ravenna, Greenlake, Roosevelt.
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Old 11-28-2014, 10:19 PM
 
Location: Independent Republic of Ballard
8,065 posts, read 8,325,306 times
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Well, I doubt any off-campus housing will be cheaper than the dorms. Housing anywhere near UW isn't cheap. Remember that dining is included in the dorm charge - don't underestimate the cost and time involved in shopping for and preparing your own meals. That's time that might be better spent on your studies.
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Old 11-29-2014, 10:08 AM
 
Location: Durham
660 posts, read 1,003,309 times
Reputation: 521
Default True enough, but . . .

. . . have you priced a university meal plan lately?


Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey View Post
Well, I doubt any off-campus housing will be cheaper than the dorms. Housing anywhere near UW isn't cheap. Remember that dining is included in the dorm charge - don't underestimate the cost and time involved in shopping for and preparing your own meals. That's time that might be better spent on your studies.
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Old 12-09-2014, 08:01 PM
 
2 posts, read 2,125 times
Reputation: 10
Thank you guys for all your responses!
Yeah my main reason for not wanting to live in the dorms is economical. However, it would be nice to be able to cook my own meals and have some alone time. I don't know, it would be nice to have the entire college experience, but sometimes I feel like I need to recharge myself from being surrounded by people all the time.
Also, I was wondering what the pros and cons of UW being such a huge campus?
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Old 12-11-2014, 01:51 AM
 
2,064 posts, read 4,426,192 times
Reputation: 1468
I recommend that you live in the dorms for your first year. You will meet a lot more students that way and you will likely find friends that you will room with after your first year if you move out into an apartment. That's what I did in my undergrad at a big school (Berkeley) and I think it was much better than if I had moved into an apartment my first year instead. Dorm life is part of the overall college experience (dorm food, parties, studying, balancing your time, etc.).

I fully understand the need and desire to be smart and frugal with your money but IMO this is a case where you may end up being penny wise and pound foolish.

Just my opinion.
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Old 12-11-2014, 10:37 AM
 
1,359 posts, read 2,474,258 times
Reputation: 1221
I think you should strongly consider renting off-campus with a group of students. This kills two birds with one stone - you will most likely have less expensive accommodations, and you'll have the opportunity to meet people that you may not be exposed to otherwise.

Wallingford, Ravenna, Fremont, and the U-District are natural places to look for a roomshare.
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