Experience in Seattle, United States by Elisa

What is it like to live in Seattle? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I love Seattle. I grew up in Olympia (1. 5 hrs south of Seattle) and I decided to live in Seattle after I got my Bachelors degree.

I am currently getting my Masters in Europe, but I know one day I will go back to Seattle.

What is the student lifestyle like in Seattle?

It's amazing. Because of the University of Washington, there are great parties, food prices, activities, and concerts.

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How much does it cost to live in Seattle?

My rent was $500 a month (including everything). I lived in a house with 3 roommates in Leschi.

It completely depends on which area of Seattle you live in though.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Seattle? Is there any advice you can give?

It's not that difficult. If you live near the University, you'll be in the "party bro zone. "

Capitol Hill is one of the most popular and expensive places to live, but you can always find the exception.

Magnolia is for families and suuuper rich people.

Greenwood, Greenlake, Wallingford, Fremont, Ballard and Ravenna are all perfect places to live. They each have their own little community, "main street", amazing restaurants, and farmers markets. When I go back to Seattle, I definitely want to live in one of these neighborhoods.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is great. You can always find both extremes: super healthy and delicious or super bad for you and delicious.

But the best part is, there is also the option of getting something that's "bad" for you, but high quality... like all of the amaaaazing artsy and creative doughnut and/or cupcake shops. It's scary.

There's also a really good asian food scene.

What places would you recommend visiting in Seattle?

All of the parks (volunteer park, discover park, carkeek park, the arboretum). Please go to a Whole Foods or PCC, get picnic foods, and go explore a park. The scenery is so breathtaking and I miss it so much.

A ferry ride is cheap and also a great place for a picnic.

Seattle Art Museum has free days (I think first Thursday of each month? )

University of Washington Campus is gorgeous....especially in the spring time.

Of course: Pike Place market. Please use this opportunity to do some intense strolling!

Ballard Farmers Market. It's similar to Pike Place, but WAY less tourists. Everyone has their dogs, and there's usually live music. Ballard is such a wonderful place. I highly urge you to explore it.

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Is it good to eat out in Seattle? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Farmers Markets are wonderful places to find a meal (ballard, university district, wallingford) There are always stands with someone cooking pizza in a clay oven... or sandwiches.... or wonderful baked goods.

Best for last:

First of all: the food is local and organic. Second of all: there's a topping bar. You get your stack of pancakes or waffles or french toast, then you go load up on homemade whip cream, strawberries, blackberry sauce, chocolate sauce, nuts, etc.

There's also dungeness crab cake benedict if you're feeling in the savory mood.

Then you order a pitcher of Mimosas. Then everyone is happy. Then you find a place to nap.

Is the nightlife good in Seattle? Where is good to go?

Each neighborhood has their own "night life", some more intense than others.

Capitol Hill is where it's at for partying. They have the most dance clubs (R Place is great). Please always be safe though and go with a group of friends. I've never had a problem at R Place, but I have had problems at some of the other dance clubs.

Downtown Seattle basically shuts down at 6pm.. so it's best to go elsewhere to find dancing and drinking.

Ballard has a good night life, but it's kind of a bro scene...

If you want to impress a date, take them to Tavern Law. Call ahead to request a reservation in the private room upstairs. They only let 5-10 people in at a time, and there is no menu. The bartender asks you what flavors you prefer, and makes you a custom drink. Super classy.

If you want shake your hips to some funk, or jazz, and meet awesome people: Sea monster in Wallingford!

What advice would you give future students heading to Seattle?

Congrats. You have officially entered the cool club. You are traveling to the place where hipsters were born, not made.

Please bring a rain jacket.... umbrellas are not too common, but no one will make fun of you if you use one. It doesn't rain THAT much. And when it does, it's usually a drizzle. I'm currently in Belgium and it actually "rains" here. No drizzle, no fooling around.

Keep an open mind.... go see bands you haven't heard of, go to restaurants with friends, etc. There are a lot of deals with Groupon in Seattle, so always keep a look out.

Be polite and courteous. People in Seattle do not respond well to demanding behavior or illogical rants. Most people in Seattle are considered "liberal. " It's said the "conservatives live in Bellevue (if you ever go to Bellevue, remember it's not really Seattle...it's a weird business suit/shiny building/shopping mall/plastic surgery mecca).

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Don't ever say "that's gay" as an insult or there will be consequences

Take the bus and hopefully you'll have an interesting story by the end (I love the variety of people on the bus)

Cook your own meals! Go to the farmers market and get whatever looks good. People like to have dinner parties/potlucks in Seattle... you can make up your own reason (the sillier the better) and invite your roommates or friends.

Every time you see the sunset on the mountains, the glistening water, the smell and sound of the farmers market, or the peaceful ferries, please remind yourself how lucky you are.

I miss it dearly... and I hope you grow to love Seattle as much as I have.