A guide to moving to Seattle for college students and recent graduates

Seattle is a vibrant city located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Known for its stunning natural beauty, coffee culture, and tech industry, it’s no surprise that Seattle has become a popular destination for college students and recent graduates. Whether you’re moving to Seattle for school or work, there are a few things you should know to make your transition as smooth as possible. Our team at Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage WA will provide you with a guide to moving to Seattle for college students and recent graduates to help you out.

Finding housing in Seattle

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when moving to Seattle for college students and recent graduates is where you’ll live. Seattle is a relatively expensive city, so it’s important to plan your housing options carefully. Moving into your dream home with the help of local movers Seattle residents trust is easy, but finding the right home isn’t. So, here are some tips for finding affordable and reliable housing in Seattle.

Consider living in a shared house or apartment

Sharing a living space with roommates can be an excellent way to save money on rent, especially if you’re a student or recent graduate on a tight budget. In Seattle, there are many shared housing options available, including shared apartments and houses. You can find these options through Craigslist, apartment rental websites, or by asking around on social media.

Living with roommates can also be a great way to make new friends and build a support system in a new city. Just make sure to communicate your expectations and preferences with your roommates before moving in together and set ground rules for shared living spaces like the kitchen and living room.

Look for housing outside the city

If you’re willing to commute to the city, you may be able to find more affordable housing options in nearby suburbs like Bellevue, Redmond, or Kirkland. Reliable Washington movers will have no trouble helping you make one of these suburbs your home, but there are some things you need to take into consideration.

When considering housing options outside the city, be sure to factor in the cost of transportation and the time it will take to commute. It may also be helpful to talk to locals or do some research online to learn more about the different suburbs and their communities.

Check out Craigslist and other online resources

Craigslist can be an excellent resource for finding housing in Seattle. You can also check out other online resources like Zillow or ApartmentList. These websites allow you to search for apartments, houses, and roommates based on your budget, location preferences, and other criteria.

When using online resources, be sure to exercise caution and do your research before committing to any housing option. Scams and fraudulent listings are unfortunately common on sites like Craigslist, so be sure to verify the legitimacy of any listing before making a deposit or signing a lease.

Start your search early

Housing in Seattle can be competitive, so it’s important to start your search early. Consider visiting the city before you move to get a sense of the different neighborhoods and housing options. This will also give you a chance to meet with potential roommates or landlords in person and ask any questions you may have.

By starting your search early, you’ll have more time to find the perfect housing option for your needs and budget. It may also be helpful to set up alerts on apartment rental websites or Craigslist to be notified when new listings that match your criteria become available.

Using Public Transportation

Seattle has an excellent public transportation system, which can be a great option for college students and recent graduates who don’t want to own a car. The city’s transit system includes buses, light rail, and commuter trains. With our tips you’ll have no trouble navigating Seattle’s public transportation.

Get an ORCA card

The ORCA card is a reloadable card that allows you to pay for multiple forms of transit in Seattle, including buses, light rail, and commuter trains. This card is an essential tool for anyone who plans to use public transportation in Seattle, as it offers a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for fares.

You can purchase an ORCA card online, at transit centers, or at participating retailers. The card costs $5, and you can add value to it online, at vending machines, or at retail locations. Once you have an ORCA card, you can simply tap it on the reader when boarding a bus or train to pay for your fare.

Use a transit app

Transit apps like OneBusAway can help you plan your trips and track the arrival times of buses and trains. These apps allow you to see real-time information about the location and status of transit vehicles, which can help you plan your trips more efficiently.

In addition to OneBusAway, there are several other transit apps available for Seattle, including Transit, Trip Planner, and Sound Transit. These apps can help you find the best route, estimate travel times, and provide real-time updates about service disruptions or delays.

Consider biking

Seattle is a bike-friendly city with plenty of bike lanes and trails. Biking can be a great way to get around and explore the city, especially during the warmer months. You can rent a bike from a local bike-sharing program like Lime or JUMP or purchase one from a local bike shop.

Before you start biking in Seattle, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of road and bike safety. Always wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also important to lock your bike securely when you’re not using it, as bike theft is a common problem in the city.

Finding budget-friendly food

Seattle is known for its excellent restaurants and cafes, but dining out in the city can be expensive. However, there are plenty of ways to eat and drink in Seattle on a budget. Here are some tips to help you save money while still enjoying the city’s food scene.

Cook at home

One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to cook at home. Seattle has plenty of grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s. If you’re living in a shared apartment or house, consider splitting the cost of groceries with your roommates. This way, you can cook meals together and save money on food while still enjoying each other’s company.

Check out food trucks

Seattle has a thriving food truck scene with plenty of affordable options. From tacos to Korean BBQ, there are food trucks to suit every taste and budget. Follow your favorite food trucks on social media to find out where they’ll be parked each day.

Try the local specialties

Seattle is famous for its coffee and seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties while you’re here. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy these local delicacies. Head to Pike Place Market, where you can find affordable seafood at places like Jack’s Fish Spot and Pike Place Chowder. For coffee, skip the expensive coffee shops and try one of the city’s many independent cafes, like Espresso Vivace or Victrola Coffee Roasters.

Entertainment options in Seattle

Once you’re done unpacking your things out of moving boxes Seattle is yours to conquer. Although, Seattle is a vibrant city with plenty of cultural and recreational activities to offer the cost of living can be high, especially for college students and recent graduates moving to Seattle. We’ll give you some advice on how you can take advantage of free and low-cost activities in Seattle.

Check out the museums

Many museums in Seattle offer free admission on certain days of the week or month, making it an excellent way to experience the city’s art and culture without spending a lot of money. The Seattle Art Museum, for example, offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month, and the Museum of History and Industry offers free admission on the first Thursday and on the second Saturday of every month. Additionally, the Frye Art Museum is always free, making it a great option for budget-conscious visitors.

Attend Seattle’s festivals

Seattle is also home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, many of which offer free or low-cost admission. For example, the Seattle International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the United States and offers a wide range of films and events at affordable prices. Bumbershoot, held annually over Labor Day weekend, is a music and arts festival that offers a variety of entertainment, including music, comedy, film, and theater, all at a reasonable cost.

Enjoy the outside

One of the best things about Seattle is the abundance of natural beauty surrounding the city, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot of money. Discovery Park, located in the Magnolia neighborhood, is a 534-acre park that offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park features hiking trails, beaches, and even a historic lighthouse. Mount Si, located just outside of Seattle, offers a challenging hike and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Dressing for Seattle weather

One thing long distance movers Seattle say is that people tend to disregard Seattle’s weather conditions and come unprepared. Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but it’s important to note that the city experiences all four seasons. This means that you’ll need to be prepared for a range of weather conditions when dressing for Seattle.

Invest in a good raincoat

If you’re coming from a hot city you might want to consider looking for Seattle storage solutions in which you can keep your summer clothes and invest in solid winter clothes. A waterproof raincoat is essential for staying dry during Seattle’s rainy season, which typically runs from October through April. Look for a raincoat that is both waterproof and breathable, so you don’t end up feeling too hot and sweaty underneath. It’s also a good idea to choose a raincoat with a hood, as this will help keep your head and hair dry.

Layer up

Seattle can be chilly, even in the summer months. Be sure to bring layers, including sweaters and jackets, so you can stay warm and comfortable. It’s a good idea to pack a mix of lightweight and heavier layers, so you can adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day. For example, you might start the day in a light sweater, but then add a heavier jacket as the temperature drops in the evening.

Bring sunscreen

Seattle may be known for its rain, but the city also experiences plenty of sunny days. Be sure to bring sunscreen and protect your skin during the summer months. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage, so it’s important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Prepare timely with tips on moving to Seattle for college students

All in all, moving to Seattle for students can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to plan ahead and consider all aspects of the move, including housing, transportation, and budgeting. By following these tips, such as living in a shared house or apartment, getting an ORCA card, and taking advantage of Seattle’s free activities, you can make the most out of your time in Seattle while staying within your budget.

With its stunning natural beauty, thriving culture, and excellent job opportunities, Seattle can be the perfect destination for your next chapter in life. Hopefully, our guide to moving to Seattle for college students can be helpful during your transition!

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.