Relocating to Seattle

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The thriving Pacific Northwest region and booming job opportunities attract students to Northeastern University–Seattle from around the world. With close proximity to top industry leaders and the beautiful surrounding landscape, we are thrilled to call Seattle home.

If you are looking to relocate, here are some helpful tips and links to get you started.

Transportation

Flights — Seattle Tacoma International Airport (airport code: SEA) is the primary airport in the Puget Sound, with both domestic and international flights. Located approximately 17 miles from Northeastern University–Seattle, the airport is served by various public transportation systems, taxis, and shared vans. Visit Seatac’s Ground Transportation website for more information.

Public Transit — Check out public transportation options in Seattle and the surrounding King Country area. An Orca card will cover transportation on Seattle’s buses, trains, and ferries. Learn more about fares and monthly passes.  For fares, see here.   Most students wanting an unlimited monthly pass use the Puget Pass.

Driving — New drivers are required to take both a written and on-road driving exam. In order to obtain a U.S. driver’s license, please visit the Washington State Department of Licensing.

ID

International students living and studying in Washington State may consider getting a Washington State ID. The ID card serves as official identification, but does not authorize driving. It is useful to have legal identification for activities like banking or proving your age. To learn more, please visit this Department of Licensing webpage.

Housing

There are various rental options for both single and shared living in the Seattle area. Many students live in buildings with studio or one-bedroom apartments. Often, single-family houses are rented out with individuals inhabiting different bedrooms while sharing the kitchen and living area.

  • For basic information about living in Seattle, visit the City of Seattle’s Living in Seattle resource site, which includes extensive information about housing, transportation, attractions, utility bills, and more.
  • The neighborhoods closest to the Seattle campus are South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, First Hill, Eastlake, Queen Anne, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District, and Ballard. For further information on neighborhoods and their amenities, please visit seattle.gov.  When searching, note that the Seattle campus is located in zip code 98109.
  • To learn about local accommodations, visit Northeastern University–Seattle’s Housing Resource webpage or Seattle.gov’s resource page.
  • Connect with other Northeastern University Seattle students on our Seattle Yammer Group. Check out if other students are looking for a roommate or have an open room in their student accommodation, and feel free to post on the wall if you’re looking for accommodations.
  • For guidance for where to start and questions to ask, see Northeastern’s Off-Campus Housing website.

Before you sign a lease, email [email protected] for a lease review.

Banking

National banks with banking centers throughout Greater Seattle area include:

Before signing up with a bank, please check requirements for non-U.S. citizens and associated fees to accounts.

Phones

National mobile phone companies:

Culture

There are endless ways to experience Seattle through local museums, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The campus’s Assistant Director, West Coast Global Learner Support, runs a series of Language and Culture workshops throughout the year to expose students to the surrounding communities. Contact Global Learner Support for more information.

For a comprehensive list of fun and educational activities to enjoy in Seattle, see Seattle.gov’s Points of Interest.

Learn more about the South Lake Union neighborhood at Discoverslu.com