University of Washington - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Off-campus housing feels a little like gambling. Like games in a Vegas casino, there’s a wide selection, but you could lose a lot of money. For the most part, Seattle real estate is not cheap, and if it is, then there’s a reason. But multiple neighborhoods lay just a bus or car ride away from campus, and a myriad of living options exists in the University District alone. Some students get a studio on the Avenue while others pair up and get a two-bedroom apartment around University Village. Others assemble a group of eight or nine and rent a house in the Greek area.

Whatever the size of the group, a prime home probably exists in the vicinity; it’s just about hunting it down. High demand is the reason landlords can charge so steeply, so if you don’t nab that dream house while it’s still available, it might be gone. Like so many other things about UW, the size of the school determines a lot. Because there are so many students in need of housing, a wide selection of houses and apartments exists, but because such a demand for housing exists, it may be difficult to get a place. It’s all about timing, though—get a group together early and start looking. Many UW students choose to live off campus sophomore year, after establishing some solid relationships in the dorms. For many, moving off campus is a welcome salvation from the closed-in feel of the dorms, and they love the freedom and space of a place of their own.

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Students Speak Out

UWSH says: University of Washington 2014 Arts, Visual and Performing

Way worth it. I live in an... Way worth it. I live in an apartment now, and it's a block away from campus. I'm loving the location by the Greek system, so I have a lot of social opportunities as well! 12345 Off-Campus Housing: April 05, 2009 Report

UWTS says: University of Washington 2013 Communication and Journalism

Definitely worth it. The... Definitely worth it. The University District is surrounded by college students and has everything you need. We have our own neighborhood, but we're also really close to the rest of the city. Housing can be competitive if you're looking for something very specific, but in general, housing is readily available. Apartments, duplexes, frats, houses are all options. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 21, 2009 Report

UWCM says: University of Washington 2015 Architecture and Planning

There is quite a bit of off-campus... There is quite a bit of off-campus housing avaliable early (April or May), but it fills up fast and is on the expensive side. The farther from campus you get, the nicer places seem to be and the less they seem to cost, although paying $500/month for a room in a house is much better than paying $450 for an apartment that's closer. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 19, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

There are more places to live off... There are more places to live off campus than ever! It’s really nice to have such variety, as well. There are houses, apartments, rooms, dorm equivalents, and so on. I like the freedom of living in my own space, and really, it’s much better than being in the dorms for a second year. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Living off campus is sort of... Living off campus is sort of expensive, but that is because it is Seattle. Most of the places are older and not as nice as you could get for the same money, but it’s close to campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Emily Sugiyama
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: English/Women's Studies

There's a strong likelihood that Emily will be teaching ESL in Korea next year.

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