Housing
There is plenty of off-campus housing in the University District and in neighborhoods near South Lake Union. For those choosing to live farther away from campus, it is easy to commute by bike or Seattle's Metro bus service.
Central neighborhoods in Seattle are desirable places to live and tend to be more expensive than the more distant and/or suburban locations. The neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Wallingford, Greenlake, Ravenna, Eastlake, Queen Anne, Roosevelt, South Lake Union, and Fremont are all great places to live and are a short bus or bike ride from the University. The farther from the city center you go, the lower prices tend to be. Those looking for the least expensive apartments will find them in the north and south end suburbs, but will have a longer commute.
Advertisements for shared and single-occupancy housing are readily found posted at the University or in local papers. It can be very difficult to find a place during the weeks just prior to and after the beginning of Autumn quarter.
Here are some links to rental listings:
Husky Card
The UW Husky Card serves as a student ID card and also provides access to buildings and resources on main campus. Your Husky Card is used a keycard for the Health Sciences Building and other buildings on campus, especially during quarter breaks. Your Husky Card may also be used for food services, vending machines, and purchases on main campus. It also serves as your library card and your U-Pass. Since the Husky Card is a photo ID, you will need to obtain the card at the ID Center located at Odegaard Undergraduate Library on the ground floor below the library.
U-Pass
The UW U-Pass is a bus pass that covers most local public transit options. If you have a Research Assistantship or Fellowship, your U-Pass fee will be paid by a UW subsidy. The U-Pass covers rides on King County Metro Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, and Sound Transit. This includes the Link Light Rail, Sounder Trains, Water Taxis, Fast Ferries, Seattle Streetcar, and Seattle Monorail. The UW also offers a Night Ride Shuttle program for U-Pass members. Anyone affiliated with the UW may also take the UW/Fred Hutch South Lake Union Shuttle, which runs on weekdays every half hour until 7PM. This shuttle provides service directly to each Microbiology lab location as well as Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Recreation
The Intramural Activities Building (IMA) has every kind of fitness facility and many programs for engaging in fitness, sports, or recreation. The building is located on main campus at 3924 Montlake Blvd NE, north of Husky Stadium. Locker rooms and sports equipment rental is available with a Husky Card.
Other recreational facilities include the Waterfront Activities Center, the Gear Garage Rental Center, the UW Golf Range, as well as courts and playfields.
The HUB
The Husky Union Building (HUB) is the place where students connect, dine, and participate in events. The building at 4001 E Stevens Way NE is the home of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), otherwise known as student clubs, the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW), and the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS). The HUB also has banking services, a branch of the bookstore, a ticket office, a bike shop, food servies, a bowling alley and other games, and many more services.
UW Botanic Gardens and the Arboretum
The University of Washington main campus has many parks and trails available to connect with nature, running, biking, and getting away from the city. Most of these spaces are managed by UW Botanic Gardens. The Union Bay Natural Area is a large wooded area near campus that connects UW athletics facilities with the Center for Urban Horticulture via a series of natural trails. At the Center for Urban Horticulture, there are trails and gardens and well as library and meeting spaces. The Washington Park Arboretum is a 230 acre curated garden with many native and non-native species, activites, and many trails.
Graduate and Professional Student Senate
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is a student organization that represents graduate and professional students at the University of Washington. GPSS hosts events, provides opportunites for engagement, and offers funding for academic and professional development.
Graduate Student Equity and Excellence
The office of Graduate Student Equity and Excellence (GSEE) is an office of the Graduate School that promotes the success of graduate students by enhancing equity and social progression. The office host events and provides programming that strengthens diversity and enhances academic opportunities.
Counseling Center
The UW Counseling Center provides a safe, inclusive environment for UW students to face the challenges of life and learning through counseling, consultation, and workshops. Short-term individual counseling is available for a variety of topics including mood, life transitions, relationships, time management, and identity development. The Center also provides crisis services providing immediate assistance if needed. The Counseling Center is located at 401 Schmitz Hall on main campus. If you have an urgent crisis, you may also call the Husky Helpline at 206-616-7777. This 24 hour helpline provides support by a licensed mental health counselor.
Healthcare
The Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP) provides health insurance to academic student employees and recipients of some fellowships. This coverage includes medical, vision, and dental care. The health plan is administered by Lifewise Assurance Company and they will provide you with a summary of benefits and a list of in-network providers. You may also seek healthcare on main campus at the Husky Health Center at 4060 E Stevens Way NE. This health center for students is a preferred provider for the GAIP insurance.
SafeCampus
SafeCampus is UW services that provides support for students who have concerns about their safety or the safety of others. They have trained professional available to listen and connect you to resources when you call 206-685-7233. They can help with relationship violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment, bullying, suicide concerns, and mental health issues.