Seattle U - APNI 2012

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Anyone already applying at Seattle U? Which track? I haven't finished my pre-req's, so I am probably not too competitive this year, but I am going to apply anyway. I am applying for the nurse-midwife track and my background is Microbiology (UW).

Thank you Flaneur for your insight!!

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I agree with what Cura and Calinca are saying about Renton, but I guess I have a different perspective, perhaps because I'm in a different stage of life, meaning I don't have kids like the other two. I "reverse commute" from Seattle to Renton for work, and the traffic is pretty horrendous on i-5 and on Rainier, in my experience. My work starts anywhere from 7-11am, and I always drive by stand-still Seattle-bound traffic on either route. The other unfortunate thing about commuting is that the bus is $3 ONE WAY during peak hours! For now, driving is cheaper. Maybe faster if you are using the HOV lane.

Definitely echo what Cura says about checking with locals before moving. I work with 911 so I hear about all the shootings, stabbings, and fatal bar fights that go on downtown. We even have a bullet hole through our window at downtown Renton quarters! But yes, there are really nice parts, too. Same with Burien.

For me, the suburbs are not the best choice because you have to drive everywhere (in my experience living part-time in SeaTac, Renton, Tukwila, Highline): for groceries, to a convenience store, to the library, to the gym, to school, etc. And living in Seattle, you don't have to. It's very walkable/bike-able/bus-able. There's even a free bus from my house all the way through downtown.

I almost don't want to post because I sound like kind of a hater, so let me assure you this is not what I mean to sound like! Just throwing another viewpoint out there. Depending on what lifestyle you want to live, I wouldn't give up on Seattle. Use Pad Mapper (it looked all spammy in my last post; google it). There are houses close to SU with rents around $450. Check Leschi, N Beacon Hill, Central District, ID.

Also based on maybrezey's post, I think she has some really real advice on living in Seattle as well. Good luck! May your needs be met!

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Well, tomorrow is already the 7th so we're about half-way from knowing (I hope).

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LOL NursePrac!!

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Right now no kids, so I'm not too concerned with school districts. But I definitely hate living in big cities. I prefer living in the suburbs, less noise, you can just wander around if you need to clear your head. When I lived in downtown Honolulu I was pretty depressed, I felt closed in. Also, I'm looking for a one bedroom right now since I have a cousin who is a freshman at SU and she plans on crashing a lot, I don't want to room with anyone and inconvenience them. Also, a 30 minute commute is actually really really really amazingly good! I'm originally from southern California near LA so I'm used to that traffic and the traffic in Hawaii is horrible too. 75% of the state's population is on only one of the islands and it's like the 3rd smallest. So my current commute to school takes me up to 2 hours one way. 30 minutes is no problem.

I never understood the convenience of living in a big city. Whenever I lived in a big city I spent so much time walking places for simple things instead of driving and getting all your errands done quickly that I ended up wasting a lot of time. And you lose a lot of the advantages like having a washer or dryer in your home so that when you get a free moment you just throw clothes in because little perks like that end up costing an arm and a leg in a big city. I think cities give the illusion of convenience but actually end up being time suckers. Like a bank that seems good but nickels and dimes you. And don't get me started on finding parking...

I like to visit big cities but I think we'll only ever be acquaintances and never really friends.

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It's so hard to focus on schoolwork! Every five minutes I'm on this thing, checking for any news...or new hope of some sort...haha. Anyone else having the same troubles?

I feel like once I know I got in I will be super motivated again! I just need that boost of energy...it's been a long process.

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I have to say I have already eletronically bonded with you all, we better all go to the same school or else!

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Pooja, I have been studying all day today, but I come here everytime I give a break :) I agree, I will love to start really planning once we know!

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Christy, I am right there with you. I love the cultural activities in the big city. The museums, the shows, the restaurants - but I'm just a suburban kinda girl and now with kids, even more. I love that we can drive to the Paramount to see a cool play, or to have dinner at Wild Ginger and other places I love in Seattle. To take the kids to the SAM, or the Aquarium.

But during regular days, I just love having tons of kids in my neighborhood playing outside all day and all the space, less cars..

And I hate driving (and parking!) in Seattle, that's why I am planning on taking the bus (that and the fact that parking is super expensive in Seattle). Speaking of buses, I wonder if SU has a bus pass for students. I pay around $70 a quarter to ride unlimited times on buses, ferries, trains, etc because I am a student of the UW, I wonder if they have the same there. Students?

Lenin, you are definitely not a hater! ;) There are just different tastes, I have several friends who would never live in the suburbs, they love they same things that you do. Good thing is that here in our area there is so much to do and to see!

I am certain that you will all going to love living here, even with all the rain. ;)

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Calinca, haha, i admire your dedication! i think i am going to commit to staying out of this forum for at least a few days, so that i can sort of "keep calm and carry on" with a little more focus. i will never make it through the end of the quarter otherwise!!

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Want me to ask my cousin about the bus? I know they have some sort of set up because her and her friends use it but I don't know if it's because they live on campus or not.

And exactly Calinca! I love the cultural stuff but the city is a special occassion, once in a while thing for me. Or I can stop by awesome places I love on my way home from SU (fingers crossed!!!) but if I just need to run to the store or the gym I want to hop in my car and not spend most of my time finding parking.

The holidays too!!! I love the holidays in the suburbs especially Halloween. I would love to volunteer on Halloween in maybe a pediatric ward. I really can't wait. I hope we all get in together too.

I think we have a good mix of personalities on here but everyone seems to have one thing in common. We all seem to really like people.

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Regarding housing for students new to Seattle.

If I was single I would look for housing near school for at least a few months to get my bearings and to figure out where the clinicals pertinent to my track are located. I worked near SU for several years and it is a vibrant area, particularly if you are under 30 years old. There are several hospitals in the area (First Hill is affectionately called "Pill Hill") including Harborview which is the main trauma center. Ambulance and other emergency siren noise occurs and I'm not sure how often it would interrupt your sleep or annoy you. They try to minimize it. There is a QFC grocery store on Broadway that is quite popular.

If you don't own a car but find yourself occasionally needing one for clinicals or errands you may consider checking out where the ZipCar locations are near SU and trying to find housing within a short walk. Zipcar Seattle - Zipcar is easier than Seattle car rental and car ownership

You can bus to the suburbs but it is a journey. Owning a car and living in the neighborhoods in downtown Seattle is a real nuisance. Public street parking and pay lots are expensive, and free street parking in the area near SU is almost non-existant. Buy a scooter instead or ride a bike (if it doesn't get stolen). As a friend from the New York city says, "Big cities never get better."

A short term solution to acquaint yourself with the area and perhaps give you a chance to see who is in your class that you may want to room with after we meet this summer would be to stay with a host family. You wouldn't need to hassle with furniture and all the move-in issues. This is a good place to start: Seattle Homestay - Washington USA - Homestay in Seattle

I never lived in downtown Seattle but I did live in a studio apartment in downtown Bellevue. Urban living does have its upside when you don't have children. Make sure you have a paid/reserved spot for your car.

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