A College Kid’s Guide to Seattle
Hey! My name is Phoebe Fanganello, and I’m a current Sophomore at the University of Washington in Seattle. Although I’ve spent more of college on zoom than on campus, I’ve still managed to bask in everything that Seattle and the U-District have to offer. I decided to go to UW having never visited, so I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, I was taken aback at the city and its lush surroundings. Each neighborhood in Seattle has its own character, and I’ve just scratched the surface in terms of exploration.
Live music is ever-present in Seattle, and attending house shows—concerts in someone’s house or backyard—is quintessential to the UW experience. Bands composed of students and locals alike rock out every weekend at houses with built-in stages and bars. These houses, usually home to about 5-15 roommates, scatter the neighborhood that surrounds campus. Each of these houses is unique and develops its own persona. During freshman year, I house hunted with friends and we ended up filling up a 13-person home that we now call “The Country Club.” Each of my 12 roommates are completely different from one another; there’s no one specific type of person that goes to UW, and you will create relationships with a diverse array of people.
The Great Outdoors
Seattle has a plethora of unique outdoor locations. Gas Works Park is an iconic spot; the abandoned factory and view of the city skyline right on the edge of Lake Union make for an unmatched aesthetic, along with the quirky characters who can be found juggling or unicycling. Ravenna Park is an inner-city nature haven just blocks from campus. Surrounded by moss and trees, walking along the Ravine Trail will transport you out of Seattle. Sometimes on Sundays, you can catch the “Ravenna Swing Crew'' who climbs the park bridges to attach huge swings that span the entire ravine. The Montlake Cut is a perfect spot for watching the sun rise or set over the water, swimming in the Spring, or cheering on the renowned rowing team. You can rent a paddle boat or kayak from the Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) and explore Lake Washington for just a few dollars. It’s easy to find a partner to partake in any outdoor activity, from hiking, paddleboarding, climbing, or skiing at Crystal Mountain with a perfect view of Rainier from the top. Golden Garden’s Waterfront is another one of my favorite spots. You can get there via bike on the fantastic Burke Gilman Trail, if you’re up for a trek, or utilize the trusty bus system. The beach is lined with fire pits and is the perfect spot for a bonfire. The trees on the beach are ideal for hammocking, and the temperate Seattle weather makes this a year-round activity.
Campus
Drumheller Fountain is the best place on campus to take in the view. When Rainier (usually referred to as “The Mountain”) is out, she towers so high that you’ll probably think it’s some kind of simulation. Jumping into the fountain is a right of passage for every UW student, but usually, everyone tactically waits until it gets cleaned—which only happens once every two years. Suzzallo Library is home to the notorious Hogwarts study room, which is the perfect place to get your grind on. In true Seattle fashion, there is a Starbucks on the first floor of the library. Campus is full of secret small wooded areas where you can sit and read or write.
The Ave
The heart of the U-District is University Avenue, referred to by students as “The Ave.” This is where you will find anything you need, whether it be food from nearly every culture, a tattoo parlor, record store, or an abundance of thrift shops. Some personal favorites are Aladins, a Mediterranean joint that’s open late and will satisfy any intoxicated student meandering the Ave at 3 am. There’s Udon and Thai Tom, two of the dozens of Asian restaurants in the area, and Cafe on the Ave which offers an eclectic mix of American, Italian and Asian foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get the Kimchi Fried Rice—it is truly unbeatable. MEMOs is a hilariously janky 24-hour Mexican restaurant that truly hits different at 4 o’clock in the morning. There’s a myth that the chefs switch out at night, so the food only tastes good after 10 pm. If you’re a fan of boba, there are at least two spots per block; you’ll find your personal favorite for sure. Thrifting reigns supreme in Seattle. There’s the classic Goodwill, serving up deals alongside a slightly more expensive selection, Red Light, where you can find the snazziest vintage pieces, super funky glasses, and the perfect piece for a costume party. The Ave houses a Farmer’s Market every Saturday where you can stock up on fresh veggies, flowers, and yummy pastries.
Explore Seattle
The light link rail makes transportation easy; you can get across the city in no time. Capitol Hill is your spot if you’re looking for quirky shops, great thrifting, and the heart of advocacy. This is where the famed CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) happened during Summer 2020. The International District is a must-see area, especially for foodies. The Dough Zone has unbeatable dumplings, and you can get a small order for just five dollars. Pike Place Market is in the heart of downtown Seattle. Although it is a total tourist destination, I love going there to window shop at the stands, watch the fishmongers throw salmon high in the air, and bask in the beauty of the Public Market sign. Be sure to hit Beecher’s Cheese, where you can watch them make gigantic vats of cheese, get some free samples, and try one of their famous grilled cheeses. The Original Starbucks is a Seattle landmark, though the line is usually ridiculous. Lastly, The Gum Wall holds decades of history in its piled pieces of chewing gum and little objects stuck within the sticky substance.
All in all, Seattle is an incredible city to explore. The views, the quirks of each neighborhood, and the spirit of the West Coast are just a few of the many reasons one should go to school in Seattle. Despite having never been here before committing, UW has proven to be exactly what I needed. No matter where you end up, you’ll be able to find your people and love your experience, so just choose a few factors that you want in a college and jump right in to whatever the road has in store for you.
Best of luck on your journey,
Phoebe Fanganello (Text with questions! 720-355-2490)
