Are there affordable places to live near University of Washington and Seattle University?Which isbetterschool?

Question

I am planning to move to Seattle in about 2yrs and I'm looking at the University of Washington or Seattle University. I am wondering what are some safe, affordable, and nice areas near the schools to live? Also which school is better overall? My major is Social Work and I have looked at both schools websites. I am planning to visit the area next summer, but want to accomplish as much as possible while there(looking at apartments, the schools, etc.) Last question are there any tips that can prepare me to live in Seattle. I am from Arizona, so I know the whether is different. Any information would be great!

Answer 1

Seattle, and in fact Washington State in general, loves to brag about their colleges and Universities, but you're not talking world class here in most arenas, e.g. many at the UW talk about it as if it's Stanford.

You really have to have a basis of comparison.  If your talking comparison to NE Ivy League schools, there is no comparison at all.  Standford, UM; uh-uh.

The UW at least has some excellent departments, but FYI Seattle U is Jesuit-founded, very far behind times in social science, but is excellent in some business areas.

But okay:  Social Work.  FORGET anything in Washington!  Social workers here are trained as case managers, with a bit of macro/management stuff thrown in.  If you want to be a clinical social worker go elsewhere, or try a different graduate program, e.g. the MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) program at SPU (Seattle Pacific University), which BTW is also has a religious orientation.

There are some excellent MSW programs in your part of the country, and that have a good clinical emphasis.  However, most of them tend to be on the east coast or the mid-West.  (California has some, too, but their licensing is so different from all other states for MSWs that you're better off avoiding it.)

Also, IMNO, you come from a fairly friendly -- if a bit formal -- area.  You won't find that in Seattle.

P.S. Employment for social workers is also pretty bad in the Seattle area.  You are likely to wind up in a very rural area or working for Child Protective Services.  Great, if that's what you want.

Answer 2

Both are excellent schools.  I would say, visit them and see what feels better.  UW is a HUGE school, plenty of greek life, lots of parties.  Seattle University is a little more conservative, and I think a private school. (That could make difference in your financial aid).  

I think I just answered you ina different question - there are ALOT of affordable neighborhoods and great transportaion to and from the schools.  If you're a freshman they're probably going to require you to live on campus - that would give you two whole semesters to look at places to live and find potential room mates.  (Even if you're not required, that's the easiest way to find housing, and people to live with)

The weather is very different - it's probably gonna be kinda sticker shock :p Lots of rain/sleet in the winter, lots of dark cold months.  The summer high temp is like....80's? Cold for you :p  

One final thing... Seattle is VERY diverse, and very liberal overall.  If you're NOT, I would strongly suggest a different city. People are great! But I really did see a woman with green spiked hair, in a pink tutu walking her mastiff down the street.  If you're not ok with A LOT of different people it might not be the place for you.