Seattle’s iconic skyline featuring the Space Needle and Mount Rainier

Making the decision to study abroad in the United States will open doors to experiences and opportunities that will last a lifetime. Once you have committed to making this move, you have to decide which area of the country is right for you. Different regions of the United States offer different opportunities in education, culture and entertainment—all essential criteria for getting the most out of your college experience. Here’s our look into one of the most exciting and unique cities in the country—Seattle, Washington.

The Seattle Great Wheel from Elliot Bay

The “Emerald City”

Seattle is a coastal seaport city and the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. There are approximately 3.2 million people living in the Greater Seattle area, with about 570,000 living in the city itself.

Its official nickname is the “Emerald City,” which is a reference to the evergreen forests that are throughout the state of Washington. In addition to its forestry, the area is known for its access to natural bodies of water. The city is located between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, which connects to the Pacific Ocean. With so many natural attractions in the area, Seattle is a great place to engage in outdoor activities such as sightseeing, hiking, camping, kayaking and other activities to help you experience the natural beauty of the area. 

A view of Puget Sound and a Washington State Ferry from West Seattle

Entertainment is everywhere

When you’re in Seattle, there’s always something to do. Seattle has a thriving music scene, three successful professional sports franchises and an annual film festival that attracts worldwide visitors.

Home to the century-old Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the birthplace of grunge music, Seattle has deep roots in music. Over the years, Seattle has produced world-renowned artists including Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. With music everywhere, it’s not hard to find a good concert on any night of the week.

Seattle is also the home to three major league sports teams: the Seattle Seahawks (American Football), Seattle Mariners (Baseball) and Seattle Sounders FC (Soccer). Whether you want to relax at a Mariners game or join the notoriously loud crowds at Seahawks and Sounders games, there’s sports action happening year-round in the city.

The Seattle Mariners’ home field in the SODO area

One of the most prominent festivals in the city is the annual Seattle International Film Festival. During the 24-day festival, which began in 1976, hundreds of films from around the world are shown to thousands of attendees. Each year, the festival includes a “Secret Festival,” in which attendees are shown unspecified films and must sign an oath to not share any of the details from the films.  

Preparing for school

While you’re studying in the States, earning a meaningful degree from an esteemed university is what’s most important. Seattle is home to several illustrious universities, both public and private, including the University of Washington. Seattle is also considered to be the most literate city in America, with the highest percentage of residents earning a college degree. Regardless of which school you choose to pursue an education, you’ll find Seattle to be a great community to meet your goals.

Getting a bird’s-eye view of the Space Needle

Seattle also offers great housing options for students moving to the area. If living in a dorm isn’t right for you, choosing an apartment near campus can be perfect for students hoping to get the most out of their college experience. ApartmentSearch.com is a great resource to use when searching for apartments in the city. The search engine allows you to find an apartment in your ideal area, and also allows you to view crime statistics, the cost of living, local restaurants, the length of your commute and more. If your apartment is unfurnished, furniture rental is an economical and hassle-free way to furnish your home. CORT, the leading provider of furniture rental in the U.S., furnishes thousands of student apartments with furniture and accessories, with rental packages starting as low as $99 per month.

Seattle homes & apartment buildings in the Lake Union area

Seattle is a city that is full of diversity and never-ending excitement that can’t fit into a single post. To learn more about the “Emerald City,” do some research to see if this is the perfect fit for you! Also, be sure to pack a raincoat—it does rain from time to time. For more information on CORT’s furniture rental solutions, please visit www.CORT.com.

The original Starbucks at Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle 

Seattle fun facts:

• Both Starbucks and Amazon.com are headquartered in Seattle, with Microsoft and Nintendo of America headquarters also nearby. 
• Seattle is the home of the Space Needle, which at one point was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River (605 feet tall).
• Seattle was the home to the world’s first gas station, which opened in 1907.
• It was the first U.S. city to play a Beatles song on the radio. 
• Seattle Seahawks fans set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at an outdoor sports stadium, reaching 136.6 decibels.