College Visit Guide: Seattle

If you have prospective college students in your family, consider utilizing your next family vacation to check out universities. There are first-rate colleges and universities in virtually every corner of the United States, so you can work some college visits into your vacation itinerary or, even better, plan your vacation according to where you’re college applicant is interested in applying.

This post we’ll explore colleges in Seattle, but stay tuned in the coming weeks for insider looks at college towns across the United States:

Washington University. Photo: eyspahn

There is a multitude of colleges and universities within the city radius: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Cornish College of the Arts, Gage Academy of Art, as well as a plethora of local community colleges.

Capitol Hill: the Art Student

For the aspiring student artist, explore the Capitol Hill area, which boasts Seattle University, the Gage Academy of Art and Cornish College of the Arts. Exploring the Hill on foot is demanding, since it’s quite hilly.

A short walk south of the Hill off Broadway Street, you’ll find Seattle University. The campus is a green enclave that climbs south towards First Hill and descends east towards 12th Street. Opposite SU, the Gage Academy of Art is on the north side of the Hill where Broadway crosses 10th Street. The historic Gage Academy building has one of the most spectacular views of the city—a spread including Lake Union, Queen Anne Hill, the downtown skyline and the Olympic Mountain range.

If your journeys north and south haven’t totally fatigued you, stroll down to Cornish College of the Arts. The Cornish campus is on the invisible border of lower west Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle. Perfectly located, Cornish is luckily just a leap from many artistic ventures. Music fans will delight in the Experience Music Project, just a 10-minute walk from campus. Another artistic wonder, the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, is a sculptural masterpiece that would be a shame to miss.

Dining in Capitol Hill/Downtown:

• Coastal Kitchen—Northwestern food with a rotating menu that explores different Regions of the world. 429 15th Avenue East, tel. 206-322-1145.

• Dahlia Lounge—Tom Douglas’ renowned restaurant serving comfort food with a Northwestern twist. 2001 Fourth Avenue, tel. 206-682-4142.

U-District: the Student Athlete

The University of Washington (UW), located in the Montlake and University area, offers something for everyone. The school hugs Lake Washington and peers out towards the North Cascade range. The Montlake Cut, the link between Lake Washington and Puget Sound (Portage Bay), is famous, while “The Ave.” is an infamous party zone. Student athletes and outdoor enthusiasts can take pleasure in the trails that reach over the Cut and converge at the Washington Park Arboretum.

Dining in the U-District:

• The Ram Restaurant & Brewery—Burgers and brews. 2650 University Village, tel. 206-525-3565.

• Café Solstice—Fantastic coffee, pastries, sandwiches and a favorite place to study. 4116 University Way NE, tel. 206-675-0850.

Queen Anne Hill: Traditionalists

Seattle Pacific University sits at the base of Queen Anne Hill. The campus is extraordinary with sprawling lawns and tree canopies. SPU offers several different degree choices and is definitely a place to check out both because of its academic credibility as well as its location. Spend the day at the river trail across the street from the school and then cool off in the shade of a large maple on campus.

Dining in Queen Anne Hill:

• 5 Spot—All kinds of omelets to choose from for breakfast; salads, sandwiches, and burgers for lunch and dinner; great place to grab late-night food as well, since the Spot is open until midnight! 1502 Queen Anne Ave N 98109, tel. 206-285-SPOT.

• Tup Tim Thai—A great place for tasty, mid-day Phad Thai! 118 W Mercer St 98119, tel. 206-281-8833.

Where to Stay

Seattle has several terrific hotels. Here are three that are family friendly:

Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street, tel. 206-621-1700.
www.fairmont.com/seattle

Sheraton Seattle Hotel
1400 Sixth Avenue, tel. 206-621-9000.
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton

Inn at the Market
86 Pine Street, tel. 206-443-3600.
www.innatthemarket.com

Plan your Seattle vacation on TravelMuse.

Adapted from “College Visit Guide: Seattle” by Ray Rogers.