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Your First Days in Seattle
You have been accepted into an English language program at the University of Washington. You have your visa. Now, what do you need to think about before you begin your classes
in the US?
Climate
The Puget Sound area has a temperate climate. Humidity is low and evenings are usually cooler than daytime.
There is little or no snow in the winter, and the rainy season goes from November through May/June. The area tends to be overcast for most of the winter months, and it drizzles quite often. Dress
Because Seattle is located between two mountain ranges and on Puget Sound, the weather is changeable.
Arriving by Air
If you have problems receiving your visa or with your flight,
contact us immediately. We will let you know if you can arrive late.
When your flight arrives at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you will need to do the following:
Transportation
Listed here is some basic information about ground transportation:
Metro Buses
A Metro Bus is the most inexpensive way to get from the airport to the city. Cost: $2.50. You must have exact change when you get on the bus. The bus driver will not give change. You can request a transfer.
For current ground transportation rates in the Seattle area, visit the Port of Seattle Web site. Airport Express Grayline
Airport Express Grayline is a more comfortable way to get to downtown Seattle and is still inexpensive. This shuttle services seven major hotels in the downtown area: Sheraton Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Madison Renaissance, Crown Plaza, Four Seasons Olympic Hotel, Westin Hotel and the Warwick Hotel. Cost: $8.50 one way and $14 round trip.
Grayline leaves from outside the "Main Terminal" baggage claim area every 30 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 P.M.
Shuttle Express
Shuttle Express is a van service leaving from the "Main Terminal" area of the airport. This service is open 24 hours daily. You must call the Shuttle Express office to have them pick you up. The waiting time is about 15-30 minutes. They will pick you up and take you wherever you want to go. Have the address ready. The cost depends on where you want to go. Call (425) 981-7000 for pick up and price quotes. Cost from the airport to the University District should be around $25. There are discounted fares for more than one person. It is customary to tip the driver if she or he assists you with your luggage.
Taxicabs
Taxicabs from the airport to downtown should cost approximately $30.00 for one person. There are discounted fares for more than one person. It costs more to go to the University District. The taxicabs are metered fares. It is customary to tip the taxi driver 10%-15% of the fare.
For more information, you can contact the Sea-Tac Airport Ground Transportation at (206) 433-5288. Temporary Housing
Please do not show up with your suitcases at the International & English Language Programs office with no housing previously arranged!
When you arrive in Seattle, if you do not have a place to live right away, you will need to find temporary housing. The University of Washington (UW) dormitories may not be open for check-in if you arrive a week before the quarter begins. They are not usually open during the quarter breaks. Therefore, you may need to plan to stay for a week or more in a motel or hotel. You can make advance arrangements by contacting a hotel and making a reservation. Tell them the date you will be arriving and how long you will need a room. This is not a complete listing of motels and hotels. Here are useful Web sites to book hotels, check availability and rates: University Area Hotels
Rates start at $65 and up, plus 8.8% Sales Tax
Downtown Area Hotels
Rates start at $60 and up, plus 8.8% Sales Tax
Permanent Housing
It is your responsibility to find permanent housing in a campus dormitory, a private apartment or house, or in a shared apartment with American roommates. See Housing for some advice.
Check-in
As soon as you arrive in Seattle, contact your program. If you are going to study in the Campus IEP, you need to confirm your placement test appointment by calling (206) 543-6242. If you are going to study in one of the downtown programs, call them (206-685-4260) with any questions or problems you have.
Payment Options
BEST: Cashier's check or bank check made payable to "University of Washington" SECOND BEST: Traveler's checks. Our Payment Office (Educational Outreach) does not make change. Be sure you have the exact amount of traveler's checks and cash to pay your tuition. DO NOT sign the traveler's checks BEFORE you pay. THIRD BEST: Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY) 1. If your credit card is from a foreign bank, make sure you can charge the tuition amount. Some cards have daily limits. Notify your credit card company of the amount to be charged and the date of payment. 2. If the card is from a Seattle bank, especially US Bank or Washington Mutual, call the bank and tell them which day and what amount you are going to withdraw for tuition. *Important*: We can ONLY accept VISA or MASTERCARD. We CANNOT accept American Express, Discover, or any other type of credit/debit card. OTHER OPTIONS 1. Personal check. Be sure the check has your local address on it. REMEMBER, if you have just opened an account and put in money with an overseas check, the bank will NOT release the money for 10 days. 2. Cash. For safety reasons, we prefer that students do not pay in cash (US dollars), but it is possible if you have no other way. Our Registration office does not have any change. You must pay using exact money. |
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