How do I get to the University from the airport?

You have a few choices, all of which are explained much better than I could ever do it on this website. If you have any questions, please let us know.

It is possible that you could be reimbursed for some or all of your airport transportation costs (if you have money left out of your maximum of $500). If you're not sure, get a receipt and we will find out for you.

What's the weather really like?

Last year, one of the REU students asked, "How does anyone get anything done in Seattle in the summer? If I lived here I'd just be outside all the time!"

Our area's famous for being rainy, but it really doesn't rain that often in the summer. The sun doesn't always shine, yet we have our share of sunny weather. The best thing is, it's not too hot or humid. It's uncommon for Seattleites to have air-conditioning in their homes: you just don't need it. Check the weather forecast here.

So what should I bring to wear?

We recommend a selection of clothes that can be worn layered (t-shirt plus sweatshirt, or sweater and t-shirt, etc). Residents can tell you that it might be misty and cold in the morning, 80 and dry in the afternoon, and warm and rainy that same night! It's therefore best to be prepared for just about anything other than snow.

A windbreaker-type light jacket with a hood is another good idea: remember, Gore-Tex was invented in the Pacific Northwest. And if you need to get stuff once you get here, there's always REI.

A couple of other notes: please bring comfortable walking shoes. The UW is a pedestrian campus, so please be prepared to walk a bit every day. And, since you'll be staying in the dorms, you will want to bring loungewear-type clothes you can wear through the common areas.

What's there to do in Seattle?

Seattle isn't big compared to some other cities, but its diversity offers plenty of stuff to do. Read on!

Where can I read about local events?

If you want to see some local bands or acts touring smaller clubs, check out The Stranger. You'll also find other arts and entertainment information, and columns by local writers.

For more mainstream kind of stuff, try The Seattle Times (the best place to go for comprehensive movie times).

Is there anything I really should see?

All of the following are tourist attractions, but definitely worth visiting:
The Experience Music Project
Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is)
Pike Place Market
The Seattle Aquarium
Underground Seattle
The International District (Asian Museum, restaurants, Uwajimaya store)
If you want to play some games, there's always Gameworks

Outside the University District, is there anything cool within walking distance?

Fremont is close by (one neighborhood over to the West on the Burke-Gilman Trail) and full of fun stuff. The Fremont Fair kicks off on June 19 with the Solstice Parade--a Seattle institution! Check the website for details. (Warning: parts of the parade can be sort of PG-13 rated, particularly costumes. If you are easily offended by that sort of thing, please check the pictures on the site before you go, and make up your own mind about whether it's for you.)

After the parade, head for the fair itself; you'll find all kinds of booths featuring food, arts and crafts, face-painting, and more. PS, if you don't make the parade, don't worry. There's plenty of interesting stuff in Fremont all the time.

Or, if you're the museum type of person, you can learn a lot about the history of Seattle at the Museum of History and Industry. It's a short walk away, and a great way to spend an afternoon.

What can I do outside?

Seattle's fairly urban, but if you need outdoor recreation, we've got lots of parks. These five are pretty close by (mostly within walking distance):

Cowen Park (formed by a glacier)
Greenlake (the lake has a track all the way around for walking or biking)
Golden Gardens (we call it "the beach"!)
The Japanese Garden (beautiful any time of year)
Gas Works Park (near the water, lots of stuff to look at)

If you're interested in seeing what's outdoors beyond the city limits, come ask at the INT, or check the UW libraries.