I went less than 10 miles from my hometown because I didn't want to leave the city I've called home for two decades. Seattle has an infinite amount of things to offer a college student and the city is really one of the best places you could spend four or more years of your life.
1. Nothing beats the Seattle skyline
At night, the whole city is lit up. You can see the space needle and the Columbia Tower and every other downtown building as pretty and even more present on the stars. If you go to Gasworks at night, you can see every building reflected in the water, and if you go in the morning you can watch the sunrise. When we think of beautiful cities, New York may come to mind, but it can’t begin to compete with Seattle.
2. Sports Teams
I grew up a fan of the Mariners and the Seahawks, and once Seattle joined the MLS, I was a particularly avid Sounders fan as well. Our teams have become good, with the Seahawks finishing at the top of NFC West and the Sounders winning the MLS Cup. The Mariners won more than one game, so ultimately a successful year for them as well. Seattle fans are rabid with spirit, and whether you're sitting at home watching on the TV or standing in your seat at Century Link field, the games are thrilling.
3. It's green all year long
For all of the beauty that Seattle has downtown, we also have pretty spectacular natural beauty. It rains a lot here (which can sometimes be a pain) but it keeps the scenery beautiful and snow on our mountains.
4. Mountains and Hiking
I’m not an incredible outdoorsy person, but for those of you that are there are plenty of options. Rattlesnake Lake is a popular option and it’s not incredibly difficult, so if you’re looking for a fun day hike check it out. If you’re a skier or snowboarder or some other kind of person who enjoys activities only possible on mountains, Seattle is a great place. My middle school had a weekly trip to ski or snowboard in the winter because there’s never trouble finding a good mountain.
5. You can always be a tourist
I don’t ever get tired of going down to the pier or Pike Place Market, and I will continuously take candid photos each and every time. It’s beautiful and there are a lot of things to do, some of which I haven’t even tried yet...and I’ve lived here for 20 years.
6. There is a Starbucks around every block
Obviously Starbucks is on here, but can you blame me? I was born and raised in Seattle, Starbucks coffee runs in my veins. I’ve relied on caffeine more and more as college progresses, and even if it makes me extremely basic, I really love Starbucks. I love their seasonal drinks and I love that I can go there whenever and wherever I want. They’re on each street corner, sometimes (often times) there are multiple on each street, so it’s acceptable to be hyped up on caffeine all the time.
7. Public transportation is good
If you’re like me and don’t drive or don’t like to drive or don’t have a car, Seattle is perfect. The bus system is almost entirely reliable and constantly developing, so if there isn’t a bus to take you where you need to go (rare), then in five years there probably will be.
8. Easy if you want to get away
We’re close to Portland (which people really only go to for Voodoo Donuts, Washington always trumps Oregon) and Vancouver, so if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or even just a day trip, there are plenty of options.
9. Top Pot Donuts
They have a bacon maple bar that is one of the best things in the world. Do I even need to say more?
10. Seattle is home to whoever comes here
It doesn’t take much to fall in love with this city. No matter where you’re from or who you are, Seattle accepts you. Whether you want to shop downtown or go on a hike, everyone can find something they love here, in state or out of state. You can live here for your whole life, like me, and still do tourist-y things. You will fall in love with Seattle because it’s home.
