Seattle is not a cheap place to live, but it is less expensive than most large cities.  Probably the most economical housing option is the on-campus housing available for both single students and families.  However, it fills up rapidly, so be sure to get your reservation in as early as possible; even then, you might be put on the waiting list and have to wait until after the start of Autumn quarter before you can move in.

A variety of off-campus rental housing is available: rooms in boarding houses or shared apartments can usually be found for about $250-$500 per month, studio apartments for $450-$650 per month, and one-bedroom apartments for $550-$750 per month. To locate rental housing, you can try the classified advertisements in the Seattle Times, UW Daily, or Seattle Weekly.  Once you have your UW NetID, you can use the on-line listings of the Student Housing Affairs (SHA) office of the ASUW (Associated Students of University of Washington), or visit SHA in HUB G-20, (206) 543-8997, where many local rentals are posted.

New international students should get in contact with the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), which offers a wide range of services including homestays with volunteer hosts when you first arrive in Seattle, assistance with finding permanent housing, and a special orientation program for international students.