Student Affairs

Housing

Get the inside scoop on finding housing in Seattle

Cornish does not maintain residence halls; however, Student Affairs and the Office of Admission have information to help you get started on your housing search. Upon admittance, new students are mailed a packet of housing information including dates for upcoming housing workshops, roommate and search information. If you are a newly admitted student, contact your Admission Counselor at admission@cornish.edu for assistance with connecting with a roommate and/or to find housing. If you are a current student, contact studentaffairs@cornish.edu with roommate or housing questions.

Interested in renting an apartment or room to Cornish students?

Please post your Seattle area off-campus housing. We will add your information to our For Rent binder and the Cornish Housing Forum, both of which are made available only to Cornish students inquiring about off-campus housing opportunities.

Interested in participating in the online Cornish Housing Forum?

Here's information on how to join.

Housing Search Tips

Searching for housing and relocating can be challenging, especially if you live in another state. Here are some tips to help you in your search:

Look up apartment listings and call the ones that interest you to set up an appointment. Keep in mind that many managers live off-site, so it is best to do this before you reach Seattle.
Cornish College of the Arts is located on Capitol Hill, so you will want to start your search in this neighborhood. Other nearby neighborhoods are Downtown Seattle and the University ("U") District.
When you visit Seattle to conduct your apartment search, plan on this process taking more than a day. You may need to stay until Sunday evening, especially since some managers only have open house showings on Sundays.
Most people who prepare ahead for their search find an apartment.
Bring your cell phone or look into renting one (although we have phones in Student Affairs, y ou will be on the road much of the time). This way if you reach an answering machine, you can leave a message and be able to respond right away if the call is returned while you are still out looking.
Be prepared for paperwork and move-in costs. You may need references or your parent's information as a co-signer. Most apartments require a damage deposit. Many also require first and last months rent. Some require a pet deposit.
Dress comfortably - comfortable walking shoes are a MUST. Be ready to walk. Parking is scarce and some smaller apartment buildings don't advertise on websites or in the paper, but do put up signs regarding vacancies. Walking around the neighborhood is the best way to find these.

Helpful Websites and Phone Numbers

Classified Ads (still the best place for up-to-date listings)

The Seattle Times/The Seattle Post Intelligencer
(206) 464-2121
Seattle Weekly
(206) 441-5555
The Stranger
(206) 323-7101
The Daily - University of Washington's newspaper
(206) 543-2335
Craigslist - Seattle
Housingmaps.com
This links craigslist.com and google maps, so you see where places for rent are located, then link to the ad on craigslist.
- Important usage tips: Go to the boxes near the top of the map to choose city and price range, then use the arrows and plus and minus bar on the left side of the map to view on the neighborhood level.
- Lake Union is a good central point to use to get your bearings. MCC, our Main Campus Center, is a bit south of Lake Union at Lenora St. and Terry Ave. and Kerry Hall, our Capitol Hill campus, is a bit to the east of the lake at E. Roy St. and Harvard Ave. Since housingmaps.com only includes classified ads from craigslist, many places for rent will not show up on the map. Be sure to also check traditional classified ads through the additional links here on the housing page.
NetGoth Guide to Seattle Housing Postings and Links

Rental Websites

Seattle Rentals
Rent Net
Seattle Apartment Finder
Homeshare
(Senior Services of King County sponsors a Homesharing for Seniors Citizens program. Through this it is possible to share a home with a Senior Citizen at a reduced rate in exchange for assisting them with chores, etc.)

Moving and Tenant Information

Neighborhood info

Convention/Visitor's bureau
Click on maps to see neighborhood locations.
VR Seattle
View neighborhood virtually.
Guide to Puget Sound neighborhoods
Seattle Wiki
Seattle Wiki is a website about Seattle based on contributions written by the public. The information there is more idiosyncratic and opinionated than that on official city or state websites. After you reach the SeattleWiki site, look for "Places" and click on "more" to access neighborhood info.

Planning your visit to Seattle

Planning your Visit
Visit our resource page for links to local accomodation and events.
Citysearch
Choose Seattle to view info on hotels, restaurants and more.
Traveling to Washington information.
This site has free maps - both online and paper versions
More visitor's info
Obtain visitor's and lodging guides and more to prepare for your visit here.
City of Seattle site
Provides general Seattle information from visiting to neighborhood to pet licensing.
Metro bus schedules and route planning.
Note: The all day pass for Saturdays and Sundays is a bargain. You can ride the bus all day for $2.50, the typical cost for on round trip. Just ask the bus driver for one when you board and you will be on your way.
Seattle Hotel Hotline
Visit the website or call 1(800) 535 7071 to find a hotel and make your reservation with one call. From outside the U.S. - call (206) 461-5882