New Student Guide to Shoreline & Seattle Life
Welcome! I am a student here too. This is the short guide I wanted on my first day. It covers the campus, how to travel, and the best places in Seattle.
A Friendly Community
Small classes, friendly staff and students from all over the world help you feel at home quickly.
10 Miles From Seattle
Close enough for easy trips downtown, and quiet enough to focus on your studies.
Support When You Need It
International Education, tutoring and student services are all here to help you succeed.
Library
Quiet floors for studying, free computers and printing, and staff who help you find sources.
Fitness Center
Train, relax and stay active between classes. Open to all enrolled students.
Reflection Room
A quiet space for prayer, meditation or personal reflection. It is open all day.
Student Services
Registration, advising, financial aid questions, and answers to "who do I ask?"
International Education
The main office for visas, advice and questions about life as an international student.
Cafeteria & Food
Get a coffee or a meal on campus between classes. It is quick, easy and cheap.
Formerly "7000 Campus Living"
Furnished studios and shared apartments on campus, with utilities and internet included. Shared rooms cost about $975β$1,050 per person a month. Private rooms and studios cost $1,198β$1,395 a month, paid quarterly.
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Right at the entrance to campus Β· (866) 591-4588 Directions Website
Shoreline / Aurora Corridor Closest, More Budget-Friendly
Close enough to walk or cycle to campus, right on the E Line bus route.
Richmond Beach Quieter, Near The Water
A short drive west. It is quiet, residential and close to the beach park.
Lake City Short Bus Ride
Just over the Seattle border, with a simple journey back to campus.
Ballard / Greenwood Further, More Amenities
More restaurants and nightlife, but a longer journey and higher rent.
Choosing Housing
Apply for campus housing early. Space is limited and Shoreline students come first.
Rent outside campus in Shoreline is about $1,563β$2,805 a month for a whole flat. Sharing with roommates makes the cost per person much lower.
Campus rent already includes utilities and internet. Remember this when you compare it with a "base" rent outside campus.
Campus housing has a $37 application fee. This is separate from your first rent payment.
Ask International Education about homestay agencies if you prefer not to search for a flat from abroad.
Live With A Local Family
Shoreline works with several homestay agencies (ABODE, Intercultural Homestays and Services, USA International Inc.). You get a private room, often with meals, and a natural way to practice English.
Many Shoreline students live here without a car. With the light rail, the buses and the campus shuttle, you can reach most of Seattle without driving.
ORCA Card
One card for buses, light rail and ferries across the Puget Sound region. Add money and tap it. Get your card at myORCA.com β
Bus 5: Your Campus Line
Route 5 starts at Shoreline CC and goes down Greenwood and Fremont into downtown Seattle. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and buses run daily from 4:15am to 12:45am. See the Route 5 schedule β
Link Light Rail
Shoreline North/185th and South/148th stations connect directly to UW, Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle. 1 Line schedule β
Free Campus Shuttle
A shuttle goes from campus to the 185th light rail station on weekdays.
Ride Like A Local
Always tap your ORCA card at the reader before boarding.
Download the Transit app to check live bus and train times.
The light rail is the fastest way downtown, with no traffic.
Buses can be late in traffic, so plan a few extra minutes.
Most students open their first U.S. bank account in the first few weeks. These two are the most popular with Shoreline students, and both are easy to reach from campus.
Bank of America
15401 Westminster Way N, Shoreline Β· ~15 min walk Β· E Line bankofamerica.com β
Chase
18200 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline Β· E Line chase.com β
Wells Fargo
BECU
KeyBank
Apple Pay & Google Pay
When your account is open, add your debit card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Most shops, cafes and vending machines in the Seattle area accept tap-to-pay. ORCA readers also accept it now.
What To Bring
Book an appointment online first. Without one you may wait a long time.
Bring your passport, visa, I-20 and proof of your Shoreline address.
Ask for a student account with no monthly fee.
Check the minimum opening deposit first, and bring some cash just in case.
T-Mobile More Common for Int'l Students
18336 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline Β· E Line or Route 333 + walk Website Directions
AT&T Coverage + Convenience
1175 N 205th St, Seattle Β· Route 331 or E Line Website Directions
Verizon More Common Nationwide
1255 N 205th St Ste 101, Shoreline Β· Route 331 or E Line Website Directions
Mint Mobile Cheapest Option
Online only Website
Picking A Plan
Prepaid plans such as Mint Mobile need no credit check or U.S. credit history.
Monthly contract companies (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) may ask for a passport and a deposit.
Ask about international calling options if you call home often.
With an eSIM you can start your service before you arrive in Seattle.
International students can get a Washington driver's license. You do not have to give up your home license, and you do not need a Social Security Number. Here is the process and the cost.
1. Knowledge Test
40 questions about WA traffic law. You need 32 correct answers to pass. The first try costs $25β$35, and a repeat costs about $18β$20.
2. Skills Test (Driving Test)
A driving test on the road, about 30 minutes long. The first try usually costs $50β$85, and a repeat costs about $45.
3. Get Your License
When you pass both tests, the DOL gives you the license the same day. There is no extra application fee.
Safety First Driving School
14741 Aurora Ave N, Suite 101, Shoreline, WA 98133 Β· (206) 779-2596 Directions Website
What To Bring
Your passport, plus your I-20 (or DS-2019) and valid visa.
A second ID if you have one. A foreign driver's license works well.
Proof of your Shoreline address, such as a bank letter, a bank statement or a utility bill with your name on it.
No SSN? That is fine. You just sign a form at the DOL saying you do not have one.
Cash, card or check for the test fees. You cannot split the payment.
Studying
The library, a study room or a quiet bench on campus. Find what works for you.
Meeting Friends
Shared classes, clubs and campus events make it easy to meet people.
Joining Clubs
From cultural clubs to hobby groups, clubs are a fast way to meet people.
Using Campus Resources
Tutoring, advice and workshops. Free help is closer than you think.
Balancing School & Life
Classes are important, but so are rest, food and fun. Take your time.
As an F-1 student you can work on campus without extra work authorization. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year, and full time during official breaks. Here is how to find a job.
1. Find A Position
Most campus jobs are not posted online. Go to the department office and ask if they are hiring.
2. Ask & Apply
Ask about hours, pay and how to apply. Each department has its own process.
3. Complete Paperwork
After they hire you, fill in the Social Security Verification form and the Shoreline hiring papers with your supervisor.
4. Confirm With IE
Take those documents to International Education. They confirm that you can work before you start.
International Education
International Student Ambassador (ISA) and International Student Leader (ISL). You support other students and help with events.
Student Learning Center
Tutor jobs and office assistant jobs that support other students.
Student Leadership Center & ASG
Event Coordinator, Event Cashier, Media Technician, Office Assistant, and Associated Student Government roles.
The Rules
Up to 20 hours a week during classes, and full time during official school breaks.
Your F-1 status already covers campus work. You do not need extra authorization.
You need a Social Security Number to get paid. Apply after you receive a job offer.
Do not start work until International Education has confirmed that you can.
New jobs appear all through the year. Ask the departments often, especially early in the quarter.
Basketball
Head Coach Aaron Mackey. Winter season, home games in the SCC Gymnasium.
Soccer
Head Coach Obed Kouassi. Fall season, playing for the Shoreline Dolphins.
Try Out For A Team
Reach out early in the quarter before a team's season. Email athletics@shoreline.edu or the head coach directly to ask about tryouts. Sports scholarships are sometimes available. Shoreline also has other teams, including volleyball and softball. See the full Athletics Directory β
International Food
Seattle has food from almost every country, from Korean BBQ to Ethiopian injera.
Halal Food Options
Halal restaurants and shops are easy to find nearby. See the Halal Food Guide for details.
Cultural Communities
Cultural clubs and student associations help you meet people from your own background.
Where To Meet People
Student lounges, club events and campus cafΓ©s are the easiest places to start a conversation.
Seattle has active communities for most faiths, and many are a short bus ride from campus. These are some of the closest places to Shoreline.
Idris Mosque
The closest mosque to campus, in the Northgate area of north Seattle. It is open for daily prayers and for Friday prayer.
Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS)
Redmond · Largest Islamic center in the region Find on map
St. Luke Parish
Shoreline · Close to campus Find on map
St. Mark Catholic Church
Shoreline · A short drive from campus Find on map
Calvin Presbyterian Church
Shoreline · Sunday services Find on map
Richmond Beach Congregational Church
Shoreline · Near Richmond Beach Find on map
Temple Beth Am
North Seattle · Near Green Lake Find on map
Congregation Beth Shalom
North Seattle · Wedgwood area Find on map
Before You Go
Prayer and service times change during the year. Check the website before you travel.
Most places welcome visitors. You can go once and see how you feel.
The campus Reflection Room is open all day for prayer between classes.
Many communities have a student group. Ask about it when you visit.
Ask International Education if you want help finding a group that speaks your language.
Grocery Stores
Safeway, Fred Meyer and Costco sell everyday food a short trip from campus.
Shopping Malls
Alderwood Mall and Northgate have clothes, electronics and food courts.
Budget-Friendly Finds
Ross, Goodwill and second-hand shops are good for a student budget.
Target & Everyday Basics
Room basics, toiletries and household items in one shop.
Online Delivery
Amazon and food delivery apps make shopping easy without a car.
Banking & SIM Cards
Open a local bank account and phone plan early. It makes everything easier.
Shoreline Parks
Boeing Creek and Shoreview Park are an easy walk for a study break among the trees.
Third Place Commons
A comfortable bookshop, food hall and meeting place just south in Lake Forest Park.
Local CafΓ©s
Small coffee shops on Aurora Ave and 15th Ave NE are great for studying.
Aurora Village
A shopping center a short bus ride away, with food and everyday items.
Just Relax
Sometimes the best plan after class is a bench, a snack and some fresh air.
Golden Gardens Nearby
A short drive to the water, with sand and sunsets for a free afternoon.
Washington Is Your
New Backyard
Mountains with snow, green forests and the water of Puget Sound, all a short drive from campus.
Rattlesnake Ledge
A short, classic hike with wide lake and mountain views at the top.
Mount Si
A harder climb, but popular with locals who want real exercise and a view.
Mount Rainier N.P.
A full day trip with amazing views, wildflower paths and glaciers close by.
Twin Falls
An easy trail for families that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Green Lake
Swim, paddleboard or walk around the lake. A favorite on a sunny afternoon.
Alki Beach
A sandy beach with city views. Walk, cycle or just watch the sunset.
Lake Washington
Matthews Beach and Magnuson Park have grass areas and easy places to swim.
Richmond Beach
In Shoreline itself. A Puget Sound beach park a few minutes from campus.
Downtown Seattle
The center of the city, with shops, offices and busy street life.
Pike Place Market
Fresh food, flying fish and the famous first Starbucks. You have to see it.
Space Needle
Seattle's symbol. Go to the top for wide views of the city and mountains.
Museums
SAM, MoPOP and others are a cheap, easy way to spend an afternoon.
Cultural Neighborhoods
The International District and other areas offer food and community from around the world.
Dress For Rain
A good rain jacket is more useful here than an umbrella.
Save Where You Can
Student discounts, cooking at home and public transport save a lot.
Stay Aware
Keep valuable things out of sight, especially in parked cars and at trailheads.
Say Yes To Plans
Friendships start when you show up. Join, ask and go.
Get Involved Early
Clubs, events and campus activities are the fastest way to feel at home at Shoreline. Do not wait until you feel "settled".
SYour Journey
Starts Here
New campus, new city, new chapter. Take it one day at a time. Explore a little, ask questions, and say yes to new experiences.