First Impression of Seattle

On the 18th of September, I landed in Seattle, my new home for the next few years. There’s a strange mix of emotions that comes with moving to a new city—excitement tinged with a little nervousness, anticipation layered with a touch of nostalgia. But as we drove from the airport to the city, Seattle unfolded before me in a way that immediately made me feel like I belonged.

The journey began with my first drive on the I-5. It was late afternoon, and the sky wore a soft grey, a colour that seems to belong uniquely to Seattle. The highway was busy but orderly, surrounded by towering green trees that seemed to whisper the promise of new adventures. There was something calming about the drive—perhaps it was the steady rhythm of the road or the misty mountains that loomed faintly in the distance.

As we approached the bridge, my gaze was drawn to the shimmering expanse of water on either side. The bridge seemed to stretch endlessly over the sea, connecting the mainland to something almost magical. And then, slowly but surely, the University of Washington came into sight. Its iconic red-brick buildings and towering trees emerged like a hidden treasure, a place that seemed to perfectly balance the grandeur of academia with the serenity of nature.

The view was breathtaking. To my left, the vastness of Lake Washington stretched out, its waters reflecting the sky like a mirror. To my right, the skyline of Seattle stood proudly, the Space Needle visible like a beacon of innovation and progress. The city seemed alive, its energy palpable even from a distance.

What struck me almost immediately about Seattle was its contrasts. It’s a city where the urban and the natural coexist harmoniously, where towering skyscrapers share the skyline with snow-capped mountains. The air carries the salty tang of the sea, mingled with the aroma of fresh coffee—a scent that feels quintessentially Seattle.

The greenery is everywhere, from the trees lining the streets to the sprawling parks that invite you to pause and breathe. Even the buildings seem to blend into the landscape, their modernity softened by the ever-present backdrop of nature.

As we pulled closer to the University of Washington, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The campus seemed to exude a quiet confidence, its historic buildings standing as a testament to decades of learning and discovery. The lush greenery, the wide-open spaces, and the sense of community that seemed to hum in the air—it was everything I had imagined and more.

Walking through the campus later that evening, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This was the place where I would grow, learn, and challenge myself. It was a world within a world, a sanctuary of knowledge nestled in a city that was alive with possibility.

That first drive into Seattle felt like an introduction to a city that is as complex as it is beautiful. It’s a place where the sea meets the sky, where every corner seems to hold a story waiting to be discovered. And while I’ve only just begun to explore its many layers, I know that Seattle has already left an indelible mark on me.

For now, it’s still a new city, full of unfamiliar streets and uncharted experiences. But as I sit by my window, watching the sun set behind the mountains, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging. This is the beginning of a journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.