Hi everyone! I’m an international student from mainland China, currently studying engineering at UW. I’ve been here for almost 2 years. I already have a favorite restaurant (The Pink Door), I’ve traveled around Washington, central Oregon, and the LA area, and I even met my girlfriend (we’re both international student) here! I also work on campus (balancing two jobs at the same time).
Honestly, I’ve really grown to love it here, especially because of the great natural scene, inclusiveness and the great opportunities for tech people. If I get the chance, I’d love to stay here long-term rather than go back.
The thing is, I never quite feel like a “local.” I can’t seem to feel a deep connection with the city—it’s a subtle feeling, and I’m not sure what I should do. I admit I haven’t made enough effort to make local friends, and to be honest, I’m not amazing at it. I had some international friends, but no longer now due to some reason. I can’t describe the difference between Seattle with other US cities in the cultural aspect (like food and entertainment etc. I know that we love cream cheese and salmon but that’s still too broad). I don’t have a car (parking fee is insanely high here for me!), and sometime I feel like that’s the reason why I feel not exploring enough of this city, but I can’t say if there’s any real difference if I do have one. Maybe I’m in lack of free will? I’m not sure.
Does anyone else feel the same way? What can I do to build that connection and confidently say, “I live here”?
submitted by /u/Winter_Alps4441
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