Decision review: NOLAN, Seattle
NOLAN is a purpose-built student accommodation located at Seattle, WA 98105, USA, close to the University of Washington campus. It offers shared apartments with 2, 4, or 5 bedrooms and is managed by a private operator. The property has a Google rating of 3.2 out of 117 reviews. Below is a factual assessment of who this property may suit, what residents report, how pricing compares to the city average, and practical booking guidance.
Who NOLAN may suit
NOLAN is primarily designed for students who want to live within walking distance of the University of Washington and do not mind sharing a multi-bedroom unit. The property provides a gym, a study area, and a lounge, which can be useful for students who prefer on-site facilities without leaving the building. The lease start date is listed as 24 September 2026, making it suitable for students beginning their studies in the fall 2026 term.
Given the unit types (2b, 4b, 5b), NOLAN works well for groups of friends or students who are comfortable living with multiple flatmates. The deposit is a flat USD 250, which is relatively low compared to many US properties. The monthly rent range is USD 1,265–1,585 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). For a student who can find roommates to fill a 4- or 5-bedroom unit, the cost per person may be lower than the listed minimum price, though the exact per-bed pricing is not provided.
Who NOLAN may not suit
Based on resident reviews, NOLAN appears to have serious issues that may make it unsuitable for anyone seeking a safe, clean, or professionally managed living environment. Several Google reviews describe health hazards and deceptive leasing practices. For example, reviewer Anoushka Manik wrote: “Our unit at Nolan Apartments was an active health hazard. We had a standard rate 4 x 2 unit located next to the garbage bins, with every window of the unit being above a bin. Whenever our windows were open, the garbage smell and particles would enter our unit. We would also be woken at 6-8 a.m. almost daily due to the…” (review truncated in source).
Another 1-star review from Ananya Bajaj details: “I don’t typically write reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience to spare others the trauma I’ve endured. My friend and I signed the lease for a 4 bedroom appartment at Nolan after having toured their 4 bed 2 bath. They refused to show us the real flat and te sample flat was decorated beautifully. To our di…” (review truncated in source). These accounts suggest potential bait-and-switch tactics and unsanitary conditions.
On the positive side, Josephine Mambo gave a 5-star review: “I came late and before that I pushed my schedule back because of traffic and they were totally understanding and when I finally arrived, they were so sweet and supportive. They answered all my questions and wanted to know what they could do to help me with my situation so I really loved the experience from Nolan. THANK” — this indicates that the leasing staff can be accommodating during tours. However, this positive experience may not reflect the actual living conditions after move-in.
Therefore, students who prioritise hygiene, transparent leasing, and quiet living should look elsewhere. The property’s proximity to garbage bins in some units and the reported refusal to show the actual unit suggest significant risk.
Price positioning vs the city’s from-price
As of available data, the city-wide “from-price” for student accommodation in Seattle is USD 704 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). NOLAN’s minimum listed price of USD 1,265 per month is nearly 80% higher than that base. However, the city from-price likely refers to a very basic shared room in a larger property or a lower-tier unit. NOLAN’s price range of USD 1,265–1,585 is within the mid-to-high range for properties in the University of Washington area. There are 36 student properties listed in Seattle according to the data provider, so students have many options to compare.
Note that the prices quoted are for a full unit (e.g., a 2-bedroom apartment) per month. If you are renting only a single bed in a shared unit, the actual cost per person may be lower than the unit price, but the data does not specify per-bed rates. Always confirm with the operator.
Room-type guidance
The property offers three room types: 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom units. All are shared apartments, meaning you will have roommates. The 2-bedroom units are typically the smallest and may have less living space, but also fewer flatmates. The 4- and 5-bedroom units are larger but also mean more people sharing common areas and bathrooms. The exact bathroom count is not specified in the data, but Google reviews mention a “4 x 2” unit, which likely means 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Based on reviews, some units are placed next to garbage bins, so ask the operator for the exact unit location before signing.
If you are looking for a private studio or a single-occupancy apartment, NOLAN is not suitable. All units are multi-bedroom.
Booking timing
The available-from date is 24 September 2026. For students starting the fall 2026 semester at the University of Washington, that aligns well. Given the mixed reviews, it is strongly recommended to:
- Visit the actual unit (not just a model unit) before signing any lease.
- Ask specifically about the unit location relative to garbage bins, elevators, and high-traffic areas.
- Read the full lease terms carefully, especially clauses about early termination, maintenance, and pest control.
- Consider booking as early as possible if you decide to proceed, because popular units may sell out. However, given the negative feedback, you may want to explore other options.
Because the data shows the property has a 3.2 rating from 117 reviews (many of them critical), exercise caution. If you do choose to rent, try to secure a unit that has been positively reviewed or at least inspected in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy at NOLAN?
The data does not provide specific cancellation or rebooking terms. You should ask the operator directly before making a deposit. Typical US student properties may allow a cooling-off period, but it’s best to get written confirmation.
Are utilities included in the monthly rent?
The data does not mention utilities. Often, rent in student accommodation covers water, sewer, and trash, but electricity, gas, and internet may be extra. Confirm with the operator which utilities are included and what the average monthly cost would be.
How far is NOLAN from the University of Washington campus?
The property address is Seattle, WA 98105, which is the University District. The exact walking distance is not provided, but based on the neighbourhood, it is likely within a 10–15 minute walk to the main campus. You can verify using a mapping service.
Sources & data date
This review is based on data provided by an independent student-housing platform, current as of July 2026. Ratings and reviews are sourced from Google. All prices are indicative and must be confirmed with the operator.
For live availability and current pricing, you can use the on-site assistant on the platform to check the latest unit options for NOLAN.
See also: listing details · browse more