Thursday, June 26, 2025

Summer Shopping Guide for International Students Near PLU 🛍️☀️

Hi everyone! I’m Luna, an intern at PLU’s International Student Services (ISS) and a fellow international student from Korea 🇰🇷. While many students are traveling or visiting home this summer, some of us are staying around campus — and that’s okay! There’s actually a lot to explore nearby, especially if you’re in the mood for shopping or just want to get out and walk around indoors with AC!


Here are some great malls near PLU that you can visit during the summer:


1. Tacoma Mall

📍 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409
🚌 15–20 minutes by car or bus from PLU
This is the biggest shopping mall near PLU! It has popular stores like H&M, Zara, Apple, Sephora, and more. There are also places to eat like Chipotle and Panda Express. Great for both fashion and food!




2. South Hill Mall

📍 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373
🚌 About 25 minutes by car
South Hill Mall is perfect if you're looking for more variety. It includes stores like Macy’s, Daiso, and Old Navy. It’s usually a bit less crowded than Tacoma Mall and has lots of parking if you're going with friends.




3. Lakewood Towne Center

📍 5821 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
🚌 10–15 minutes by car
Closer to campus, this shopping area includes Target, Ross, Best Buy, and several restaurants and cafes. It’s great for casual shopping, grocery runs, or just grabbing boba and chilling.




4. Outlet Collection Seattle (Auburn)

📍 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
🚌 About 35–40 minutes by car
If you’re looking for deals, this is a full outlet mall with stores like Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and more. It’s a bit of a drive but a fun weekend trip if you want to shop on a budget.




Tips for Summer Shopping:

👜 Bring your student ID – some stores offer discounts!
💳 Don’t forget your debit/credit card (many places don’t take cash).
🌞 Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you’re walking outside.
🚗 If you don’t have a car, ask a friend or check the Pierce Transit bus schedule.


Even if you're staying near campus this summer, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy. Shopping can be a fun way to get to know the local area, pick up essentials, or just treat yourself!

Stay safe, stay cool, and happy shopping! 🛒✨
— Luna
PLU ISS Intern 💛

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