First-year Interest Groups

A First-year Interest Group (FIG) is a small community of incoming students who take courses together during their first quarter at the University of Washington. All FIGs include GEN ST 199, a course to help students transition to the UW.

Watch Video about the FIG Program

What is General Studies (GEN ST) 199?

GEN ST 199: The University Community is a 2-credit course that helps you adjust to the UW during your first quarter. The course is led by peer instructors and is graded using a credit/no credit scale. Learn more about the GEN ST 199 course.

How do FIGs work?

A FIG is a group of classes linked to a GEN ST 199 seminar. When you register for the GEN ST 199 course, you will be automatically enrolled in all of the FIG courses connected to it. Watch our What's in a FIG? video to learn more.

FIGs are made to be flexible. UW offers clustered FIGs (multiple courses), as well as standalone FIGs (GEN ST 199 only). You can select a FIG that fills your schedule, or add courses to your schedule in addition to a FIG.

Enroll in a FIG

Why join a FIG?

Click on each box below to learn more!

It's community.
It's community.
- A FIG is a small academic group that fosters support and inclusivity.
- The curriculum fosters collaborative learning in small groups.
- FIGs encourage community building for extra support outside of class.
Access to peer educators.
Access to peer educators.
- Experienced Undergraduates become your mentor and lead your class.
- FIGs offer experiences and advice on academics, involvement, and college life.
- FIG Leaders do NOT teach content from other courses or tutor students, even if they have taken clustered courses before.
Develop your skills.
Develop your skills.
- GEN ST 199 addresses key topics including social issues, diversity, academic planning, time management, campus resources, and career exploration.
- Assignments in GEN ST 199 help students learn valuable skills and explore the UW and Seattle to support their transition to college.
But some expectations.
But some expectations.
- A FIG is NOT a way to inflate one's GPA or get easy grades.
- A FIG helps students anticipate what to expect during their time at the University.
- A FIG offers guidance on how to enhance and plan educational experiences.
- Success in a FIG requires active participation in class, completion of assignments to the best of one's ability, and meeting deadlines in a timely manner.

More about FIGs

Types of FIGs

Resources for FIGs

Program Information

Meet the FIG Leaders

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favourite spot on campus is the chairs by the water near the fisheries. The water is really calming, and sitting there helps me relax and unwind.

—Lyric Hawk

2025 FIG Leaders

First Year Programs

120 Mary Gates Hall Box 352825
Seattle, WA 98195-2825

Hours

Mary Gates Hall 120
Academic Year: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Summer: Mon-Thurs 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Winter Break: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Commuter and Transfer Commons (HUB 141)
Academic Year: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Breaks & Summers: Closed

Closed during University holidays.

Phone

206-543-4905 (Voice)
206-207-5564 (Text)

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First Year Programs fosters a successful undergraduate student experience through strategic programming that focuses on positive academic transitions and the development of learning communities. Through partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders our programs create the space for students to define how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the University of Washington.

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First-year Interest Groups

What is General Studies (GEN ST) 199?

How do FIGs work?

Why join a FIG?Click on each box below to learn more!

It's community.

It's community.

Access to peer educators.