FIGs

A First-year Interest Group (FIG) is a small community of incoming first-year students that take a group of classes together during their first quarter at the University of Washington.

The FIG program began in 1987 as a means of creating small, intentional learning communities within the large university setting. Over its 30+ year history, it has become a cornerstone experience for new students to support their transition to the UW. FIGs are offered during the first quarter on campus and have clusters of classes linked to a GEN ST 199 seminar course facilitated by peer instructors.    

If you are needing or wanting to adjust your class schedule as it relates to FIG courses, complete our help form to recieve support for FIG enrollment. 

Enroll in a FIG

Build your network

Develop your academic community

Find mentors

historyProgram info

todayResources for FIGs

What's in a FIG? FIGs are built to be flexible — so you can select a full FIG or add classes to a FIG. Watch this short video to get an idea of how FIGs work.

Meet the FIG Leaders

What do you love about the University of Washington?

I love how many opportunities there are to meet other people and do many things on and off campus. Especially events held by the dorms and the ability to take public transportation.

—Addy Hahnke, FIG Leader