All first-year students must attend Advising & Orientation in its entirety, including:

• Freshman (U.S. and International)
• Transfer students

Attendance is required for A&O Parts 2 and 3. The program uses a hybrid format — review our A&O format and delivery information for complete details and the required content for all first-year students.

Students NOT required to attend: returning students, graduate and post-baccalaureate students, exchange students, and non-matriculated students.

Important: First Year Programs' A&O is only for students attending the University of Washington in Seattle. UW Bothell and UW Tacoma have separate orientation programs:

• UW Bothell: Orientation & Transition Programs
• UW Tacoma: New Student & Family Programs

Reserving specific sessions allows us to create small groups where you can connect with staff, faculty, and peers. It also helps us manage our system to ensure you attend the correct session for your program. Please ensure that you are available for the entirety of your A&O sessions. 

Note: Summer/autumn admits should select an A&O Part 3 session that doesn't conflict with housing move-in day.

You can edit your reservation through your First-year Checklist up to 10 business days before your session, using the same process as your original reservation.

Want an earlier date? We don't offer notification alerts, but students frequently reschedule. Check your first-year checklist regularly to see real-time availability. If a spot opens, select your preferred date and resubmit your reservation. If there are no other dates still available, please fill out the First Year Programs Requests form and our office will follow up with you regarding your request.

If none of the available dates work for you, submit a request form or contact our office at (206) 207-5564 or fyp@uw.edu. Our staff will check if there are any other sessions available. If scheduling conflicts persist, self-guided makeup sessions are available for both Parts 2 and 3, and our staff will coordinate with you about registering for a self-guided A&O session.

After reserving your spot, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your session-specific agenda. This detailed agenda becomes available at least 24 hours before your session and includes all necessary Zoom links.

Sample agendas: Freshman U.S. | Transfer | Freshman international

Technology requirements: Review our Technology Instructions for A&O for equipment needs and detailed Zoom instructions.

Complete your online Husky Foundations Course at least 72 hours before A&O Part 2. This course provides foundational information you'll explore further during A&O.

Contact us immediately at fyp@uw.edu or text (206) 207-5564. Missing more than 30 minutes may require you to reschedule your A&O session. Review our policies, changes, and cancellations for details.

Most students first meet their adviser during A&O Part 2. Advisers typically don't meet before this session unless your department has made special arrangements. For general questions, email advice@uw.edu.

• Transfer and Running Start students: Have unofficial copies of transcripts from all previous higher education institutions available during your session
• Freshman students: Unofficial transcripts help show how credits may transfer to the UW, and may be helpful to discuss with your adviser, but they are not required during your session

Important: All students must submit final official transcripts from every higher education institution attended, including dual enrollment during high school.

Earlier sessions offer wider course variety, but we guarantee every student access to a full-time schedule that meets graduation requirements, regardless of A&O timing. Advisers and current students remain available for registration questions throughout summer.

Yes. A&O Part 3 is required and provides opportunities to connect with other new Huskies, Orientation Leaders, and your adviser.

Your A&O Part 3 confirmation email includes a link to your detailed session agenda, available at least 24 hours before your session. This agenda contains all campus locations you'll visit.

You'll reserve Parts 2 and 3 simultaneously and receive separate confirmation emails for each part.

Zoom is the free video platform used for A&O Part 2. Download it from the Zoom Download Center and review our Technology Instructions for A&O for complete setup guidance.

Zoom Download Center

Request technology through the Student Technology Loan Program. See our Technology Instructions for A&O for complete details.

Note: For access to technology throughout the academic school year, you will need to complete a separate request before the start of the quarter.  

You can attend your A&O session on any device that has stable internet connection, however, we do recommend that you use a laptop or tablet.

Chromebook users: Chromebooks are incompatible with Zoom breakout rooms and cannot be used for A&O. Request a compatible laptop through the Student Technology Loan Program.

After submitting transcripts, allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Check your unofficial transcript on MyUW or contact the Office of Admissions directly.

Transfer students: If credits don't appear during A&O Part 2 registration, notify your adviser during your session.

Placement test requirements depend on your planned first-year courses. Your adviser will review your transcripts and scores during A&O to determine needs. See the Placement Test Guide for details.

All first-year students work with an academic adviser:

• Pre-major students: You will work with UAA or OMA&D Advising; your individual adviser will be assigned a few weeks after A&O.
• Declared major students: You will work with an adviser in your departmental advising office.
• Engineering Undeclared: You will work with your assigned Engineering adviser. Check MyENGRUD for your adviser assignment (call (206) 543-1770 or email engradv@uw.edu for additional help).
• UW Bothell/Tacoma: You will work with the advising offices at UW-Bothell or UW-Tacoma.

Assignment process: You'll work with an adviser (usually in small groups) during A&O. Pre-major students receive individual assignments a few weeks later.

COVID-19: No longer required except for Health Sciences Immunization Program students. Staying current on COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly encouraged.

MMR and Meningitis ACWY: Must be submitted by the third Friday of the quarter. See the UW Tri-Campus Immunization Requirement website for details.

During A&O reservation, you can opt in to receive texts from First Year Programs staff, Orientation Leaders, and your adviser. These provide intentional updates about your first-year experience.

To opt out, email fyp@uw.edu.

The New Student Enrollment & Orientation Fee (NSEOF) is a mandatory enrollment confirmation fee that supports remote and in-person student services. Visit our NSEOF website for complete information.

• On-campus residents: Refer to the Housing & Food Services website for 9-month and 12-month move-in dates
• First day of classes: See the University Academic Calendar
• A&O Part 3: Takes place in person the week before classes start
• Dawg Daze: Begins in fall

UW Bothell and UW Tacoma have separate orientation programs. Visit their respective websites:

• UW Bothell Orientation
• UW Tacoma Orientation

No. A&O Parts 1, 2, and 3 are designed exclusively for first-year students. We offer separate Family Orientation sessions for guests and families.

Congratulations on summer admission! A&O requirements depend on your matriculation status. Review our steps for summer admission for guidance.

Family Orientation is optional but highly recommended, as it is a great opportunity for supporters of students to connect with faculty, staff, and administrators. Sessions run weekly throughout summer, so families can attend any available session. Students manage family reservations through their First-Year Checklist.

Winter admits: Only one Family Orientation session is offered and will be recorded for those unable to attend.

No. Family Orientation and all ongoing family resources are free.

Students register family members when making their A&O reservation. Family members receive separate confirmation emails with access links to Family Orientation resources.

Review Technology Instructions for Family Orientation for more details.

The Husky Huddle-Up podcast provides information on campus and community resources to help families support their students. Since resources change regularly, check campus websites for current information.

Visit UW Parent & Family Programs for Family Weekend information.

• Follow UW Parent & Family Programs on Facebook
• Email uwparent@uw.edu
• Subscribe to the Parent Insider Newsletter
• Visit our Prepare for Orientation page for additional resources