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The First-Year Checklist outlines to-do items related to topics here, such as:

  • Submit your Husky Card photo
  • Visit the Commuter & Transfer Commons  
  • Plan your commute to campus
  • Tap your U-PASS
  • Register your valuables
  • Enroll in The Pack Rewards
  • Review the Husky Experience Toolkit
  • Purchase Dawg Pack tickets for UW football and basketball games
  • Learn about opportunities to get involved with Associated Students of UW (ASUW)
  • Make your Dawg Daze schedule
  • Explore the Registered Student Organization directory
  • Check out official UW departments on social media
  • Attend a virtual International Husky Welcome session for your region
  • Join Regional Connection Group (RCG) chats to connect with new Huskies
  • Complete the Immigration Check-In with ISS

Commute options

For 30 years the U-PASS has made the University of Washington more accessible by providing affordable transit choices to UW students and staff. A week before the quarter starts, your U-PASS will be activated and ready for use on your Husky Card. You will be able to access bus and transit options through King County Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit and Sound Transit, including the Link light rail and Sounder commuter trains. Find more information at transportation.uw.edu.

Did you know? More than 80% of commute trips to campus are made without a personal vehicle. 

Q Center: LGBTQ+ resources

The Q Center has proudly served LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty on the UW Seattle campus for almost 20 years. The Q Center works to foster a brave, affirming and inclusive community that celebrates all gender and sexual identities.

Through programs, resources and support, the Q Center empowers students and staff to thrive—personally, socially and academically.

Guided by values of justice, respect and liberation, the Q Center is a space where people can find connection and the freedom to be their authentic selves.

The Q Center is located in the Husky Union Building, on the third floor across from the elevator (HUB 315). Learn more about the Q Center at sites.uw.edu/qcenter.

Housing & Food Services

Our goal is to support you and provide you with the tools to succeed. Keep the following information to help you navigate the #HuskyHome on-campus living experience. hfs.uw.edu/housing

Important dates

August 31, 2024
Fall quarter dining account level change deadline
September 8, 2024
12-month Fall quarter dining funds available
September 17, 2024
9-month Fall quarter dining funds available
October 31, 2024
Agreement termination notice deadline for winter quarter
November 30, 2024
Winter quarter dining account level change deadline
January 5, 2025
Winter quarter dining funds available
January 31, 2025
Agreement termination notice deadline for spring quarter
February 28, 2025
Spring quarter dining account level change deadline
March 30, 2025
Spring quarter dining funds available
Early April 2025
Returning residents apply for 2025–26 housing
June 14, 2025, at noon (9-month)
Any money remaining in your dining account is forfeited
August 23, 2025, at noon (12-month)
Any money remaining in your dining account is forfeited

Move-in/move-out dates

September 8, 2024, time varies
12-month apartment move-in: time assigned by HFS
September 17–20, 2024, time varies
Residence hall move-in: time assigned by HFS
June 14, 2025, at noon
9-month residents move-out
August 23, 2025, at noon
12-month apartment move-out

Payment due dates

October 11, 2024
Fall quarter housing payment due
January 24, 2025
Winter quarter housing payment due
April 18, 2025
Spring quarter housing payment due
Monthly (1st day of the month)
12-month housing payment due

Did you know? Husky Card Account funds can be used for on-campus:

  • Dining
  • Shopping
  • Dawg Prints

Additionally, save money by accessing card discounts. fyp.uw.edu/hgcard

Sustainability and recycling

UW Sustainability

We encourage and coordinate green efforts. Find dozens of student groups and more at sustainability.uw.edu.

Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF)

The CSF, funded and run by students, supports student-led projects advancing justice-centered sustainability while fostering collective learning and resource sharing. csf.uw.edu

Waste on Campus

You’ll see three bins on campus: compost, recycling and landfill. Learn how to sort it all out and make an impact. uwrecycling.com

Huskies for Equitable Sustainability

Huskies for Equitable Sustainability (HuES) is an opportunity for all students to learn about and engage in sustainability efforts. sustainability.uw.edu/hues

Join a first-year community

There are several ways to get connected to campus while taking classes and beginning your first quarter. As a first-year, consider focusing on the areas below, and learn more at fyp.uw.edu/hgcommunity.

  • Connect with the UW by taking classes and attending events based on your interests.
  • Find a mentor through a Registered Student Organization (RSO).
  • Build your community through a First-year Interest Group (FIG) or a First-year Network.

Fraternity and sorority life

Membership in a fraternity/sorority provides more than you might think — the decision to join can impact all facets of your collegiate experience. The UW’s Greek community comprises 55 chapters with over 4,000 active members in four councils: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Panhellenic Association.

See your First-Year Checklist to learn more about the membership experience and joining process and connect with current students during A&O. fyp.uw.edu/hggreek

Create your community

Do you have a passion or identity but are having trouble finding a community that reflects it? You can create your own community by registering a Student Organization, getting involved in Student Government, or developing a connection with an SAO Adviser. hub.washington.edu/get-involved/sao

Seven ways to find your place

The UW has several physical spaces that you should know as a student. Plan to visit these spaces when you come to campus to find your place and thrive in your first year.

Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center

Attend cultural events to engage with our community and enhance your leadership skills. Visit the wellness room, serenity space, social justice library and Leadership Without Borders. depts.uw.edu/ecc

Schmitz Hall

Get answers about your tuition and financial aid questions, explore study abroad, or make a counseling appointment with a therapist. Get advice from International Student Services (ISS) and chat with the Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE). 

Odegaard Library

Get writing and research help, reserve study rooms, check out course textbooks and use the computer labs! The library also offers a computer-vet help desk, a sound studio and the undergraduate book collection. lib.uw.edu/ougl

Mary Gates Hall

Explore the following offices to succeed in your first year:

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Intellectual House

A gathering space for American Indian/Alaska Native students, faculty and staff, as well as others from various cultures and communities, to come together in a welcoming environment to share knowledge. Visit the Intellectual House to find academic and cultural student programming. uw.edu/omad/intellectual-house

UW Recreation

Stay active at the Intramural Activities Building (IMA). Rock climb at Crags; rent equipment from the Gear Garage; swim at the 14-lane pool; explore with UWild Adventures; visit the Golf Range, Waterfront Activities Center and Massage Clinic; learn sports skills and martial arts; and participate in intramural sports, sports clubs, personal training, and fitness and mindfulness classes. uw.edu/ima

Husky Union Building

Get involved with ASUW, GPSS or an RSO. Find cultural/identity spaces (Q Center, D Center, Student Veteran Life, CTC). Play games (bowling, pool, table tennis, esports), and discover the bike shop, banking and ATMs, the Husky Den Food Court and University Book Store. @hubatuw

Did you know? Use the Scout app to find places to study and eat on campus. scout.uw.edu/seattle


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