Meet your 2024-2025 Orientation Leaders. We're excited to welcome you to the UW!
Please hover over each picture to learn more about our Orientation Leaders.
What advice do you have for new students?
Put yourself out there, step outside of your comfort zone, and push yourself to do hard things (it's okay to make mistakes)!
What advice do you have for new students?
Mentally prepare yourself for the workload and start studying for exams early (I recommend a week. Trust me, it is worth it!) Also, get involved. Join a club or several and get to know others not in your major.
What advice do you have for first-year students?
Your mental health matters just as much as your grades do. Do not sacrifice your health just to get a few extra hours of studying in. Spend that time relaxing, hanging out with friends, or getting involved in whatever way creates the best environment for you!
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
Study abroad! In 2023 I had the pleasure of studying abroad in Italy where myself, two professors, and 23 other UW students learned about the food systems, history, and culture that make up Italy. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so happy to have taken part in!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the Commuter and Transfer Commons in the HUB (Husky Union Building). It has a robust community, lockers and other amenities available, and in general is a great place to study.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the Quad especially when the sun is out and Paccar Hall study rooms as it is so aesthetically pleasing.
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
The football games in the fall are a must-experience for new students.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how The University of Washington has so many opportunities for students to get involved in the husky community! On a campus as big as ours, there are so many resources available to students and so many people with shared interests to connect with!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I absolutely adore the faculty here - they're so much fun to be around!
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice is to use all the UW resources available to you! Also, attend Dawg Daze, it’s such a great week. Also, I recommend taking fun classes, saying hi to people, and getting involved in things that matter to you. Also, remember that things do not always go as planned, so give yourself grace.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the opportunities that UW provides. There is so many ways to get involved and meet people with common interests. Through RSOs, professors, and friends, I have heard about different experiences and opportunities that I am fortunate enough to be able to participate in.
What advice do you have for new students?
Please be the best versions of yourselves because it’s a one time shot! Get out of your comfort zone by asking professors, teaching assistants, and peers whenever they have questions, getting to know many new people, and gaining connections through conversations!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Husky Union Building (HUB) is a great place for both eating and studying and I love hanging out there with my friends on rainy days. At the bottom floor of the building, there are tons of places to play games and have fun with friends.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is right in front of Guggenheim Hall because of the beautiful view of the fountain.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Hans Rosling Center for Population Health - I stay here often in between my classes and it's a good comfortable place to study. There is food and its always bustling with new students in and out.
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't be afraid to take the initiative to make connections with others and be involved in the many activities that UW has to offer.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
Going to school in Seattle, I wasn't expecting to have access to so much green space! I love being just a short walk or light rail ride away from either being by a calming lake or being in the middle of the big city.
What advice do you have for new students?
Stay curious and open-minded: Embrace the opportunity to explore new subjects, perspectives, and experiences. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and be willing to challenge your assumptions. University is a time for intellectual growth and discovery.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is the Sakuma Viewpoint close to the Marine Biology facilities. It is a peaceful little park with geese and ducks.
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
Dawg Daze because it is a great way to meet new people and get to know the campus as well as everything it has to offer.
What advice do you have for first-year students?
Don't be afraid to take some time for yourself to discover who you are. You don't have to fully know what you want to do or who you want to be for the rest of your life right now. Use this new university setting as an opportunity to listen to yourself and learn a few things along the way!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the campus, as it seems to evolve with each season which is so beautiful. Whenever I think I have seen everything this campus has to offer, I am received with a surprise which keeps things interesting!
What advice do you have for new students?
Create healthy habits that balance your academics, social life, and mental health. But most importantly, commit to them! Striving to keep these good habits will keep you on track for a smooth transition into college life and adulthood!
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice for new students is to really look into how you can integrate your hobbies into your UW experience. I found that to be a really great way to form really strong friendships. There are over 1000 RSOs here at UW, so I definitely recommend taking a look at them to see which ones stand out to you the most!
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
I recommend attending RSO (Registered Student Organization) events to see if you are interested in getting involved. It helped me connect with people in my major and build a sense of community & belonging.
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't give up! There may come a time when you will face rejection or failure (college is hard!) but don't let this get you down. There will always be another opportunity that you can pursue, even if something goes wrong the first time!
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
The carnival during Dawg Daze is very fun and involving! It has so many booths, interactive activities, and food that really made a good impression on the beginning of my Husky experience! I went with my roommates and I had a lot of fun with them.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
The sense of community it fosters. Students, professors, and staff are always ready to lend a hand, whether you’re facing academic or personal challenges, making UW feel like a second home.
What one thing would you say is a must-experience for new students?
I would highly recommend that new students participate in a FIG (First-Year Interest Group)! It's an incredible opportunity to connect with a group of fellow first-year students who are also eager to explore campus and the city!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the diversity of students and perspectives at UW. I have met so many interesting people with such different backgrounds and it cultivates a very unique community. The campus is also stunningly beautiful and really enriches daily walking from place to place.
What advice do you have for new students?
I would advise students to manage their time, but to also surround themselves with people who genuinely care about you.
120 Mary Gates Hall Box 352825
Seattle, WA 98195-2825
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.
206-543-4905 (Voice)
206-207-5564 (Text)
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