New Student & Transfer Programs

First Year Programs is now New Student & Transfer Programs (NSTP). Learn about our name change and next steps for NSTP.

Introducing New Student & Transfer Programs

Welcome to the UW

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Washington! Check out the different options for Advising & Orientation.

Orientation

Get Involved

New Student and Transfer Programs creates space for students to engage, learn, and thrive at the UW.

Engage

Explore

UW student completing the University 101 training on a laptop

Orientation

To begin your first year at the University of Washington, you will need to attend an Advising & Orientation (A&O) session. A&O is required of all new undergraduate students and it is where you will be introduced to academics, student life, and extracurricular opportunities. 

Orientation for New Admits

Engage

Navigating a large university can be challenging. That's why we've put together a list of resources for transitioning to UW and building community. From finding courses, to communicating with professors, to discovering jobs and mentorship opportunities, we have resources to help you succeed in your transition to UW.

Get involved at UW
AI Literacy Survey: Incoming First-Year and Transfer Student Perspectives (University of Washington, 2026) This infographic summarizes results from an AI literacy survey of 7,611 incoming first-year and transfer students conducted between May and July 2026 for students entering in Fall 2026. The infographic presents three major findings: 1. Most incoming students already use AI. AI use is common among incoming students, particularly ChatGPT. Reported use of AI tools includes: ChatGPT: 64% Gemini: 37% Grammarly or similar tools: 21% Microsoft Copilot: 13% Claude: 9% Other AI tools: 4% Not using AI tools: 16% Implication for faculty and staff: Most students are already experimenting with AI. Conversations should focus on appropriate, ethical, and effective use rather than basic awareness of AI. 2. Students primarily see AI as a learning tool. Students reported using AI in previous educational settings for: Understanding concepts: 63% Brainstorming ideas: 52% Research and information gathering: 38% Editing or revising work: 29% Writing assignments: 5% When asked how they expect to use AI in college, students selected: Help studying and understanding course concepts: 36% Do not expect to use AI: 22% Unsure how they will use AI: 13% Help with writing assignments: 11% Other uses: 18% Implication for faculty and staff: Students generally view AI as a support tool for learning and understanding rather than as a replacement for their own work. 3. Students need guidance. Most students learned about AI through self-directed exploration. Sources of AI learning include: Self-taught: 70% Friends or family: 23% Formal training or programs: 7% Students also reported receiving mixed messages from instructors about AI: Encouraged AI use: 49% Required AI use: 11% Explicitly prohibited AI use: 12% No clear guidance: 38% Implication for faculty and staff: Students are navigating inconsistent expectations and need clear communication about AI policies and appropriate use within courses. Recommendations for faculty and staff The infographic encourages faculty and staff to: Start conversations about AI use with students. Clarify course and assignment expectations. Promote academic integrity and responsible AI use. Connect students to AI literacy resources. Serve as guides in helping students use AI confidently, ethically, and effectively. The infographic is branded for New Student & Transfer Programs at the University of Washington and highlights the importance of supporting students as they develop AI literacy skills during their transition to college.Alt Text / Long Description AI Literacy Survey: Incoming First-Year and Transfer Student Perspectives (University of Washington, 2026) This infographic summarizes results from an AI literacy survey of 7,611 incoming first-year and transfer students conducted between May and July 2026 for students entering in Fall 2026. The infographic presents three major findings: 1. Most incoming students already use AI. AI use is common among incoming students, particularly ChatGPT. Reported use of AI tools includes: ChatGPT: 64% Gemini: 37% Grammarly or similar tools: 21% Microsoft Copilot: 13% Claude: 9% Other AI tools: 4% Not using AI tools: 16% Implication for faculty and staff: Most students are already experimenting with AI. Conversations should focus on appropriate, ethical, and effective use rather than basic awareness of AI. 2. Students primarily see AI as a learning tool. Students reported using AI in previous educational settings for: Understanding concepts: 63% Brainstorming ideas: 52% Research and information gathering: 38% Editing or revising work: 29% Writing assignments: 5% When asked how they expect to use AI in college, students selected: Help studying and understanding course concepts: 36% Do not expect to use AI: 22% Unsure how they will use AI: 13% Help with writing assignments: 11% Other uses: 18% Implication for faculty and staff: Students generally view AI as a support tool for learning and understanding rather than as a replacement for their own work. 3. Students need guidance. Most students learned about AI through self-directed exploration. Sources of AI learning include: Self-taught: 70% Friends or family: 23% Formal training or programs: 7% Students also reported receiving mixed messages from instructors about AI: Encouraged AI use: 49% Required AI use: 11% Explicitly prohibited AI use: 12% No clear guidance: 38% Implication for faculty and staff: Students are navigating inconsistent expectations and need clear communication about AI policies and appropriate use within courses. Recommendations for faculty and staff The infographic encourages faculty and staff to: Start conversations about AI use with students. Clarify course and assignment expectations. Promote academic integrity and responsible AI use. Connect students to AI literacy resources. Serve as guides in helping students use AI confidently, ethically, and effectively. The infographic is branded for New Student & Transfer Programs at the University of Washington and highlights the importance of supporting students as they develop AI literacy skills during their transition to college.

AI Literacy: New Student Perspectives

Review the summary results from an AI literacy survey of 7,611 incoming first-year and transfer students conducted between May and July 2026 for students entering in Fall 2026.

AI Literacy Survey Results

Fast Facts

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