A First-year Interest Group (FIG) is a small community of incoming students who take courses together during their first quarter at the University of Washington. All FIGs include GEN ST 199, a course to help students transition to the UW.
Watch Video about the FIG Program
GEN ST 199: The University Community is a 2-credit course that helps you adjust to the UW during your first quarter. The course is led by peer instructors and is graded using a credit/no-credit scale. Learn more about the GEN ST 199 course.
A FIG is a group of classes linked to a GEN ST 199 seminar. When you register for the GEN ST 199 course, you will be automatically enrolled in all of the FIG courses connected to it. Watch our What's in a FIG? video to learn more.
FIGs are made to be flexible. UW offers clustered FIGs (multiple courses), as well as standalone FIGs (GEN ST 199 only). You can select a FIG that fills your schedule, or add courses to your schedule in addition to a FIG.
What advice do you have for new students?
Explore activities and opportunities outside your comfort zone. The only way to grow academically and individually is to try new things and enjoy experiencing the unknown. Don’t be afraid to fail and learn how to get back up stronger than you were before!
—Helena Burroughs
2025 FIG Leaders
120 Mary Gates Hall Box 352825
Seattle, WA 98195-2825
Mary Gates Hall 120
Academic year: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Summer: Mon-Thurs 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Winter break: Mon-Fri 9:00 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)
New Student & Transfer Programs fosters a successful undergraduate student experience through strategic programming that focuses on positive academic transitions and the development of learning communities. Through partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders our programs create the space for students to define how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the University of Washington.
Support new Huskies, gain leadership experience, and make your mark at the UW! Our student employee positions are open to all undergraduate students at the University of Washington in Seattle. Follow the link below to explore our current open positions and learn more about how you can become part of the New Student & Transfer Programs team!
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