FIG Leaders are experienced UW students who teach the GEN ST 199 course in every First Year Interest Group. Throughout the ten‑week Autumn quarter, they support your transition to the University by sharing academic guidance, campus resources, and answers to common questions.
Please hover/tap on each picture to learn more about our FIG Leaders.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Population Health Building because it has a Starbucks and is a nice study spot
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how walkable this entire campus is. It's huge! but every spot has its own charm. Especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom during the spring!
What advice do you have for new students?
To be proactive and go out and make your college experience what you want it to be.
What advice do you have for new students?
My main advice would be to put yourself out there and do what scares you, whether it's trying a bunch of different clubs, getting involved with intramurals, registering for strange and interesting classes, or just generally going out of your comfort zone, that is how you really grow and meet people
What advice do you have for new students?
PLEASE do not be scared to try new things. Everything from dawg daze activities, to different foods in the dining hall, to the more obscure sporting events. you never know if you'll love something (or hate it) until you try, and this is one of the last chances you'll have to do so much for free!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Going to a football game!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus has to be the Suzzallo reading room! The beautiful architecture and quiet ambience really help me feel like I'm in another world.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Windermere cup! Rowing is such a fun event to watch, and UW does it best
What advice do you have for new students?
give it time and lean into the things that push you outside of your comfort zone! but also make time for yourself!
What advice do you have for new students?
Take a quarter to get used to things and create routine. You have plenty of time to go be an academic superhuman so block out some time and space to meet people, try something new, and set a strong structure and routine (study, sleep, recreation, etc).
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the connections you get out of it. Everywhere I go, no matter how far or close to campus, I feel like I constantly meet people who have some connection to UW and have great things to say about it!
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't be scared and don't worry too much about the future. Enjoy your time in college and live in the present!
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't be nervous, and just give it a shot!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how beautiful the campus is! Cherry blossom season, sunsets in Seattle, and the view of Rainier are always so amazing to see.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I would say Dawg Daze. It is a great opportunity to meet fellow incoming students and make new friends!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the fountain because it is always beautiful no matter the time of day.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on UW campus is the Health Sciences Education Building because it has so many study locations for both solo and group activities.
What advice do you have for new students?
Take your time. There is no one path or race. Everything will happen as its meant to, and in the time that it's meant to happen.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
The RSO fairs! Getting to see all the club options in one place makes it easy to find one that interests you.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the unique balance of social culture at the UW. You don't have to be either introverted or extroverted to be successful here - there truly is a place for everyone.
What advice do you have for new students?
Put yourself out there early by joining clubs, attending events, and getting to know your classmates and professors. You do not need to have everything figured out right away, so give yourself time to explore and find what feels right.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The benches in the quad. Optimal people watching and beautiful in every season.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Playing intermural sports has definitely been one of the highlights of my college experience and even if you don't regularly play a sport or a game, it is a great way to spend time with your friends over a quarter and just meet new people in general.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Go to a Dawg Daze event! My personal favorites were Quad Flicks and the Late Night Carnival, it's a great way to meet people and make some friends before classes begin!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the freedom that being a student at UW offers you. You are subject to the countless opportunities that UW offers. With all of the clubs, classes, and activities that UW provides, theres countless avenues to explore previous interests and create new ones.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Go to the RSO Fair and actually walk around. It’s the fastest way to see how much UW has to offer and to find communities you didn’t even know you were looking for.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The docks by the boat house! It has a beautiful view of the water and is a perfect place to gather with friends or as a solo adventure!
What advice do you have for new students?
TIME MANAGEMENT!! It is the most important thing you will learn in college. If you make time for the things you need to do, you will have time for the things you want to do, and you won't feel burnt out.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the campus environment; it's always bustling with students and full of energy. Plus, there's so much variety; whether you're looking for a place to stop and enjoy the scenery or a quiet corner to get some work done, there are unlimited spaces that fit whatever you need.
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't get overwhelmed! When college feels stressful make sure to take a step back and take a rest day. Stay positive, and make sure to take things one step at a time.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Going on a "One Bus Away" tour of a neighborhood in Seattle. It's a great way to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, meet new people, and it gets you off campus a bit more!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Quad Flicks & bus tours! Those events are great to get to know the culture and community UW has and you get to explore it!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Probably the waterfront on a sunny day! its so calming to just sit and stare at the water, 10/10 would recommend
What advice do you have for new students?
Join clubs!!!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus has got to be the garden in front of the hub. Whether it's to decompress after a midterm or to get some quiet nature time, it's a must-visit hidden gem.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
What I love about the University of Washington, is its strong community and campus energy. Even as a large school, it feels connected and inspiring. In Seattle, there’s always something happening, and the academic and professional opportunities make it a place to truly grow.
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice for new students is that growth happens when you are uncomfortable! It is so important to try new things, even if it is scary at first, because that is where you learn!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
What I love the most about UW is the beauty of this school. This goes beyond just the pretty buildings. It is the people, community, and overall celebration of everyone and their identities and individuality.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
The first week of college is filled with countless activities and chances to meet people. Dawg Daze is one of the best ways to meet as many new people as possible; you never know what friendships will last the rest of college if you don't try!
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice for new students is to put yourself out there, because you never know what you might be missing. Try your best to say yes and try new things!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is Founders because I love the view from sitting in the chairs by the windows. I have spent so much time studying while also getting to watch people walk to class. It is easily the most relaxing place on campus.
What advice do you have for new students?
Take a breath. College can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Give yourself permission to try things, change your mind, and take up space while you’re learning.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the courtyard outside the physics building because you can see the space needle, and there's a great view of the water.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Definitely attend either Fall Fling or the Quad Movie during Dawg Days because I made so many new friends during both, and they both were just such a great welcome to UW in general.
What advice do you have for new students?
Try to explore Seattle! The public transportation is really amazing here, and the city is so much bigger than just the U-District.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
Everything!!! I love all of the found spots on The Ave, watching the Husky sports and the IMA!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Dawg Daze events! I would highly recommend going to the carnival and the movie night in the Quad.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love UW's energy whenever the sun comes out! Everyone takes advantage of the warmth by spending time outside with friends.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Quad is my favorite spot because it feels like the heart of campus. Whether I’m studying, catching up with friends, or just walking through during cherry blossom season, it always reminds me why I love being at UW.
What advice do you have for new students?
Try to connect with as many people as you can! New connections give you a chance to learn about so many things you may not have heard of or even considered.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the waterfront area by the health sciences education building! It's a great place to walk especially when it's sunny outside!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I think students should definitely go to sports games!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the fact that there are so many resources to guide students and countless opportunities to help them grow in their careers.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Football games! Theres a reason we are called the greatest setting of college football!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Get the most out of your Husky Card (and student status in general)! The Burke Museum is free and a lot of fun to visit with a group of friends. You can also use U-PASS to take transit to any of the 16 museums in Seattle that are also free on the first Thursday of every month.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
l love how UW makes big ideas feel possible. Whether it’s research, art, activism, or exploration, there’s space here to grow into who you’re becoming. The energy on campus pushes you to think bigger while still finding community and belonging.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Denny Field is the place to be year-round. From the occasional Spikeball tournament, to the 2am snowball battles, this is where students come to take a breath and escape the hustle and bustle.
What advice do you have for new students?
Dont be afraid to do something random! My biggest discoveries in my first year came from trying things I diddin't even know existed.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
Something I love about the UW is the beautiful campus and amount of nature nearby!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I think everyone should join an RSO. It is such a great way to find a smaller community of people with your shared interest within the large campus/student body at UW.
What advice do you have for new students?
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone as much as you can. College is a great place for not only learning things about the world around you but also yourself. That being said there is a lot more to college then the first few quarters, and it's never too late to do anything.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Henry Museum which gives students access to a free, permanent art collection and amazing study spots. The museum also has a basement cafe which is the perfect place to be in between class to do homework, spend time with friends, or enjoy a delicious coffee!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how beautiful campus is (especially in the spring and fall). I also love the community I've built here and that I can enjoy my time at UW with my friends!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
UW is so big -- not just in size, but in possibilities. There are so many paths, communities, jobs, and quiet corners that everyone can eventually find a space that feels like theirs. UW gave me room to grow, to do some cool things, and to enjoy the experiences here.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
No matter who you are and where you are from, you can always find your communities here.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
One event I suggest that new students experience is ASUW Fall Fling and Spring Show to listen to live music with peers!
What advice do you have for new students?
Don't hesitate to reach out! You never know what opportunities may unfold until you take that first step.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is either the quad, denny hall/paccar, or the HUB!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Definitely go to Quad Flicks during Dawg Daze! It was so fun to just be outside with friends at night and eat good food.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the campus! The nature and the buildings are so beautiful!
What advice do you have for new students?
Try everything!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Henry Art Gallery Cafe! They make the best lotus and sandwiches.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Going to a football game or probably any sports game is a must. The environment, camaraderie, etc. is really cool.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
The DawgDaze events are the perfect place to make new friends as everyone is new! The carnival and movie on the lawn are a lot of fun.
What advice do you have for new students?
Find time to explore your interests outside of class!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the community I have been able to become a part of which includes the amazing lifelong connections I have made. I also am so grateful for all of the opportunities that will be useful in my future endeavors.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
UW football games - the vibes are so fun
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice for new students is to try out all their options. UW has so many different RSOs, programs and organizations and your first year is a really great time to explore different communities.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how diverse UW is. People come from all over the country and world, bringing different perspectives. It’s fascinating to hear how others see things, and it’s comforting to know you’re not alone while exploring a new place and figuring things out.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the Population Health building! It is so pretty, and there are so many great places to study in there.
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice to new students is to take advantage of Dawg Daze. It's the perfect time to try new things with other people who are in the same boat. Get out there and try anything that might be interesting to you. Don't let fear or anxiety get in the way of you finding your community!
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice for incoming students would be to try everything. The University of Washington has so much to offer, so seek out new experiences. Try a club, go explore a new city, say hi to the person next to you -- You never know where it could lead!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I would HIGHLY recommend trying intramural sports or playing pickup sports with strangers on Denny Field. You don't have to be good to ask someone to play, and it'll help you meet so many new people in the first quarter.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Go rock climbing at the IMA at least once! It is super fun and a great activity to do with a friend.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how there are so many different experiences to be had! This university is huge, and there's something new to try every day. I also love finding pretty spots on campus to study!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I have two! I like the Hans Rosling Population Center because it has many good study spots. I also really enjoy the IMA for the gym.
What advice do you have for new students?
Put yourself out there, it's scary at first, but it's worth it.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
The campus and the amount of people!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I really like walking to the Waterfront Activities Center. Whenever my friends and I have a free afternoon, we go down to the water near the WAC to swim and play soccer.
What advice do you have for new students?
Have an open mind! College is an entirely new experience which is terrifying but also an amazing way to restart and let yourself be your true self. Try things you never thought to try before, get involved, follow your passions!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the diversity of the UW community! Everyone has such unique lived experiences and backgrounds they bring which contributes to the colorful culture here.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The benches in the quad, it is always quiet and it is the best spot for just sitting and relaxing.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Check out the Intramural Activities Building (IMA)! There are a ton of sports you can try, such as volleyball and badminton, and equipment is provided!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
All new students should go to Dawg Daze. Dawg Daze is (in my opinion) the best way to familiarize yourself with UW's campus. It has an unbeatable energy surrounding it - students are eager to meet each other and to engage in fun experiences. Plus, it has free food and giveaways!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Odegard Library it is so peaceful for studying and getting work done
What advice do you have for new students?
You're not alone! Things take time and put yourself out there!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love how pretty and nature-y our campus is. It's a great place to simply walk around, meet new people, and make new memories.
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love the aesthetic and vibe of the campus, it is not too big and everything is easily accessible to others, making it the perfect social environment.
What advice do you have for new students?
Explore everything UW offers!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Denny Field because it is a great place to find a variety of interests and students doing things they enjoy in a shared environment. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow peers!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
I love UW’s beautiful campus and, even more, the people. The diversity here—different backgrounds, cultures, and goals—creates a community where you’re always learning from each other and feel inspired to grow.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
Dawg Dash is fun!
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I would say the RSO fair is a must! It gives you so many opportunities to explore different clubs at once and there are often free goodies and some snacks!
What do you love about the University of Washington?
All the friends that I made on campus.
What one thing would you say is a must-have experience for new students?
I would say the Late Night Carnival, because you can really feel the energy, excitement, and sense of community around you.
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