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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 Transportaion Services website. 

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 over 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). 

Fraternity & 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 New Husky Checklist to learn more about the membership experience and joining process and connect with current students during A&O.

Join a New Husky community

There are several ways to get connected to campus while taking classes and beginning your first quarter. As a new Husky, consider focusing on the areas below, and learn more about building your community.

Find events and activities

  • UW Campus Calendar: Browse by date or category to find on-campus events and opportunities that fit your schedule and spark your curiosity. 
  • HFS event calendar: Whether you live on-campus or not, the HFS Event Calendar highlights dining events, residential activities, and community programs designed to help all students connect, explore, and settle in.
  • New Huskies 2026 Instagram: Follow @newhuskies2026 for event highlights, important reminders, and opportunities curated for new Huskies.

Discover community

  • Registered Student Organizations: Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are independent student-run clubs that register annually with the Student Activities Office. The UW Seattle has over 1,000 RSOs each year, including academic, performing arts, gaming, sports and recreation, multicultural, international, honors and special interest groups. Students can search for RSOs in HuskyLink, the UW’s official RSO directory. New students can also explore RSOs at the fall and winter Student Activities Fairs.

Connect with the UW

  • First-year Interest Groups: First-year Interest Groups (FIGs) include a seminar course (GEN ST 199) designed for new Huskies, led by peer educators who provide mentorship and support students as they transition to the UW. 
  • Husky Peer Mentor Program: Get matched with a UW student mentor ready to help you navigate campus life, academics, and everything that comes with being a new Husky. 
  • New Husky Networks: As students explore Seattle and the UW, they can connect with each other and the community through weekly newsletters, special events, and an online communication platform.

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. Learn more at the Student Activities Office website.

Sustainability and recycling

UW Sustainability

We encourage and coordinate green efforts. Find dozens of student groups and more!

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.

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.

Huskies for Equitable Sustainability

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

On-campus dining

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee between classes, sitting down for a full meal, or stocking up on groceries, Housing & Food Services (HFS) has you covered with restaurants, cafés and markets across campus. 

Restaurants

  • By George: Located in Odegaard Undergraduate Library
  • Center Table: Located in Oliver Hall (North Campus)
  • Cultivate: Located in Elm Hall (West Campus)
  • Husky Den Food Court: Located in the Husky Union Building (HUB)
  • Local Point: Located in Lander Hall (West Campus)

Markets

  • District Market, Alder: Located in Alder Hall
  • District Market, Oak: Located in Oak Hall
  • Etc., The HUB: Located in the Husky Union Building (HUB)

Cafés

  • Dawg Bites: Located in the Intramural Activities Building (IMA)
  • Husky Den Café, The HUB: Located in the Husky Union Building (HUB)
  • Husky Grind Café, District Market Alder: Located in Alder Hall
  • Husky Grind Café, District Market Oak: Located in Oak Hall
  • Husky Grind Café, Mercer Court: Located in Mercer Court
  • Microsoft Café: Located in The Bill and Melinda Gates Center (CSE2)
  • Orin’s Place: Located in PACCAR Hall (PCAR)
  • Public Grounds: Located in Parrington Hall
  • The Rotunda: Located in Magnuson Health Sciences Center I-Court
  • Starbucks® Coffee, Population Health: Located in the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
  • Starbucks® Coffee, Suzzallo: Located in Suzzallo Library
  • Tower Café: Located in the UW Tower

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.

Important dates

August 31, 2026
Fall quarter dining funds available
September 14, 2026
12-month fall quarter dining funds available
September 22, 2026
9-month fall quarter dining funds available
October 31, 2026
Agreement termination notice deadline for winter quarter
November 30, 2026
Winter quarter dining account level change deadline
January 3, 2027
Winter quarter dining funds available
January 31, 2027
Agreement termination notice deadline for spring quarter
February 28, 2027
Spring quarter dining account level change deadline
March 28, 2027
Spring quarter dining funds available
Early April 2027
Returning residents apply for 2026–2027 housing
June 12, 2027, at noon (9-month)
Any money remaining in your dining account is forfeited
August 21, 2027, at noon (12-month)
Any money remaining in your dining account is forfeited

Move-in/move-out dates

September 14, 2026, time varies
12-month apartment move-in: time assigned by HFS
September 22–25, 2026, time varies
Residence hall move-in: time assigned by HFS
June 12, 2027, at noon
9-month residents move-out
August 21, 2027, at noon
12-month apartment move-out

Payment due dates

October 16, 2026
Fall quarter housing payment due
January 22, 2027
Winter quarter housing payment due
April 16, 2027
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. Learn more at the Husky Card website.

Twelve 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 at the UW.

Area 01

A community-focused learning space featuring a high- and low-tech makerspace called The Dabble Lab, as well as a variety of other spaces including the Sound Lab, Gamepods and new Content Creation Studio. You can also enjoy the space by playing ping pong, pool and game consoles. 

Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC)

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. Learn more at the ECC website.

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! Odegaard also houses a sound studio, wellness room, the undergraduate book collection, and is open the longest hours of any library on campus. Learn more at the Odegaard Library website.

The Quad

The Quad is a favorite go-to area to spend time outdoors, as students picnic, play games, read or relax in the sun. Plus, the collection of 30 Yoshino cherry trees attract visitors from around the world to see their stunning pink blooms, which emerge toward the end of March. 

Suzzallo and Allen Libraries

The Suzzallo and Allen libraries are so much more than a place to check out books. Find quiet solo study spots or collaborative workspaces, such as the Research Commons. Need research help? Stop by the Allen Information Desk or connect with a subject expert for one-on-one support.

Mary Gates Hall

Explore the following offices to succeed in your first year:

Husky Union Building (HUB)

The HUB offers many services, spaces and activities for the UW community, including, but not limited to:

UW Recreation

UW Recreation allows students to participate in a variety recreational classes, programs and activities. Explore some of the recreation spaces and get involved:

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. 

The 8

This multi-use community center is the ultimate hub for innovation and collaboration. Dive into the makerspace, equipped with state-of-the-art metal and wood shops and cutting-edge 3D printing technology. The 8 houses booths with space for students to gear up for their next exam or a cozy spot to relax.

The Mill

Located in McCarty Hall, this creative haven is open to all UW students, offering access to an array of tools and resources, including 3-D printers, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, a kiln and more.


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