Advising & Orientation is your first step to success at the University of Washington.
Review the information below and begin the reservation process by selecting your status (Freshman, Transfer, Parent) on the tabs above. If you have any difficulty completing your A&O reservation, please contact us at fyp@uw.edu.
- Step 1: What to Expect
- Step 2: University 101
- Step 3: Preparing for A&O
- Step 4: Placement Testing
- Step 5: Meet Your Orientation Leader
- Step 6: How to Get to Campus
- Step 7: Frequently Asked Questions
- Step 8: Make an A&O Reservation
Step 1: What to Expect
What to Expect
Advising and Orientation (A&O) is offered before every quarter and is designed to prepare you for everything you need to do before your first quarter. All first-year students (transfer and freshman) are required to attend an A&O in order to enroll for your first quarter.
At A&O you can expect to:
- Meet with faculty, advisers and other campus leaders
- Create your course schedule and register for classes
- Learn how you can customize your education and open up future career opportunities with more than 180 fields of study
- Experience UW traditions, find your way around campus and attend workshops to get an inside look at life at the UW
- Learn about the exciting leadership and involvement opportunities that are available to you
Step 2: University 101
University 101
University 101 is a self-guided course designed to prepare you for your Advising & Orientation (A&O) session. U101 must be completed before your A&O session. We recommend beginning U101 at least 2 weeks prior to your A&O session.
Don't forget to activate or forward your UW email. If you experience technical difficulties do not hesitate to email us at fyp@uw.edu.
Learn MoreStep 3: Preparing for A&O
Preparing for A&O
Select the link below based on the type of session you will be attending:
- Freshman A&O (2 Days)
- Parent Orientation (2nd Day of Freshman)
- International Hybrid A&O Pt. 1 (Online)
- International Hybrid A&O Pt. 2 (On-campus)
- Early Fall Start A&O (2 days)
- Fall Admit Transfer A&O (1 Day)
- Summer Admit Transfer A&O (1 Day)
We have completed the following sessions below:
- Make-Up - Late September Advising & Orientation
- Make-Up - Late October Advising & Orientation
- Winter Admit (Freshman and Transfer Hybrid)
- Spring Admit
Accessibility & Accommodations during A&O: visit our website to review what we have built into the program and how to request additional accommodations
Construction Near Husky Union Building:
- Beginning July 8th the ADA lot next to the Husky Union Building (HUB) will be closed. If you need to park in an ADA lot please contact Transportation Services directly. The lot will be closed till September 20th.
- From July 29 to August 15th, Stevens Way will be closed between Hall Health and the HUB. You will need to access the HUB by using Pend Orielle and Grant Street to go around the construction or enter E. Stevens Way from 15th Street.
- For up-to-date information on all summer construction projects at the UW please visit this site.
Step 4: Placement Testing
Placement Testing
The UW offers on-campus placement tests in mathematics, chemistry, and more.
Freshman:
- Chemistry Placement Test: For all admits you can take the chemistry placement test online for free. You will need to complete the online exam at least 2 business days prior to the start of your Advising and Orientation session for scores to be updated in time for course registration.
- Math Placement Test: For fall admits, math placement tests are the only tests offered in conjunction (you take the test in person) with on-campus A&O sessions. For all other quarters, you will need to schedule a time to take the test directly with the Testing Center outside of your A&O session.
Transfers: Math placement tests will not be available during your A&O session. Check with the Testing Center for more information.
Learn MoreStep 5: Meet Your Orientation Leader
Meet Your Orientation Leader
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are upperclass UW students who will guide you through your A&O.
Step 6: How to Get to Campus
How to Get to Campus
Whether you are coming via airplane, train, or bus, we can help you find your way to the UW.
Need help planning your commute to campus? Get a personalized commute plan from the Commute Options team! Learn more at their website or call 206-221-3701 from M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For information on construction taking place on the campus during the summer, and to plan how it could affect your travel, please visit this site.
Learn MoreStep 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend A&O? Yes, A&O is required for all students. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, please contact us immediately at fyp@uw.edu.
Can my friend join me at A&O? No, A&O is designed for new students only. Come prepared to meet other new huskies!
Are parents required to attend Parent Orientation? Parent Orientation is not required but encouraged especially if this is your first student attending the UW.
What if I am late or have to leave early from my A&O? Please contact us immediately at fyp@uw.edu or text our Google Voice number at 802-490-5012, it is possible you will have to reschedule your A&O.
Accommodations & Accessibility at A&O: Please visit our accessibility page to find out more: fyp.washington.edu/accessibility
More FAQs
Step 8: Make an A&O Reservation
Make an A&O Reservation
Begin the reservation process by selecting your status below.
Be boundless
First Year 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.