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

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. 

Preparing for A&O

Select the link below based on the type of session you will be attending:

• Winter Admit (Freshman and Transfer Hybrid)

We have completed the following sessions below: 

• Spring Admit 
• Summer Admit Transfer A&O (1 Day)
• International Hybrid A&O Pt. 1 (Online)
• Early Fall Start A&O 
• Freshman A&O 
• International Hybrid A&O Pt. 2 (On-campus)
• Parent Orientation 
• Transfer A&O (1 Day)
• Make Up - Late September Advising & Orientation

Accessibility & Accommodations during A&O: Visit our website to review what we have built into the program and how to request additional accommodations 

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.

Meet Your Orientation Leader

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are upperclass UW students who will guide you through your A&O.

Meet your OLs!

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. 

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

Make an A&O Reservation

Begin the reservation process by selecting your status below.

WINTER ADMIT