Welcome to the University of Washington from FIUTS

 

 

FIUTS connects university students with local and global communities through programs that build international awareness, cross-cultural communication, and informed leadership.  
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Welcome International Students & Scholars!

  

The Foundation for International
UW Fountain
Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) is a non-profit organization located on campus that inspires cross-cultural understanding through intercultural events, community homestays, and more. FIUTS works closely with the University of Washington to provide International Student Orientation, and will be a resource for you during your time at the UW. This e-mail includes important information as you begin to prepare for your move to Seattle. 

 

You can learn more about FIUTS by visiting our Facebook page and websiteFor those of you on Facebook, the FIUTS UW International Students group is also a great way to begin connecting with peers.  

 
Planning Your Arrival

We recommend that you arrive in Seattle on September 8th or 9th to attend International Student Orientation and complete other new student requirements. Make sure to check the date on your visa before you schedule your flight to Seattle. Most international students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before September 10th.

 

International Student Orientation begins on September 10th and will include 10 days of social programming, information sessions, tours and activities help acquaint you with life at the UW. There is no need to register for FIUTS Orientation, and all new international students are advised to attend. Look out for more information from FIUTS this summer regarding the orientation program and other useful topics to help you prepare for your arrival. You can also preview the orientation schedule online!

 

Are you a freshman participating in the Early Fall Start (EFS) program? Visit our Early Fall Start International Students webpage for recommended arrival dates and important information!


FIUTS Homestay Program


The
FIUTS Welcome Week Homestay Program is a cross-cultural friendship experience between an international student and an American host. As part of this program, you will spend approximately one week in the home of a volunteer host - making a new local friend while you are looking for housing or waiting for the resident halls to open. Your host will pick you up at the airport (if their schedule permits), and assist you during your first few days in Seattle.

 

The Welcome Week Homestay is intended to last 7-10 days. Even if you have secured long-term housing, you are welcome to participate in the FIUTS Homestay program for your first week in Seattle. Plan to make alternative arrangements for any gap between your homestay and your permanent housing.  


Application & Deadlines:
The deadline to apply for a FIUTS Homestay is at least one month prior to your arrival in Seattle. Please submit your application as early as possible because placements are not guaranteed. APPLY NOW!

 

Fee: There is a $100 placement fee for individuals, $125 for couples and $150 for families (if you are accompanied by your spouse and/or child). Program fees are charged to your MyUW student account, and will be due with your fall tuition. 


Please note:
FIUTS hosts are volunteers from the local community who offer this short-term homestay as a gesture of international friendship and goodwill. They are NOT paid for their hospitality. FIUTS hosts should be treated with gratitude and respect at all times.

 

Learn more about FIUTS Homestay & Friendship Programs, and send any Homestay program questions to [email protected]. 

 

Housing in Seattle

Housing

If you haven't started researching housing in Seattle, now is a good time to do so! There are many options, both on and off campus. Some students choose to rent rooms or apartments around the University District, while others prefer to live in nearby neighborhoods. Most nearby neighborhoods have frequent bus service to campus, but be sure to ask plenty of questions before you make a decision!

 

If you wish to live on campus, it is important to apply very early. There are many residence halls on campus, but housing is not guaranteed and is assigned base priority and date of application. Learn more and apply at UW Housing & Food Services (HFS)

 

Visit the Housing Resources page on the FIUTS website for additional resources and ideas to help you investigate both temporary and long-term housing, on campus and off. It can be challenging to find housing before you arrive. Do some research ahead of time, and talk to other students in order to find a place more quickly! 

 
Important Pre-Arrival Steps and Sessions

ISS Online Information Session

All new international students must complete an online International Student Services (ISS) Information Session. This session is required for the removal of the ISS registration hold - you will not be able to register for classes until it has been completed. You can begin your online information session any time, and it is good to do it as soon as possible. Click here to get started. 

 

First Year Programs (FYP) Advising & Registration

Most first-year international students are introduced to the UW and register for classes in Online Advising & Registration (A&R) before autumn quarter begins. This interactive, web-based session will connect you with the academic advising resources you need to register for your first quarter at the UW. If you are a freshman or transfer student, register for an Online A&R session now.  

 
Freshman: Get an early start on college!

Registration remains open for Early Fall Start - a special program designed to help Freshmen achieve early success as a UW student. Learn more below.

  

Early Fall Start (EFS) for Freshmen: August 26 - September 19 

Incoming freshmen can earn 5 academic credits and make a smooth transition to university life one month before autumn quarter begins. Early Fall Start (EFS) is designed to prepare you for college success through interdisciplinary study, focused inquiry and academic writing. Get ahead on your academics, begin learning the campus, meet other new students in a small-class setting, and explore all that UW offers.

 

** Past international students say that the EFS English 108 College Writing class helped them effectively prepare for the academic challenges of fall quarter and establish long lasting friendships. **

Starting in July, we will send you weekly e-mail messages with important information for new international students and scholars. Should you have any questions in the meantime regarding your preparations for studying at the UW, please do not hesitate to contact the FIUTS office by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at +1.206.543.0735.   

 
We look forward to welcoming you to Seattle!    

 

Sincerely,
Brianna Mercker
Foundation for International Understanding Through Students  (FIUTS)
website: www.fiuts.org