New Student Checklist
Set up a UW NetID and email
Admitted students receive their student identification number and PAC (personal access code) after accepting the offer of admission. With a student number and PAC, a UW NetID can be set up. A student’s UW NetID will precede @uw.edu and become the student’s UW email address. The UW offers four email systems to choose from. Accessing email via the web is done through MyUW.
Communicate with your student host
Incoming students are paired with a continuing student during the admissions process. Student hosts can assist with the transition of moving to Seattle, entering graduate school, and the identification of social and cultural resources.
Register for courses
In order to register for courses, students must first have established a UW NetID. International students must also complete an online check-in. Students should reference the UW Academic Calendar for dates of instruction, registration deadlines, school holidays, and more. PABIO courses are restricted by add codes or faculty codes. To get your add codes, contact the Pathobiology Program Manager and list the classes that you will be taking. For independent research credits (PABIO 500,600,700,800), you need to get the faculty code. To receive this fill out either the Rotation Confirmation Form and get permission from the Principle Investigator you will be rotating with or confirm your faculty advisor and have them sign the Advisor Confirmation Form. These documents should be sent to the Program Manager once signed both by the student and faculty member.
Find housing
The majority of our students live off-campus in shared housing. If possible, finding housing near the UW is encouraged as early morning courses and evening events occur year round. Campus housing information can be found through UW Housing and Food Services. They offer housing options for single students and students with families. For off-campus housing, Craigslist is most often used. The UW School of Law has a list of neighborhood descriptions to assist with identifying housing.
Research transportation options
Most students utilize the U-PASS to travel by Metro bus around town. Students are automatically charged for the pass each quarter they are registered. The Metro Online Trip Planner is a great tool that helps riders figure out how to get from one address to another. Extensive bike and walking trails are found around Seattle as well. The closest airport to Seattle is SeaTac International Airport. For new residents, carrying a map of the Seattle area is strongly recommended; with so many bodies of water and hills it can be a confusing city to navigate.
Set up your first rotation lab
The Program Manager will send out a list of faculty looking for students for rotations by August. You are encouraged to contact faculty directly to discuss. Aim to have your rotation set up by the beginning of September at the latest.
Get your Husky Card
The Husky Card is the official identification card for members of the University of Washington community. The U-PASS is electronically embedded into the Husky Card. A Husky Card should be obtained as soon as a student arrives on campus. The Husky Card Account & ID Center is located on the ground floor of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.
Apply for Washington state identification
New Washington state residents are legally required to get a Washington state driver’s license or ID card within 30 days of moving to the state. Check out the Washington State Department of Licensing to find office locations and information on what type of identification is needed when applying for an ID or driver’s license. If eligible, you can also register to vote when getting an ID.
Explore UW resources
The UW Student Guide is a comprehensive reference for UW students and includes information on Academics, Finances, Student Life, University Policies, and much more. The University Bookstore is where you can purchase Husky products and books for class.
Prepare for the first day of class
Helpful maps include a campus map and Health Sciences Building (HSB) map. The Health Sciences Building is where many of your classes will be held. It is a very confusing building! You are highly encouraged to locate your classrooms in advance of the first day of class.
Attend school and departmental orientations
Attendance at the Pathobiology Program Orientation is required for all entering students. Typically it is held the week prior to the beginning of Autumn Quarter.
Attend the TA/RA Conference sessions that are relevant to you.