Regional Connection Groups (RCG) help new international undergraduate Huskies connect with other students from their region before arriving at UW. In addition to regional group chats, RCG summer programming includes student-led Core Sessions, in-depth Featured Sessions, and fun weekend activities to help students prepare for academic life, campus resources, and arrival in Seattle.
Use this page to find RCG session topics, dates, recordings, slides, and next steps. Session materials will be added as they become available.
Overview | Core Sessions | Featured Sessions | Weekend Activities | Next Steps
Notes: All time mentioned are in Seattle Time Zone. Use Time Zone Converter to help you translate times.
RCG 2026 Overview
For new students entering UW in 2026, RCG includes regional social media group chats and summer Zoom programming from July to August. Students are recommended to attend all five Core Sessions and are encouraged to attend Featured Sessions and weekend activities.
Part I: Core Sessions
Core Sessions are led by experienced international students, just like you! Your Peer Connection Leader (PCL) will offer session time options. Once you choose a time, try to attend the same time each week so you can build community with the same group of students.
Recordings and slides: Coming soon.
Kickoff | July 10–11
Time Option #1: July 10, Friday, 6–8 PM PDT
Time Option #2: July 11, Saturday, 8–10 AM PDT
Start your RCG experience, meet your PCL, connect with other new students, and learn how the summer program will work. You’ll have a chance to win exclusive CIRCLE prizes!
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Week 1 | July 13–19
Core Session #1: UW Tech Tips
Topics: MyUW, MyPlan, email forwarding, Google Suite, free software, and technology resources.
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Week 2 | July 20–26
Core Session #2: By the Book
Topics: Canvas, syllabus, Student Code of Conduct, AI use, grading systems, and the academic calendar.
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Week 3 | July 27–August 2
Core Session #3: Fantastic Contacts and Where to Find Them
Topics: Emailing professors, add codes, registration holds, and academic support.
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Week 4 | August 3–9
Core Session #4: Go Go Gadget Life Hacks!
Topics: Making friends, dining, housing, shopping, U-PASS, tutoring resources, and daily life at UW.
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Week 5 | August 10–15
Core Session #5: Arrival 101
Topics: Airport transportation, move-in, cell phone plans, banking, and ISS post-arrival check-in.
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Closing and Post-RCG | August 16
Time Option #1: August 16, Sunday, 8–10 AM PDT
Time Option #2: August 16, Sunday, 6–8 PM PDT
Wrap up the RCG program, review next steps, and prepare for arrival and welcome programs at UW. Get ready to start your Dawg journey!
Recording: Coming soon | Slides: Coming soon
Part II: Featured Sessions
Featured Sessions are strongly encouraged. These sessions cover important topics that help students prepare for academics, opportunities, safety, immigration, and career development at UW.
Time: 8–9 PM PDT for English sessions and 9–10 PM PDT for Chinese sessions when Chinese sessions are offered.
Recordings and slides: Coming soon.
| Date | Session | Focus | Language | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6 | Course Registration | Registering for classes, planning your major, and choosing first-quarter classes. | English + Chinese | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
| July 14 | Finding Opportunities at UW | Research and scholarship opportunities at UW. | English + Chinese | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
| July 21 | Making Informed Decisions and Exploring Majors + Student Panel | Dropping a course, gap quarters, majors/minors, applications, and student panel. | English + Chinese | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
| July 28 | Safety, Health, and Insurance | Doctors, U.S. health insurance, and campus safety resources. | English + Chinese | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
| August 4 | International Student Services (ISS) on Arrival and Post-Arrival Resources | Important arrival and post-arrival immigration information with ISS. | English | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
| August 11 | More Than Just a Degree | F-1/J-1 work eligibility, CPT/OPT, jobs, Handshake, and LinkedIn Learning. | English + Chinese | Recording: Coming soon Slides: Coming soon |
Note: Featured Session #1 happens before Kick Off so students can learn about course registration before A&O Part 2 begins.
Part III: Weekend Activities
Weekend activities are your chance to get a head start on finding friends! Join your fellow new international students to have some fun playing games, getting to know each other, and start building friendships before you set foot in Seattle.
Time: Saturdays, 8–10 PM (All Seattle Time)
Zoom Link: Coming Soon
Next Steps
- Attend your Advising & Orientation Part 3 in person!
- Attend as many Dawg Daze events as possible after arriving at UW!
- Come meet your PCL in person at International Welcome Programs!
Questions about RCG can be directed to uwcircle@uw.edu.