In the Loop Newsletter
January 7, 2026
Dear Huskies,
Happy New Year and welcome back from Winter Break! We hope your holiday season was filled with joy, rest and meaningful moments with friends and family. The start of a new year — and a new quarter — is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, reset and set intentions for the weeks ahead. In this newsletter, we’re excited to share a few strategies and tips to help you kick off the winter quarter feeling organized, motivated and ready for a productive new year.
Road Map to Success: Term Planning and New Year’s Resolutions
A common tradition at the beginning of the year is crafting a New Year’s Resolution — a set of personal goals focused on growth and self-improvement. New Year’s Resolution can take many forms. Some set academic and professional goals, while others focus on developing a new life skill or picking up a hobby. Regardless, having clear and actionable plans can help keep you motivated throughout the year. You can take advantage of Notion’s many free New Year’s Planning templates to help you craft a plan that works for you.
In addition to broader New Year’s goals, creating a term plan can be specifically helpful as you begin the winter quarter. A term plan offers a strategic overview of your academic commitments, deadlines and personal goals across the weeks ahead. Learn more about term planning. Below are a few tips for creating an effective term plan:
- Map out major assignments, exams, projects and key deadlines
- Note additional responsibilities and commitments beyond coursework
- Block out weekly time to work towards your academic and professional goals
- Schedule specific, realistic actions towards your personal goals (e.g., weekly coding practice, monthly networking events, daily exercise)
- Build in buffer time for the unexpected
The key is finding a balance between specificity and flexibility. Plans can change, but the act of planning can help you stay grounded and motivated as the quarter unfolds.
Winter Quarter at a Glance
Now that classes are in session, please make sure to meet you enrollment requirements as specified by ISS (for F-1 students and for J-1 students). Also, keep in mind that the last day to drop a class without owing tuition or fee is January 11, 2026.
Beyond these important deadlines, many resources are available to support your success throughout the school year. Graduate students can access the Graduate Funding Information Services (GFIS) through the UW Libraries to explore scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities. Undergraduate students can check out Office of Merit Scholarship, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA). Academic support services — including the Odegaard Writing and Research Center, CLUE tutoring and academic success coaching — will be available throughout the quarter. Don’t wait until the first big exam or project to reach out for help — these resources are here for you from the very beginning.
In addition, career fairs, networking events and professional development workshops offer valuable opportunities to build connections for internships and post-graduation career paths. Keep an eye out for academic, personal and professional development opportunities and consider marking key dates on your term plans and calendar early.
Community and Care: Honoring MLK Day
As we set the tone for the new year, we invite you to also reflect on ways to make a positive impact in our community. January 19 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring Dr. King‘s lifelong commitment to civil rights, equality and service. His leadership in the American civil rights movement continues to inspire action toward justice, compassion and community engagement. As international students, there are meaningful ways to contribute and honor Dr. King’s legacy. The United Way of King County offers a curated list of MLK Day service activities, along with ongoing volunteer opportunities you can join throughout the year. Visit their website to explore options and register.
Small acts of kindness can also create ripples of change, fostering greater inclusivity both on campus and in the broader Seattle community. Volunteering not only allows you to give back, but also helps you build connections and gain a deeper understanding of the place you now call home.
As always, CIRCLE is here to advocate, engage with, and support you at UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend — we’d love to see you!
Sincerely,
CIRCLE Team