First Year Adventures

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Who Participates?

These trips are for incoming first year students looking to have an adventure and get a jump start on building a community before the fall quarter begins. All of the trips are for incoming freshmen, we do not offer trips for transfer students or graduate students. Transfer students will not be accepted.

Who Leads the Trips?

Fellow UW students trained in wilderness education lead UWild’s FYA trips. These educators will guide you through the development of outdoor skills and provide insights into their experience as a UW student and introduce campus resources.

Where Do Trips Start and End?

Your trip starts and ends at the best spot on campus, the Waterfront Activities Center, the home of UWild Adventures. Located on the shore of Lake Washington and a short walk from the University of Washington Light Rail Station. Post-trip pick-up is easy as there is plenty of parking, and the aforementioned light rail to the airport.

Which Trip is right for me?

We have three indicators to provide a snapshot of the challenges and skills associated with each adventure- Difficulty, Previous Experience, and Prerequisite Skills. We suggest you find trips that fit an honest reflection of your abilities, not just the date that fits a busy summer schedule. Once we leave the trailhead the group is committed to completing the trip together, there are not typically easy exits mid-course so please pick a trip that suits your abilities.

What is Included in the Price?
Transportation from the WAC to the trip trailhead/put-in and back to the WAC, meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), and all group gear (backpacks, shelters, cookware, etc.) will be provided. After registration, you’ll receive a packet with detailed information about meeting times and places, preparation suggestions, a packing list, and other important information.

How do I apply for a trip?

1. Please read through all of the trip information (posted above) thoroughly to ensure that the course is a good fit for your desires and abilities!
2. Complete the “Apply Here” form in it’s entirely – there are some courses that are designed for those that identify with a particular affinity group, and we have others where foundational experiences are recommended to ensure all participants are set up for success!

Apply Here!

• • We will not start reviewing applications until May 31st. We will accept applications after that date and they will be reviewed on a rolling biases

How to submit payment and finalize registration

• A member of UWild’s staff will contact you via the email provided when we are able to process registrations.  We may have supplemental questions at that time to ensure the program is a good fit and to answer any questions you may have regarding the course prior to your registration!
• After you have been contacted and accepted into the course we will follow up with a separate payment portal to complete course fees. Course fees can be paid with either Credit Card or billed through tuition.

Are there financial awards available?

Yes! We are pleased to partner with the First Year Programs Office to provide partial funding for our courses!

• Simply click the “I would like to apply for the Adventure Fund” option at the bottom of the application form and complete the prompted questions to apply!

Funding is available on a “first come, first served” basis for any incoming first year students that have a demonstrated financial need and / or come from traditionally underserved populations within higher education broadly and outdoor recreation in particular. Unfortunately, we cannot offer  Adventure Funds to all applicants, but we will try our best to ensure the funds are divided equitably and justly!

First Year Adventures Refund Policy:

1. Drops made 30 days prior to the activity results in a 50% loss of the registration fee.
2. Drops made 14 or fewer days prior to the activity results in a 100% loss of the registration fee.
3. Failure to attend an activity results in a 100% loss of registration fee

UWild Contact

Alexis Ryan- UWILD Field Program Manager

ahryan@uw.edu