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Parents & Families

Key Dates & Events – UW Family Orientation Q&A

Q&A: How to find Key Dates & Events?

We are posting some of the questions that came up during our Family Orientations sessions in July & August. We will share a new post each week until the start of the academic year!

Families frequently want to know when things happen so they can plan ahead:

  1. Orientation & Advising – Students must complete the Advising & Orientation (A&O) experience before registering for classes. A&O sessions run throughout the summer and early autumn and include a virtual program followed by an on‑campus experience. Once your student signs up through fyp.uw.edu, they’ll receive emails with dates and instructions.
  2. Move‑in – Residence hall move‑in typically occurs a few days before classes begin in late September. Early move‑in may be available for groups like marching band; students should contact Housing & Food Services for details and fees.
  3. Dawg Daze & Dawg Dates – A week of welcome events for new Huskies beginning around move‑in; most activities are student‑focused, but there are occasional family‑friendly sessions. For a full list of academic milestones, tuition due dates and university holidays, consult the Dawg Dates & Deadlines calendar on the Parents & Families website. The calendar lists important dates for each quarter, such as when classes start, when tuition is due and when application deadlines fall.
  4. UW Family Weekend – UW’s annual family celebration is scheduled for October 24–25, 2025. Families can attend campus events on Friday, then cheer on the Huskies at the football game and family tailgate on Saturday. Ticket sales open on September 15; invitations go out via the Parent Insider newsletter.
  5. Billing cycle — Tuition bills appear in MyUW roughly two weeks before classes start. Scholarships and financial aid disburse the Thursday before the first day of classes; any excess funds go to the student. Bills are due on the third Friday of the quarter and include separate line items for tuition and housing.

For easy reference, here are the official UW pages mentioned above:

Encouraging note: Every Husky’s journey is unique —embrace the adventure! Encourage your student to explore new
interests, ask for help when they need it, and remember that both academic success and personal wellbeing are important. As a supportive family member, your curiosity and care make a big difference.