February can be the “wait…is it still winter?” month in Seattle 😅 Here’s our quick mid-quarter check-in with a few key dates, support resources, and some easy ideas to help your Husky feel a little more grounded mid-quarter!
Dawg Dates & Deadlines
- Feb 16: Presidents Day (no classes)
- Feb 28 (11:59 p.m.): Deadline to lower a dining plan level for spring quarter (for students using HFS dining plans).
- Jan 23: Winter Tuition and Residence Hall charges due
Tax-Time 101: What is the 1098-T and Why Should We Care?
If this is your family’s first time navigating college finances, tax season can feel confusing — especially for first‑generation, international, or first‑in‑college households.
One simple step: have your student check MyUW for their 1098‑T (if available) and save it with their important records.
What’s the 1098‑T?
A tax form colleges provide that summarizes certain tuition/fee charges and scholarships/grants for the year. It’s not a bill or a refund — just documentation.
Why it matters
- Helps families file taxes correctly
- May be used when checking eligibility for education‑related tax benefits
- Reduces “surprise moments” when sorting out scholarships, grants, loans, and payments
- Builds good financial‑literacy habits year to year
For international families
Tax requirements vary by residency status and income. It’s still helpful to download the form and use UW guidance or a qualified tax professional to determine what applies.
Don’t panic
- Not every student will have a 1098‑T
- Having one doesn’t guarantee a tax credit or refund
- UW can share general info, but not personal tax advice
How to find it
- Log into MyUW
- Search “1098‑T”
- Download and save if available
Check out Student Fiscal Services for more info
Husky Tips: Helping Your Husky Through the Winter Gloom with UW Resources
If your student is feeling the gray days a little extra, you’re not alone — and UW has support ready.
- Husky HelpLine (24/7): 206-616-7777 (same-day, confidential support).
- UW Counseling Center (mental health support and referrals for ongoing care).
- A “happy lamp” option on campus: the UW Health Sciences Library has light therapy lamps available for in-library use.
Sometimes a simple ‘I’m really glad you told me’ can be the support someone needed all along!
Quick tip you can share: borrow tech instead of buying it
If your student needs a laptop/tablet/camera/mic/projector for a class or project, UW’s Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) lets students borrow equipment for free (availability varies).
Student life roundup (share this section with your Husky)
One of the best winter-quarter “mood boosters” is something low-pressure and in-person — even if they show up solo. Craft nights, board games, bake/paint events, ceramics workshops, public lectures… it all counts.
Where to browse what’s happening:
- HuskyLink (student org events): https://huskylink.washington.edu/
- UW Seattle Campus Calendar: https://www.washington.edu/calendar/
- Q Center events: https://www.washington.edu/qcenter/
- UW Libraries events: https://www.lib.washington.edu/
Visiting your Husky this winter? Make it a “Winter UW Family Weekend”
Seattle in February is peak cozy-drizzle season — and a visit can be a big morale boost mid-quarter. We pulled together winter-friendly ideas (packing tips, indoor favorites, athletics and even a mountain day trip):
- Check out our Wintertime in Seattle (visiting guide) blog from last year!
- For General visitor info such as parking, maps, basics we have the UW has great tips as well
Bonus tip: Presidents’ Day weekend can be a great time to visit if your student’s schedule is lighter
Talk with your Husky: February check-in questions
Copy/paste (works for all living situations and families near or far):
- “What’s one small win from this week?”
- “What’s taking the most energy right now — classes, people, or logistics?”
- “Want help making a plan, or do you just want me to be your hype person today?”
- “What’s one thing you want March-you to thank February-you for?”