Is FIUTS Orientation Required?
International orientation is not compulsory, but we do strongly recommend that all new international students attend. All students must pay the orientation fee, which is mandated by the University of Washington.
Do I have to attend multiple Orientations?
In addition to attending the FIUTS Orientation, you may need to attend departmental and program orientations. Please contact the department to which you have been admitted for additional information. All freshman and transfer students are required to register for an Advising and Orientation session (A&O) offered by the First Year Programs office. The First Year Programs Orientation provides information about course requirements, registration and transferring credit.
Do I have to attend all days of Orientation?
Orientation is designed for you to attend the sessions and social activities that
you find interesting and useful. While we encourage students
to participate in the entire program, we understand that
you may have a busy schedule. We provide a
variety of activities so that you can choose which ones are most relevant to your interests and needs.
I-94: What is this form and where do I get it?
The I-94 is an immigration document you will receive on
the plane. You will fill out the card when you receive
it
and hand
it
to an immigration officer when you land. The officer will
give you the bottom portion (and hopefully staple it in
your passport). You must keep that card and bring it with
you when you check in with the Greeting Table, along with your passport and your visa.
ARRIVAL: What should I do when I arrive on campus?
If you arrive in Winter, Spring or Summer Quarter, you should stop by the ISS Office on the 4th floor of Schmitz Hall, and visit the FIUTS office in HUB 302B to pick up an Orientation schedule. For fall Orientation, you should come to the FIUTS Greeting Table in the HUB to have your immigration documents copied, pick up your welcome folder, and sign up for any FIUTS events you would like to attend.
HOUSING: I need to find a place to live. Where do I go?
There are several places to check for housing:
•
Ads in the classified section of The
Daily, the UW campus
newspaper
•
Postings in the FIUTS Office
• ASUW & GPSS Housing (off-campus housing: OCHA)
•
Walk around! Check for signs outside of buildings and houses.
As crazy as this sounds, this is honestly one of the best
ways!
On average, it takes approximately 1-2 weeks for students to find a place
to live.
For more information on Housing, check our housing page.
Am I allowed to work while I study at the UW?
International students can only work on campus. The link
to student employment is:
http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/student_empl_links.html.
Please contact International
Services Office for questions
on employment.
Can I do a homestay?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for the FIUTS homestay program! The one-week homestay is a great opportunity to make a local connection and have some assistance during your first week in Seattle. The application deadline for Winter Quarter is November 23, 2009.
Can I bring my family?
Family members are invited to attend all Orientation events during Winter Quarter Orientation.
*** The questions below apply to Fall Orientation
ONLY***
If you are coming in Winter, Spring or Summer, these do
not apply.
Which Activities Cost Extra?
Some activities have a nominal fee while others are free. We do our best to have as many free events as possible.
You can sign up for activities that cost a fee when you arrive on campus at Greeting Table, Opening Day, or in the FIUTS Office.
Are Meals Included with the Orientation?
Breakfast is provided on
Opening Day. If you sign up for camp weekend, the fee includes all meals.
Do I need insurance during orientation?
Yes – Health care in the US can be extremely expensive, even for seemingly small things! The UW student insurance Plan does not begin until September 28. If you do not currently have health insurance, it is highly recommended that you purchase short-term insurance coverage during orientation in case you are sick or injured. A list of short-term insurance options is available here: http://depts.washington.edu/ovpsl/shortterminsurance.pdf
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