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International Student Frequently Asked Questions

Is FIUTS Orientation required?
Do I need to register for FIUTS Orientation?
Do I have to attend multiple Orientations?
Do I have to attend all days of Orientation?
How do I pay the FIUTS Orientation fee?
What is the I-94 form and where do I get it?
Can FIUTS arrange for me to be picked up at the airport?
What should I do when I arrive on campus?
I need to find a place to live. Where do I go?
When will I hear from HFS about my dorm assignment?
What address
should I put on my visa?
Can I do a homestay?
Where can my parents/family stay?
Am I allowed to work while I study at the UW?
Which orientation activities cost extra? (Fall Orientation Only)
Can I bring my family to Orientation? (Fall Orientation Only)
Are meals included with Orientation? (Fall Orientation Only)
Do I need insurance during Orientation? (Fall Orientation Only)


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 need to register for FIUTS Orientation?
No, there is no need to register for FIUTS Orientation. We are already expecting you! If you are coming in Fall Quarter, there are a few events (Camp and Boat Cruise) that do require you to sign up if you wish to attend. You can sign up for these events when you arrive on campus at the Greeting Table.

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 A&O session 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.

How do I pay the FIUTS Orientation fee?
The $70 Orientation fee will be automatically added to your tuition bill, which is due the third week of classes. You do not need to register or pay separately.

What is the I-94 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

Can FIUTS arrange for me to be picked up at the airport?
No, FIUTS does not arrange airport pick-ups. We are happy to offer advice and provide information about how to get to the UW from the airport, but we do not have the capacity to pick up all 1,500 new international students. If you participate in the FIUTS homestay program, your host will pick you up at the airport IF their schedule allows.

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 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 Orientation events.

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.

When will I hear from HFS about my dorm assignment?

Dorm assignments are usually sent in August. Please contact HFS directly for questions about your dorm.

What address
should I put on my visa?
If you don't have your dorm assignment or an off-campus house yet, you can put the ISS office address (459 Schmitz Hall, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195) or the FIUTS office address (University of Washington Box 352233, Seattle WA 98195) on your visa application.

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.

Where can my parents/family stay?
Our off-campus housing page has a list of hotels and hostels in the area.

Am I allowed to work while I study at the UW?

International students can only work on campus. The University of Washington keeps an online listing of student jobs. Please contact the International Student Services (ISS) Office for questions about employment.

*** The following questions apply to Fall Orientation ONLY***

Which orientation activities cost extra?

The activities that cost extra are FIUTS Camp and the Boat Cruise. All other Orientation activities are free to new international students. You can sign up for FIUTS Camp and the Boat Cruise when you arrive on campus at Greeting Table.

Can I bring my family to Orientation?

Family members are invited to attend most Orientation events. However, FIUTS Camp is limited to students only due to limited space. There will be a special session for parents on Wednesday, September 15th, and an Information Session for students with spouses and/or children during the week of September 20-24.

Are meals included with Orientation?

No, you are responsible for your own meals during Orientation. The only events that include meals are FIUTS Camp and the Boat Cruise (additional fee and sign-up required).

Do I need insurance during Orientation?

Yes – health care in the US can be extremely expensive, even for small things! The UW student insurance plan begins on September 15th. If you will arrive early and do not currently have health insurance, it is highly recommended that you purchase short-term insurance coverage during the extra time you are here in case you are sick or injured. A list of short-term insurance options is available here: http://depts.washington.edu/ovpsl/shortterminsurance.pdf