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Plan your visit

Welcome! We’re looking forward to your visit

The University has removed the mask mandate, however, they are still strongly recommended indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Before your visit

If you haven’t already, be sure to register for a campus tour so we know you’re coming.

Traveling to campus

Campus tour

 

Before your visit

If you haven’t already, be sure to register for a campus tour as we are unable to accommodate walk-on’s at this time.

Stay home if you’re sick

While we can’t wait to see everyone in person, if you are sick with any illness and especially if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please do not come to campus, even if you are vaccinated. 

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

 

Watch videos outlining the admission process

Admissions information sessions are back, however, we invite you to explore our series of short videos outlining the freshman admission and application process. Explore the admissions YouTube playlist in advance of your visit so we can answer any follow up questions you may have.

Weather and what to wear

Seattle weather is typically mild. A hooded jacket or umbrella is often a good idea, depending on the time of year. Wear comfortable shoes. The campus tour covers 1.4 miles. For the most up-to-date forecast, visit weather.com.

During extreme weather conditions, visit the UW homepage to ensure the campus is open. In the event that campus is closed, all visit activities will be cancelled and guests will be notified.

Hotel accommodations

 

Eating on and around campus

From street food to cafes and everything in between, Housing & Food Services has your next meal covered. With over 35 options for on campus dining, find something near you! Or take a short walk off campus and explore the global eats within the U District.

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Traveling to campus

By bus: More than 60 bus routes serve the University District, including many with stops right on campus.

By Link light rail: The UW light rail stop is at Husky Stadium/University of Washington, a 10-minute walk from the Husky Union Building (HUB), where campus tours and information sessions take place. The UW stop is a 45-minute ride from Sea-Tac International Airport.

By air: Sea-Tac International Airport serves Seattle and is about 30 minutes from campus by car (during heavy traffic, this may take up to an hour).

Driving directions to the Central Plaza Garage gatehouse

From Interstate 5 (I-5), northbound or southbound

Note: Do not use the express lanes.

  • Take exit 169 (NE 45th St) toward 45th St.
  • Take a right turn from I-5 N or a left turn from I-5 S to travel east on NE 45th St. for about half a mile.
  • Turn right on 15th Ave. NE and continue for several blocks to NE 41st St.
  • Central Plaza Garage is on the left (east) side of 15th Ave NE.

From the east side of Lake Washington via SR 520 (toll bridge)

  • Take SR 520 westbound toward Seattle.
  • Take the Montlake Blvd. NE exit, then turn right (north) onto Montlake Blvd. to cross the Montlake Bridge.
  • Just past the bridge, turn left on Pacific Ave., and continue west for several blocks. You will pass the UW Medical Center and Health Sciences complex on your left.
  • Turn right onto 15th Ave. NE and continue north about three blocks to NE 41st St.
  • Central Plaza Garage is on the right (east) side of 15th Ave NE.

 

Parking on campus

If you drive, we recommend getting to campus at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit to allow time to park and find your way to your destination. We recommend parking in the Central Plaza Garage where you can use the PayByPhone option in lots C02, C03 or C04. The Central Plaza Garage entrance can be found on 15th Ave NE at NE 41st Street (see map).

Alternately, you may use the self serve parking map to find parking elsewhere on campus.

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Campus tour

Campus tours leave from the Admissions Welcome Center, room 106 in the Husky Union Building (HUB).

 

What to expect

During the 75-minute student-led campus tour you’ll explore 1.4 miles of upper campus covering the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, Red Square, Sylvan Grove and more.

Restroom access will be available in the Husky Union Building (HUB) before and after the tour so please plan accordingly.

For a look inside classrooms and other student services buildings, we encourage to check out our virtual tour. And, for a glimpse inside residence halls sign up for a housing tour or check out the housing virtual tour.

What to bring

Many restaurants and venues in our region now require proof of vaccination – which can often be a photo of the documentation on your phone – or a negative coronavirus test result for entry. Some UW events will also follow this practice, so make sure to keep copies of your vaccination card or documentation with you.

 

Additional COVID-19 information

We remain committed to providing a high-quality Husky Experience for every student, supporting the University of Washington’s vital research and service missions, and continuing to provide the outstanding medical care that keeps our community healthy.

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More places to see while on campus

Photo ops

Want to document your visit with an iconic UW photo? Here are our favorite spots:

dubs statueDubs statue outside the NW entrance of the HUB (Be sure to pet him for good luck!)

1936
Cherry blossoms on the quad


“W” statue (Located off NE 45th St. and 17th Ave. NE)


Dubs statue outside Husky Stadium (Be sure to pet him for good luck!)


“Harry Potter” reading room in Suzzallo Library


“W” statue off Montlake (Located at Montlake Blvd. and Pacific Ave.)

Cherry blossoms

In March and April, don’t miss the Yoshino cherry trees blooming all over the Quad. But don’t worry if you visit another time — there are 200 other types of cherry trees around campus that bloom after the Yoshino cherry trees. Follow their progress on Twitter.

University Book Store

The University Book Store is located at 4326 University Way NE, also referred to as The Ave.

 

Request disability accommodations

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in our services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations for a campus tour, please email visituw@uw.edu at least 10 days in advance of your visit.

The University of Washington Campus Visit Program is unable to provide mobility assistance of any kind for campus tours. However, a tour route without stairs is available. Find mobility resources outside the University.
 

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