University of Washington
Also known as: UW
5 Star University
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Also known as: UW
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 20 January 2025 | University closed for national holiday honoring civil rights leader; impacts classes and staff schedules. |
| 📅 | Winter Quarter Instruction Begins | 6 January 2025 | Start of winter term classes for students and faculty. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 17 February 2025 | No classes; time for reflection on US history. |
| 🌸 | Spring Quarter Instruction Begins | 31 March 2025 | Beginning of spring term with new courses. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Honoring military personnel; university closure. |
| ✊ | Juneteenth Holiday | 19 June 2025 | Celebrating emancipation; no classes. |
| ☀️ | Summer Quarter Instruction Begins | 23 June 2025 | Optional summer session starts. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | National celebration; campus closed. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 1 September 2025 | End of summer; preparation for autumn. |
| 🍂 | Autumn Quarter Instruction Begins | 24 September 2025 | New academic year kicks off. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans; no classes. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Holiday | 27 November 2025 | Family time and gratitude; extended break. |
| 🍁 | Day After Thanksgiving Holiday | 28 November 2025 | Additional day off for recovery. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 13 December 2025approximate | End of autumn quarter; holiday season starts. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day Holiday | 25 December 2025 | University closed for festivities. |
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | Welcoming the new year; no activities. |
Are you planning on applying to UW next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at UW. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Freshman Application Opens | 1 September 2025 | Start of application period for fall 2026 entry. |
| ⏰ | Priority Application Deadline | 15 November 2025 | Early deadline for better consideration. |
| 📅 | Regular Application Deadline | 31 December 2025 | Final submission for freshmen. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Financial aid application cutoff. |
| 📬 | Admission Decisions Released | 1 March 2026approximate | Notifications sent to applicants. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Confirmation Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Commit to UW for fall. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 15 February 2026 | For students transferring in. |
| 🌍 | International Student Deadline | 15 November 2025 | Early cutoff for visa processing. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 December 2025 | For merit-based awards. |
The University of Washington, located in vibrant Seattle, operates on a quarter system rather than the more common semester structure found at many other institutions. This means the academic year is divided into four quarters: autumn, winter, spring, and an optional summer quarter. Each quarter typically spans about 10 weeks of instruction, followed by a finals week, allowing for a more intensive and focused learning experience. This structure has historical roots dating back to the university's founding in 1861, evolving to accommodate the Pacific Northwest's seasonal changes and the needs of a diverse student body. Compared to semester-based calendars at rival schools like the University of Oregon or Stanford, UW's quarters offer shorter terms that can accelerate degree completion but require careful planning to avoid burnout. For students, this impacts everything from course loads to extracurricular involvement, while faculty must align research and teaching duties accordingly. International students often appreciate the flexibility for visa requirements and cultural adjustments. Holidays are integrated thoughtfully, aligning with national observances like Thanksgiving and spring breaks that provide much-needed respites. Traditions such as Husky football games during autumn quarter add a layer of excitement, influencing when students plan travel or family visits. To get insights from peers, check out professor ratings on Rate My Professor and consider leaving your own review to help others. The calendar also ties into admissions cycles, with key deadlines for prospective students. Overall, understanding this calendar is crucial for success at UW, whether you're a freshman planning classes or a professor scheduling office hours. For job opportunities in higher education, explore higher ed jobs on Academic Jobs.
Although UW uses quarters, the concept of semester dates translates to planning across these shorter terms. Typically, autumn quarter begins after Labor Day, setting the tone for the year with orientation events and class registrations. Students should plan their course loads by considering prerequisites and balancing demanding subjects across quarters to maintain academic performance. Tips include using the university's advising resources early and checking for waitlists on popular classes. Ratings from Rate My Professor can guide choices, helping avoid overly challenging instructors if you're juggling work or extracurriculars. For faculty, aligning syllabi with quarter timelines ensures smooth progression. International students might need to factor in travel for breaks. Comparing to other universities, UW's system allows more frequent course variety, which can be advantageous for interdisciplinary studies. Plan ahead for deadlines like add/drop periods to avoid fees. Parents can use this to coordinate visits, while prospective students align applications with term starts. Invite fellow Huskies to rate their professors on Rate My Professor for better community insights. Explore lecturer positions via lecturer jobs if you're considering a career at UW.
Exam periods at the University of Washington are structured at the end of each quarter, providing a dedicated week for finals that tests cumulative knowledge. Preparation involves strategic studying, often starting mid-quarter with review sessions and group studies. Tips include utilizing the Odegaard Undergraduate Library for quiet spaces and accessing tutoring services. Faculty design exams to align with learning outcomes, sometimes incorporating projects or papers. Students should plan around these times to manage stress, perhaps incorporating wellness activities. Ratings on Rate My Professor often highlight instructors' exam styles, aiding preparation. For staff, these periods mean heightened campus activity. Historically, UW has adapted exam formats, including online options post-pandemic. Compared to semester systems, quarterly exams come more frequently, requiring consistent effort. International students might need to arrange travel post-exams. View and contribute to professor ratings to help plan effectively.
Thanksgiving break at the University of Washington offers a welcome pause during the autumn quarter, typically encompassing the holiday and surrounding days. This time allows students to travel home, recharge, and celebrate with family, often featuring traditions like attending Husky games or exploring Seattle's markets. Planning tips include booking flights early due to high demand in the Pacific Northwest and coordinating with roommates for dorm closures. For faculty, it's a chance to catch up on grading before finals. The break aligns with national observances, impacting work schedules and deadlines. Students use this period to plan ahead for exams, while international attendees might experience American customs for the first time. Compared to other US universities, UW's break is standard but enhanced by local events. Rate your experiences with holiday scheduling via professor feedback on Rate My Professor. For career opportunities, check research jobs at UW.
The University of Washington incorporates various holidays and breaks into its calendar, reflecting both national and local significances. In the US context, key breaks include Thanksgiving in autumn, winter holidays around Christmas and New Year's, and spring break for rejuvenation. These periods are essential for planning family travel, coordinating with work schedules, and tracking rival school events like those at Washington State University. Tips for students involve using breaks for internships or study abroad prep, while faculty might schedule conferences. Locale-specific observances, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Independence Day, provide additional days off. International students appreciate alignments with global holidays. Historically, these breaks have evolved to support mental health. Plan your UW holidays effectively by checking professor ratings on Rate My Professor for class impacts. For jobs, visit higher ed jobs by country.
Faculty and staff at UW navigate work schedules tied to the quarter system, with deadlines for grant submissions, course proposals, and evaluations aligning with term ends. Planning involves balancing teaching loads with research, often using university tools for time management. Tips include setting personal milestones and collaborating with departments. This structure affects hiring cycles, with peaks before new quarters. Invite employees to rate their employer on Academic Jobs platforms. Explore employer profiles for insights.
Faculty meetings at UW are scheduled quarterly, covering curriculum updates and policy discussions. Grading periods follow exams, with deadlines to submit scores. Staff handle administrative tasks like enrollment. Job links to professor salaries provide transparency. Invite employees to rate their experiences to improve the community.
UW's academic calendars from past years, such as those in the early 2000s, show shifts due to events like technological advancements. Patterns indicate consistent quarter starts, aiding long-term planning. Archives are available on the official site.
Key events like orientation and commencement mark calendar highlights. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results for better planning.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | Civil rights observance; campus closed. |
| 📅 | Winter Quarter Instruction Begins | 5 January 2026 | Winter term commencement. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 16 February 2026 | Historical reflection day. |
| 🌸 | Spring Quarter Instruction Begins | 30 March 2026 | Spring classes start. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Military honor day. |
| ✊ | Juneteenth Holiday | 19 June 2026 | Emancipation celebration. |
| ☀️ | Summer Quarter Instruction Begins | 22 June 2026 | Summer session begins. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026 | Observed national holiday. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Workers' rights day. |
| 🍂 | Autumn Quarter Instruction Begins | 30 September 2026 | Academic year start. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2026 | Veterans' tribute. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Holiday | 26 November 2026 | Gratitude and family time. |
| 🍁 | Day After Thanksgiving Holiday | 27 November 2026 | Extended break day. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 12 December 2026approximate | Holiday season kickoff. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day Holiday | 25 December 2026 | Festive closure. |
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | New year observance. |
