Transfer Student Celebration Week

October 20-24, 2025

Join us as we recognize and celebrate our UW transfer students through a week of curated events, resources and opportunities to connect with fellow transfer students, staff, and faculty! Whether students are looking to build community, explore campus life, or just have some fun, there’s something for everyone. Check out our event calendar below!

Our Transfer Student Celebration Week is inspired by and held in conjunction with National Transfer Student Week

Event schedule

October 20


Donuts with the College of the Environment Dean
9 a.m. - 10 a.m
OCN 203
Calling all College of the Environment transfer students! Join us for Donuts with the Dean – a casual drop-in event where you can meet Dean Joel Thornton, connect with fellow transfer students, and enjoy some delicious donuts! Whether you're looking to make new friends, learn about campus resources, or simply chat with your peers, this is the perfect opportunity to kick off your journey here.
RSVP for Donuts with the Dean

October 21


Get Your Swag On!
11 a.m. - 4p.m.
HUB 141 Commuter and Transfer Commons
No UW gear yet? No problem! Come to the CTC to get some FREE swag and snacks from First Year Programs while supplies last. 

Transfer Student CELEbration: Pumpkin Decorating and Fall Treats!
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
MGH 171 Multipurpose Room
Come join us in the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center for mini pumpkin decorating and sweet treats! Transfer students are impactful members of the CELE community, and we'd love to share about opportunities that are available to you while you soak up the Fall vibes.
RSVP for Transfer Student CELEbration 

Transfer Welcome Week Tour of Odegaard Library
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Odegaard Library Lobby
This tour of Odegaard Library, specifically designed for transfer students, will highlight unique study spaces, book collections, computer labs, essential services, and more. Snacks will be provided! Husky Card required for entry to Odegaard Library. Tour starts in the lobby of Odegaard.

October 22


Transfer Alumni Panel
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m
HUB 337
Join the UWAA to hear from transfer alumni about their experience as a transfer student at UW and how they navigated their time at the university. Refreshments will be served!
RSVP for the Transfer Alumni Panel

College of Education Transfer Student Celebration
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Miller Hall, Room 215
Join us as we celebrate you — our incredible transfer students! Whether you're new this quarter or have been here for a while, this event is all about recognizing your journey, building community, and having some fun.  Meet other transfer students, connect with College of Education staff, enjoy games, and music. It’s a chance to share your experiences, make new friends, and feel truly welcomed and appreciated. We will have cupcakes and a photobooth!   Note: this event will be drop-in style, feel free to visit at your convenience. 
RSVP for College of Education Transfer Student Celebration

Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center x Transfer Takeover! 
Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Unity Room  
RSVP for the Transfer Takeover & Tacos!
Come take a mid-week study break with us and grab some food, mingle with our transfer ambassadors, and check out the awesome Kelly ECC space! We will be doing Walking Tacos, and there will be a variety of activities from games, puzzles, beading and bracelet making, coloring, a photo wall, and other things to do throughout the space, as well as a scavenger hunt and drawing for some fun UW swag. 

October 23

Transfer Center Grand Opening + Meet your Transfer Center Student Ambassadors!
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
UW Transfer Center, Mary Gates Hall 141
Join us as we open the doors to our brand new UW Transfer Center. Swing by to meet your Transfer Center Student Amabssadors, explore the new space, pick up some Transfer Center Swag, and grab some snacks!

Undergraduate Research Info Session for Transfer Students
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
171 Mary Gates Hall
Join the Office of Undergraduate Research for an information session designed to help new transfer students kickstart their research journeys at UW. Connect with the Office of Undergraduate Research as they offer valuable insights on finding and securing research opportunities. Discover the resources and support available to you as a transfer student, and start paving your path to research success!
RSVP for the Undergrad Research Info Session

Transfer Student Connect with UW History
2:30 p.m - 3:15 p.m.
Smith Hall 320
We welcome UW transfer students to drop in to connect with history advisers and other students to learn more about upcoming history events, courses, scholarships, study abroad, becoming a high school history or social studies teacher, and to ask whatever questions you may have.  Come enjoy some treats as well!
RSVP for Connect with US History

Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards Transfer Student Info Session
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mary Gates Hall 258
Do you want to apply for scholarships while at UW, but don’t know where to start? Does the scholarship process feel intimidating? The University of Washington’s Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards is excited to host an information session specifically for new transfer students. In this session, you’ll be introduced to UW scholarships and other funding opportunities (local and national) you can apply for that can reduce the cost of college expenses, help you gain research and leadership experience, and even support your endeavors to study abroad. You’ll learn tools and strategies for finding scholarships, and tips to make your applications more polished and competitive. It is never too early to learn about and begin applying for scholarships!
RSVP for Merti Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards Info Session

 
Transfer Student Stories

Marine Biology Student Spotlight
Transferring In: Student Profile with John Plinka
Learn more about John's experience as a transfer student at the University of Washington and the Marine Biology Program!

Supporting transfer students: faculty & staff resources

A host of resources are available to those supporting transfer students. Below is a quick list and a link to view our full resources page.

Learn More 

Digital Assets for Faculty & Staff

Suggested posts for departmental, programmatic, or personal social media accounts:

Instagram & Facebook

  • I am proud to be a #UWTransfer student because...
  • Every day our #UWTransfer students, faculty, and staff make great contributions to our university community. Join us in celebrating the National Transfer Week Celebration from October 20 through 24. Learn more at transfer.uw.edu/transferweek!
  • Use #transferstudentweek to join in the national event celebrating Transfer Students.

Downloadable images