September 26, 2024

Welcome incoming and returning graduate students to the University of Washington tri-campus! Whether you are new to the Puget Sound or have lived in the region a year or more, we hope you set aside time this past summer to relax, re-energize and have fun. As you begin the academic year, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you in support of your overall wellness and success. Below are some strategies to start the quarter.

Connect with resources. UW offers a range of wellness, academic, and career development resources available at your campus. We curated a tri-campus resources directory, so you can access local resources.

Create a goal plan. Drafting a goal plan can provide you with the structure that you need to manage and protect your time and to get the most out of your graduate school experience. Consider the following questions: What are your goals for the quarter or year (academic, professional, wellness, interpersonal)? What competencies and skills will you need to meet those goals? What activities and experiences can you engage in to develop those competencies and skills? How will you assess your progress? Check out these additional resources for goal setting.

Build your community. Graduate school offers many opportunities to develop your intellectual and professional skills — and yet it can also be an isolating experience at times. Growing your peer support, professional network, and social community in and beyond the university can help you feel more connected. Continue attending your graduate program’s events, learn about ways to get involved with student organizations led by your peers (in and outside of your discipline), and check out events at your Bothell, Seattle, or Tacoma campus. Utilize social media to learn about events in your city, so you can connect with people who share similar values, hobbies, and interests.

We hope you find these tips useful and we wish you a great start to the fall quarter!

Best,

UW Graduate School