Arrive Early, Start Strong

Why College Edge?

Start college with confidence, connection, and a head start.

The transition to college is an exciting time, full of new opportunities, experiences, and challenges. College Edge helps incoming first-year and transfer students make that transition with confidence by providing a welcoming introduction to academic and campus life at the University of Washington.

Through small, engaging Discovery Seminars and hands-on experiences, you'll build connections, explore new interests, and get to know UW before Autumn Quarter begins.

Who Can Participate?

College Edge is open to incoming first-year and transfer students entering the University of Washington's Seattle campus in Autumn Quarter.

Whether you're beginning college for the first time or transferring from another institution, College Edge offers an opportunity to get familiar with UW, connect with fellow students and faculty, and build a strong foundation for your academic journey.

Students from all majors and academic interests are welcome!

What Makes College Edge Special?

  • Build your community. Meet other incoming Huskies, make friends, and develop a sense of belonging before the academic year begins.

  • Get a head start academically. Earn five UW credits while exploring an engaging topic in a small, supportive classroom.

  • Connect with faculty. Learn directly from UW instructors in seminars of no more than 25 students, where discussion, collaboration, and curiosity are encouraged.

  • Discover your campus. Explore UW's resources, spaces, and opportunities so you feel more comfortable navigating university life.

  • Learn beyond the classroom. Participate in hands-on projects, field trips, and real-world experiences that bring your learning to life.

  • Start strong. Build the confidence, relationships, and academic skills that will support your success throughout your UW journey.

College Edge is more than an early start to classes. It's an opportunity to find your footing, discover what's possible, and begin your UW experience feeling connected and prepared.

What Our Students Say

College Edge is designed to help students feel confident, connected, and prepared as they begin their UW journey. In our 2026 end-of-program survey, students shared how the experience helped them build relationships, navigate campus, connect with faculty, and prepare for Autumn Quarter.

92%

Confidence to Succeed

Could picture themselves succeeding at UW.

     

91%

Ready for Autumn

Felt more prepared to begin Autumn Quarter.

     

89%

Sense of Belonging

Felt they belonged at UW.

 

91%

Faculty Connections

Felt comfortable asking faculty questions.

     

89%

Meaningful Relationships

Built connections with other students.

     

87%

Campus Confidence

Felt confident navigating UW's campus.

Source: 2026 College Edge End of Program Survey. Percentages reflect students who agreed or strongly agreed with each statement.

The College Edge Difference

In just four weeks, students reported significant growth in their confidence navigating campus and their sense of belonging at UW.

CAMPUS CONFIDENCE SENSE OF BELONGING
36% --> 88% Confident navigating UW's campus      57% --> 92%  Felt they belonged at UW

Before and after College Edge, 2026. Results reflect students who completed both the welcome and end-of-program surveys.