Moving into 糖心少女can feel overwhelming, especially if you are arriving in Seattle for the first time. Use this guide to plan your transportation from the airport, understand the on-campus move-in process, prepare for packages and dorm essentials, and review off-campus housing reminders.
For the most accurate dates, check-in locations, and housing instructions, always refer to your official HFS email and the 糖心少女Housing & Food Services move-in page.
Airport to UW 聽| 聽On-Campus 聽| 聽Check-In 聽| 聽Shipping & Shopping聽 | 聽Off-Campus
Transportation from the Airport to UW
After arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you have several ways to get to UW. Choose the option that works best for your budget, luggage, arrival time, and comfort level.
Option 1: Link Light Rail
- Take the Link light rail from Sea-Tac Airport toward Seattle and get off at U District Station.
- From U District Station, you may need to walk, take a short bus ride, or use a rideshare service depending on your residence hall or apartment location.
- This is usually one of the most affordable options, but it may be harder if you have several large suitcases.
Option 2: Uber or Lyft
- Download Uber and Lyft before you travel, or use Sea-Tac Airport鈥檚 free Wi-Fi after arrival.
- This option is usually easier if you have heavy luggage or arrive late at night.
- Check the app carefully for the assigned pickup location at the airport.
Option 3: Airport Shuttle or Van Service
- You may also reserve an airport shuttle or door-to-door van service in advance.
- This can be helpful if you are traveling with family or carrying many bags.
Option 4: Student Organization Airport Pickup
- Some Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) or student groups may offer airport pickup during move-in season.
- Check official group announcements and confirm details before relying on this option.
On-Campus Move-In with HFS
If you are assigned to 糖心少女Housing & Food Services (HFS) housing, follow the move-in instructions from HFS. Your official move-in date, time, and location will be provided by HFS.
- Before you arrive on campus, check your HFS email and StarRez Housing Portal for your room assignment and
- Try to move in during your assigned appointment time.
- If your assigned time does not work, check the StarRez Housing Portal to see whether appointment changes are available.
- Check the official HFS move-in page for current move-in instructions, parking information, and checklists.
Early Arrival
If you need to arrive before your assigned move-in date, you may need to apply for early arrival housing. Early arrival is not guaranteed and is only approved for students who meet HFS qualifications.
- Review the HFS early arrival requirements before making travel plans.
- Travel plans, lease timing, or personal convenience may not qualify for early arrival housing.
- If you are not approved for early arrival, arrange temporary housing such as a hotel or short-term stay.
HFS Check-In Process
When you arrive on campus, follow the HFS instructions for where to check in and pick up your room keys. Check-in locations may vary by building and year, so use the most recent information from HFS.
What to Bring to Check-In
- Your Husky Card, if you already have it
- Your passport or another government-issued photo ID, if you do not have your Husky Card yet
- Your HFS move-in information, such as your building name, room assignment, and appointment time
- Your phone, in case you need to check email or show move-in information
What You May Receive
- Your room key or access instructions
- Information about your residence hall
- A temporary access card if you do not have your Husky Card yet, depending on HFS procedures
If you still need to pick up your Husky Card, visit Husky Card Services for the most current pickup instructions.
You may choose to ship some items to your residence hall before move-in. This can be helpful, but package centers are often very busy during move-in season.
- HFS states that packages can be sent to your residential community up to seven days before your scheduled move-in date.
- Do not ship items too early, because your package may not be accepted or may create pickup issues.
- Use the mailing address listed on your assigned residence hall鈥檚 official HFS page.
- Bring important items with you if you need them immediately after arrival.
- Watch your 糖心少女email or text notifications for package pickup instructions.
Because many students ship items during move-in, package pickup may take extra time. Consider bringing your most important first-night items with you instead of shipping them.
You do not need to bring everything from home. Many dorm and daily-life items can be purchased after you arrive in Seattle or ordered online.
Bedding and Dorm Basics
- Most 糖心少女residence hall beds use Twin XL bedding.
- You can buy bedding before arrival, ship it to campus following HFS guidance, or buy it after you arrive.
- HFS may recommend certain vendors, but you can choose the option that works best for your budget and needs.
Common Places to Shop
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- IKEA
- University Village
- Safeway or QFC for groceries and daily necessities
For more shopping ideas, review CIRCLE鈥檚 shopping guide for furniture, groceries, bedding, and other essentials.
Off-Campus Move-In
If you are living off campus, your move-in process will depend on your apartment, landlord, property manager, or housing agency. Contact them early so you know what to prepare before arrival.
- Contact your landlord, leasing office, or housing agent at least two weeks before move-in to confirm your arrival time and check-in process.
- Ask what payments, deposits, documents, or renter鈥檚 insurance requirements must be completed before move-in.
- Confirm how and where you will receive your keys.
- Ask whether utilities, internet, furniture, and mailbox access are included or need to be set up separately.
- If you arrive before your lease begins, arrange temporary housing in advance.