Visitor Quick-Start Guide

Last updated: January 3, 2023
Audience: Visitors

Welcome to the UW! This guide provides an overview of technology tools and services that visitors can access while on campus, provided by UW Information Technology and other UW units. If visiting a specific college or department, contact that department’s IT office to learn about their technology offerings and recommendations for guests.

Get Connected

Wireless internet access is available throughout all three UW campuses, but requires users to authenticate or sign in with their UW NetID and password. Visitors can access the UW Wi-Fi network the following ways:

  • Eduroam: Visitors from eduroam-participating institutions can sign in to the encrypted Wi-Fi network eduroam, which provides visitors from participating institutions access to the UW’s wireless network and the internet, without needing guest credentials or additional configuration by the user or the UW.
  • Temporary UW NetID: UW faculty and staff can provide visitors temporary internet access by requesting a personal or shared temporary UW NetID for visitors.
  • Event-specific Wi-Fi: Some events arrange for Wi-Fi access on the UW network for attendees. If visiting for an event, check to see if your event offers Wi-Fi access.

Find your way around campus

  • Extensive campus maps are available online for the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses, to help you find buildings, parking lots, landmarks, libraries and visitor services.
  • Use Scout to find out where to get a cup of coffee or a bite to eat on campus, or to find public spaces to meet and study.
  • For community members with disabilities, use this Access Guide to navigate the campus

Get contact information

  • Use the UW Directory to search for basic contact information about members of the UW community.
  • Check out the UW Office Directory for a complete listing of UW departments, both administrative and academic.

Find out about events

For events happening at the UW, in Seattle, Bothell or Tacoma, visit the Campus Calendar.

UW Libraries

UW Libraries offer many services to visitors of the UW.

  • Computer access at guest research stations, which includes most online resources provided by the Libraries, the ability to visit all websites with .edu, .gov, .org, .mil, or .museum extensions, and read-only versions of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
  • Printing, for a fee
  • Access to the Library’s digital collections

Accessible technology for visitors

If you are visiting campus and have an accommodation request, contact the Disability Services Office to determine what accommodations are available to visitors. The University of Washington and the Disability Services Office are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.