Uw 2026 Academic Calendar
The Uw 2026 Academic Calendar: Don’t Get Burned.
Look, nobody wants to read about academic calendars. You just want to know when your classes start and when you can finally escape. Fine. The Uw 2026 Academic Calendar isn’t rocket science, but missing deadlines? That’s a different story. Costs money. Costs sanity. The thing is, UW Bothell, UW Seattle, UW Tacoma – they all have their own rhythms. Don’t assume they’re synchronized. It’s chaos, honestly. But we’ll break it down. Because someone has to.
Winter Quarter 2026: The Grind Starts Early.
Winter Quarter. Always the longest. Feels like it, anyway. Classes kick off January 5th, 2026. You get a nice long break, then BAM. Back to it. The last day of instruction is March 20th, 2026. That’s a tight squeeze. Feels shorter every year.
Spring Quarter 2026: Sunshine and Stress.
Spring Quarter. Things warm up. Classes start March 30th, 2026. A week off after Winter, which is nice. But then it flies by. Instruction ends June 5th, 2026. Just in time for finals. Classic.
Summer Quarter 2026: Optional Torture or Sweet Relief?
Summer. Some folks love it, some hate it. UW doesn’t exactly shut down. Classes start June 22nd, 2026. You can cram a whole semester in if you’re feeling masochistic. Ends September 4th, 2026. Barely time to breathe before Fall.
Fall Quarter 2026: The Cycle Repeats.
And then, Fall. September 28th, 2026. Back to the begiing. Instruction wraps up December 4th, 2026. Just in time for the holidays. Convenient, right?
Key Dates & Deadlines: Where You’ll Mess Up.
This is where it gets ugly. Missing these costs you. Tuition refunds? Forget it. Adding classes? Tough luck. Here’s a snapshot. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Tuition & Fees: Don’t Be Late.
Late fees hit fast. For Winter Quarter 2026, tuition is due January 20th, 2026. Don’t push it. Spring? March 27th. Summer? July 7th. Fall? October 6th. Mark your calendar. Or else.
Add/Drop Deadlines: Your Window is Small.
You get about two weeks. Maybe three. After that, you’re stuck. Or you’re withdrawing. For Winter 2026, your last chance is January 17th. Spring? April 3rd. Summer? July 7th. Fall? October 10th. Bleed into the quarter, and you’re screwed.
Withdrawal Deadlines: The Point of No Return.
Want out? You have until the end of the quarter for a full withdrawal, but good luck getting tuition back. After the add/drop deadline, it’s official. Consider it final. Don’t dawdle.
Holiday Hijinks: When Does UW Actually Close?
They observe the big ones. New Year’s Day (Jan 1st). Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 19th). Presidents’ Day (Feb 16th). Memorial Day (May 25th). Juneteenth (June 19th). Independence Day (July 4th). Labor Day (Sept 7th). Thanksgiving (Nov 26-27th). Christmas (Dec 25th). These are your freebies. Plan around them.
UW Academic Calendar Table – Key Dates 2026-2027 (Example Snippet)
Here’s a taste. Actual UW 2026 Academic Calendar details can vary slightly between campuses (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma). Always check your specific campus.
| Quarter | Instruction Start | Instruction End | Tuition Due | Add/Drop Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 | Jan 5, 2026 | Mar 20, 2026 | Jan 20, 2026 | Jan 17, 2026 |
| Spring 2026 | Mar 30, 2026 | Jun 5, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 | Jul 7, 2026 | Jul 7, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | Dec 4, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Winter Quarter 2026 start at UW?
Winter Quarter 2026 instruction begins on January 5th, 2026.
What is the tuition deadline for Spring Quarter 2026?
The tuition deadline for Spring Quarter 2026 is March 27th, 2026.
How long do I have to add or drop a class in Fall 2026?
For Fall 2026, the add/drop deadline is October 10th, 2026. Check your campus for exact times.
Are there classes during Summer Quarter 2026?
Yes, Summer Quarter 2026 classes start June 22nd, 2026 and run until September 4th, 2026.
When does the Uw 2026 Academic Calendar end for the year?
The final day of instruction for Fall Quarter 2026, and thus the end of the academic year, is December 4th, 2026.