Frequently Asked Questions
K Week
Why should I attend K Week?
K Week is the second step in the orientation process and the best way to get started at UK. Everything is designed to help your transition to UK be a smooth one. There are more than 100 events that take place during K Week, so we are confident you will find something that interests you! K Week is one of the biggest traditions on campus, and we encourage you to take full advantage of it.
Is K Week mandatory?
All new undergraduate students are expected to attend K Week, and attendance will be taken at major K Week events, including college meetings. Students are strongly encouraged to attend other K Week events of interest to them.
What if I need to miss part of K Week?
We understand that some students may have other obligations during K Week, but coming to college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We strongly encourage you to participate fully in K Week, as this is the opportunity to make your new home at UK, meet people you will be living and studying with, make new friends, and get started on the right foot. Attendance will be taken at college meetings as well as several other K Week events. Students anticipating missing their college meeting should reach out to their academic advisor in advance.
How is attendance taken at K Week?
Attendance is taken at K Week and many other UK events by scanning your BBNvolved Event Pass, which we encourage you to go ahead and download. Learn more about how to access your Event Pass at Know Before You Go.
Is K Week for transfer students? What about non-traditional students?
While K Week is open to all new undergraduate students starting at UK, we understand that our incoming class is made up of people with diverse backgrounds and needs. We encourage transfer students and non-traditional students to review the K Week schedule and determine what events best meet their needs, paying particular attention to their college meetings. Come to what you can, and connect with UK resources that are here to support you in your transition to campus. We're glad to have you at UK!
What should I wear to K Week?
Kentucky’s August weather can be unpredictable! We encourage dressing for hot weather. Events take place all over campus, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Events will take place rain or shine, so check the forecast and be prepared. We’ll have fun no matter what!
Can parents and families participate in K Week?
Since Big Blue Move-in takes place over a few days, families generally depart after they get their new Wildcats settled in the residence halls. We suggest families familiarize themselves with the K Week schedule and encourage their students to take advantage of all the opportunities to meet new people and learn more about UK. Some students may need that extra encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, so remind them of past successes with previous life transitions.
While families are an important part of our students' support systems, K Week events and activities are only meant for students.
Can BCTC students living in UK residence halls participate in K Week?
BCTC students living in UK halls are welcome but not required to attend K Week events.
Where can I find more information about K Week?
If you have a question that has not been answered through the K Week website, UK Guides, or other communications, you can call, email, or visit the Office of Student Organizations and Activities! The SOA phone number is (859) 257-8867 and the email for K Week questions is k-week@uky.edu. If you prefer to drop by in person, you can visit SOA on the first floor of the Gatton Student Center during business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also talk to an SOA representative in person at the K Week HQ information tables on the second floor of the Gatton Student Center by the Social Staircase from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday 8/21 through Friday 8/23.
Do I need to sign up to participate in K Week?
No! All incoming UK students are able to participate in K Week without signing up.
How do I need know what K Crew I am in?
K Crew is based on Residence Hall! Your K Crew leader will reach out to our UKY email address in the days leading up to K Week and will invite you to join a GroupMe chat from there.
Where should I go if I lose an item?
If you lose an item during K Week you can check in with the front desk at the Gatton Student Center to see if it has been turned in!
Getting Around and Navigating Campus
Where do I park during K Week?
During K Week (August 21 - 25), free parking is available on campus in the Periphery (K) Lots at Kroger Field and Cornerstone Garage (PS #5). In the Kroger Field lots, the Red and Blue Lots will not require a permit until Monday, August 26; please note the signage and do not park in the Green Lot without an E10, C10, or R10 permit unless it is after 3:00 PM. Starting August 26th, all of the aforementioned lots will be controlled for their usual permits and hours.
In addition, pay-by-the-hour visitor lots and structures are located at the Gatton Student Center, William T. Young Library, and the Sports Center Garage (PS #7). All other campus lots and structures will be restricted to UK parking permit holders.
On-campus bus transportation will be available on the Blue and White routes, which can be tracked using the TransLoc app (uky.transloc.com).
UK Transportation Services is located at 721 Press Avenue and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have questions about parking on campus, please call 859-257-5757 or email UK Transportation Services. Follow them on Twitter @UKParking. For more information on parking and transportation on campus, visit www.uky.edu/transportation.
UK is a big campus! How do I find my way around?
We recognize that UK is a large place and it can be difficult to find your way around when you are new to the campus. Tours will be available during K Week. If you are in need of a campus map, check out maps.uky.edu/campusmap or download the myUK mobile app to view a map on the go.
How can I request accommodations in order to be able to participate in K Week?
The K Week team is committed to supporting your needs so that all incoming students can fully participate in the scheduled activities. Check out the K Week 2024 Sensory and Accessibility Guide here. To request accommodations for special needs during K Week, contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@uky.edu or 859-257-2754. Please submit your request in advance to give staff time to best meet your needs.
How can I stay safe while on campus?
We encourage new Wildcats to familiarize themselves with the safety resources available through UK Police, especially the LiveSafe app. Use the buddy system and attend K Week events with your K Crew and other new students, especially as you learn your way around campus.
What do I do when I am sick?
If you are feeling unwell, you can visit the University Health Service (UHS) Student Clinic for medical care. For more information, click this link to visit the UHS website.
Where can I get food on campus during K Week?
There are two dining halls on campus – Champions Kitchen in the Student Center, and Fresh Food Company in The 90 – where you can eat during K Week, and several restaurants and convenience stores as well. You can find hours and more information on the University of Kentucky Dining website!
There are also many events with free food during K Week, and you can filter to show events with free food on the UK Guides app by going into the schedule, clicking the filter button with three lines on the bottom right, and selecting ‘FREE FOOD.’
Where can I get advice and information on campus directions, services on campus, and other questions related to student life?
You can call the Office for Student Success at (859) 218-YouK anytime Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM for assistance in getting your question answered, or you can leave a voicemail after hours to have someone return your call at a later time.
Where can I go if I need mental health support, assistance with basic needs, or am experiencing a crisis?
The Triage, Referral, Assistance, and Crisis Support (TRACS) Program provides immediate support and intervention for individuals experiencing various forms of mental health issues and/or immediate needs and long-term solutions. During normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM), you can show up in person on the 3rd floor, East Wing, of the Gatton Student Center, call 859-21-TRACS, email TRACS@uky.edu, or fill out the Get Help form on their website. Outside of normal business hours, call 859-257-8701 and press 1.
What is a WildCard ID and how do I get one?
Your WildCard is your University of Kentucky student ID which is used for dining, CatCash, access to residence halls and other spaces, library services, and more. To get a new WildCard or replace a lost one, bring a current government-issued ID (i.e. driver’s license, passport, etc.), any previously issued WildCards, and a form of payment to the WildCard ID office on the 3rd floor of the Gatton Student Center. For more information visit wildcard.uky.edu.
What is UK Invests and how do I sign up for UK Invests?
UK Invests is a new, first-of-its-kind initiative nationally that will help students build a foundation of financial literacy, allowing them to achieve greater financial security, career readiness and well-being. Through this initiative, all UK students (undergraduate, graduate and professional students) will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of financial wellness, practice financial investing and receive monetary rewards for institution-identified healthy behaviors.
UK Invests exists in collaboration with third parties, such as Fidelity Investments and its Fidelity Bloom app, ensuring our students will reap a lifetime of benefits for themselves, their families and their communities.
Fidelity Investments is the official investment solution provider for UK Invests.