Are You A New Thunderbird? We’ve Got You Covered!
Welcome to Highline College! If you’re a new or returning student – but it’s been a while – we understand the first few weeks of classes can be a lot to take in. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but we want you to know that staff and faculty at Highline College care about you and your success.
Read on to learn more about how you can start your fall quarter off strong. Nobody, and we mean *nobody,* should start the quarter stressed about parking, hungry, or confused about where to go for academic help.
Parking
If you’re driving to campus, you can park in student-designated parking in the North, East or South Parking Lots. How do you know parking is available for students? Simple! It doesn’t say staff or faculty. If you’re a full-time Highline student, parking costs $46 per quarter and $29 for part-time students. ELCAP (English Language, Career and Academic Prep) students pay $29 per quarter, and Central Washington University (CWU) and Continuing Education students pay $49 per quarter. You can buy these quarterly permits online through the Highline Bookstore or in person at the Cashier’s Office on the first floor of Building 6 or at the Highline Bookstore on the second floor of Building 8.
North Parking Lot at Highline College.
Or, if you’d rather pay daily, each parking lot has a kiosk where students can purchase day permits for $2. Pay with two $1 bills or a credit card. Machines do not give change. You can exchange coins or large bills at the Cashier’s Office in Building 6.
Regardless of how you pay, it’s a good idea to arrive on campus early so you can find a parking spot close to your first class. The last thing you need is to stress about parking during your first few days of college classes. Due note, construction in the East Parking Lot could cause some traffic or delays, so plan accordingly.
If driving’s not your style, getting to campus has never been more accessible with public transit. Routes #165, #156 and the RapidRide A Line all serve Highline College. Learn more about bus routes to Highline College.
Places to Eat
You’ve parked, gone to classes (pat yourself on the back!), and now it’s time to refuel with lunch.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and from 1-4 p.m. every Thursday, students (and employees) can visit the Community Pantry in Room 180, Building 16, for free food. Yes, we said free food! In partnership with the Des Moines Area Food Bank and the Emergency Feeding Program, the Community Pantry provides snacks, fresh produce, lunch items and drinks.
The Fireside Bistro is located on the second floor of the Highline Student Union (Building 8).
On the second floor of the Highline Student Union (Building 8), students can find sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salads, soups, snacks, coffee and other beverages at the Fireside Bistro and grab-n-go friendly snacks and microwave meals at the Highline Bookstore.
Food trucks will be located outside the Highline Student Union on the lower level, on the west side of the building. From barbecue to Asian Fusion, several different types of food are available. View the food truck schedule.
Further west, in Building 29 on the second floor, is Groundwork Coffee. This small cafe will serve coffee, tea, snacks and more. It’s a great place to stop if walking up the hill to Building 8 feels just a *little* too far on a rainy day.
But if you’re not on the west side of campus or in the middle, where Building 8 is, there are still some food options for you. On the east side of campus, where Campus View Student Housing is located, food establishments Just Poké and ShareTea are ready to serve you. Just Poké serves custom-made poke bowls, while ShareTea serves bubble tea.
Campus Resources
You’re parked, you’re learning and now you’re full. But don’t leave campus just yet! The Highline College campus offers a variety of resources and many ways to expand your learning while finding community along the way.
The Highline Bookstore provides students and the Highline community with convenient, affordable access to course materials, such as textbooks, academic supplies, Highline and Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center Aquarium merchandise (clothing, gift items) and snacks. Forgot a pen? The bookstore has some. Need a specific ruler or art tool? The bookstore has that, too.
Not only can students check out books from the Library for free, but several online databases and research tools, such as the U.S. Federal Depository Library Program, are also available. The Library is located on the ground floor of Building 25 with computers and quiet study rooms for students to use as they need.
The Math Resource Center is a welcoming place where students may meet with other math students, tutors, and faculty to discuss mathematics, work on homework, and ask questions. The Math Resource Center offers regular workshops to help students learn math. Some of these include “How to Succeed in a Math Class,” “Overcoming Test Anxiety,” “Calculator Workshop,” and “How to Solve Word Problems.”
If you’re looking for help with your next presentation or speech, the Public Speaking Center is here to help. The Public Speaking Center offers 30-minute tutoring sessions focusing on topic research, preparing your presentation and managing anxiety in front of a group.
The Writing Center provides one-on-one help with your writing. Writing consultants are strong student writers who are trained to mentor fellow students. They will help you understand assignments, develop and support ideas, organize drafts and learn editing strategies. The center also offers special workshops on grammar and style.
The Tutoring Center offers tutoring for many subjects, except math and writing. Assistance is available free of charge to any student currently enrolled at Highline College. The Tutoring Center provides academic support in an open atmosphere of learning. We assist students in numerous academic disciplines through various tutoring techniques by addressing each student’s needs in a constructive and supportive environment.
Umoja is a community dedicated to enhancing African Americans’ and other students’ cultural and educational experiences. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.
Promise Scholars is a community of educators and learners committed to the academic success, personal growth, and the actualization and perpetuation of excellence for First-year, Black and Brown self-identified males/non-binary.
Are you studying in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and a person of color or female? If so, the MESA program can help you with a wide range of services, including academic support, professional development and advising. Check out the MESA Student Center in Building 26. You will find help with your academics and assistance planning your transfer to a four-year institution as a STEM major.
The Veteran Services team provides liaison support to navigate federal education benefits with the college, Veterans Affairs (VA) and students. Highline College is a partner in the Veterans Industry Education program. VIE-25 connects service members with career credentials during their last six months of military service so they qualify for in-demand jobs right away.
Highline College Women’s Programs and WorkFirst Services primary goal is to promote student success by creating an accessible, safe and welcoming environment to all students and our surrounding community. The WorkFirst program supports recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), who need educational training in order to enter the workforce. Eligible students may receive funding for required tuition, books, school supplies and fees, parking permit, and request monthly support funds for non-academic needs.
Gain support through the Benefits Hub – United Way of King County, Transition Success Center, Re-Entry Education program, WorkForce Education Services or the Student Housing and Retention Program through Highline’s Support Center. As a central resource hub for the entire community, the Support Center hosts community partners on-site and is here to serve you.
Highline College staff and faculty are here to help if you’re ever feeling lost or confused. If we’re not available, there are several kiosks with campus maps available for you, or you’re welcome to visit maps.highline.edu.
Get Connected
Find your community through student life with the Center for Leadership & Service and Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence, and follow Highline College on social media!