Are You A New Thunderbird? We’ve Got You Covered!
Welcome to Highline College! If you’re a new or returning student—-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 taking college credit classes, quarterly parking costs are factored into your tuition. You can bring your ID to the cashier office in Building 6, and pick up your permit for no additional charge.
North Parking Lot at Highline College.
If you are not taking college credit classes, you will need to purchase a quarterly permit at the cashier office for $40. Or, you can purchase a daily pass at any parking pay station. A daily pass costs $5.00 if purchased before 5 p.m. Daily passes purchased on the weekends or after 5 p.m. on weekdays will cost $3.00. All daily passes expire at 10 p.m. the day they were purchased.
All students, employees, and visitors to the college can use a daily pass for parking on campus. Daily parking permits must be displayed face-up on your vehicle's dashboard, visible from the outside, and you may only park in designated general parking areas.
Parking pay stations are located near the entrance of Building 6 in the East parking lot, near the entrance of Building 29 in the South parking lot, and adjacent to the baseball field in the North parking lot. Check out this campus map for a visual guide of the parking pay station locations.
For further information, please visit the Parking page on the Public Safety website.
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.
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. Starting Dec. 6, you can also ride the light rail and hop off at the new Kent-Des Moines Light Rail Station, as well as the Federal Way Downtown station which is close to The Hub: Federal Way Education Center.
Places to Eat
You’ve parked, gone to classes (pat yourself on the back!), and now it’s time to refuel with lunch.
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.
Head down the stairs to the first level of the Student Union building and order a meal at Jumpin’ Jambalaya, which has a cajun and creole fusion menu.
Further west, in Building 29 on the ground floor, is Ground to Tree Coffee. This small cafe serves coffee, tea, snacks and more.
But we’re not done yet! 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 and other flavorful drinks.
What’s more, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday, you can visit the Community Pantry in Room 180, Building 16. 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 at no charge to students and employees.
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 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 they're not available, there are several kiosks with campus maps available for you, or you’re welcome to visit the Highline College map.
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!