Get a Head Start with New Start

Begin Your Wildcat Journey Sooner With This Unforgettable Summer Program

What will classes be like?

How will I meet friends?

What if I get lost on campus?

These are all typical questions for first-year college students. Fortunately at the University of Arizona, there’s New Start.

What is New Start?

New Start is a unique summer program that helps new first-year students jumpstart their beginnings as Wildcats. Over the course of six weeks, New Start students have the chance to live in the dorms, get to know campus and faculty, and complete 6-7 units of coursework – all while making new friends and memories before the fall semester starts.

For the past 55 years, New Start has helped more than 14,000 participants get an early transition to Wildcat life. And the results? Research shows that New Start students continued into their sophomore year at a rate 6-10% higher than their peers who didn’t participate in the program.

What does it involve?

As a New Start student, you’ll get to live in a dorm and experience everything the University of Arizona campus has to offer. You’ll get to know where your classes are and find your favorite study spot before anyone else.

You’ll also take two courses, allowing you to get an academic head start. The first class, HED 297A: Topics in Leadership, is required for all New Start students. The second class will be a general education course determined by factors like your major, your credits, and availability.

Of course there’s plenty of time to have fun, too. New Start friendships form quickly thanks to lots of network opportunities and fun events like a talent show and Monte Carlo night.

These are just a few of New Start’s offerings. For more details, check out a typical New Start day.

Who can participate?

First-year, full-time students who are graduating from high school and plan to enroll in a degree-seeking program in the upcoming fall semester on the University of Arizona’s main campus in Tucson are eligible to participate.

How much does it cost?

New Start is free (minus the cost of food and books) to Pell-eligible students and students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive our tuition discount.

For a complete cost breakdown and paying for New Start, visit the New Start Fees & Financial Aid webpage.

I want in! What do I need to do?

It’s important to know that participation is limited and spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to get in on the action!

1. Start by applying on the New Start website.
2. Then, head to studentaid.gov and complete the FAFSA* using Arizona school code: 001083.

*Please note that you will need to complete the FAFSA for both the current academic year (for summer aid that will be applied to New Start) and the upcoming academic year (to maximize your financial aid for the upcoming fall and spring semesters).

For more information about New Start, visit newstart.arizona.edu. Be sure to check important dates and deadlines.

Ready to become a Wildcat?

Apply to the University of Arizona

Already admitted? 

Commit to Becoming a Wildcat