Bear Down from the Start

Tuesday
students from the New Start program

Open to only 330 incoming first-year students each summer, New Start allows students to complete classes before the fall semester begins and helps them learn to navigate campus. New Start students begin their fall semester with a better understanding of the institution, academic rigor, and campus resources. 

Why should your student participate in New Start? 

  1. They want to be part of a University of Arizona tradition - New Start is a 55-year-old program with more than 14,000 alumni. 
  2. They want to get ahead - Students complete 6-7 units (2 classes) and receive wrap-around support, including tutoring, peer mentoring, staff support, and social opportunities, all in the summer before their first fall semester. 
  3. They want to find their people and make friends– Students create relationships with peers, faculty, and staff before their first day in August. 
  4. It’s fun – Between B.L.A.S.T., Monte Carlo Night, and events sponsored by other departments, students will have a great time, make friends, and possibly get a taste of living in the dorms. 
  5. You want them to be successful –New Start students continue into their sophomore year at a rate 6-10% higher than their peers who did not participate in New Start. 
  6. In-person Orientation – New Start students are the only students with a fully in-person orientation. 

Who can participate in New Start? 

  • Students who graduated from high school during the 2024-2025 academic year and have not attended college already (First-Year Full-Time Students) and plan to enroll in a degree-seeking program for Fall 2025 on the University of Arizona’s main campus in Tucson. 

What do they need to do? 

  1. Apply! by May 15, 2025
  2. Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA* 
  3. Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA 

*New Start is free (minus the cost of food and books) to all 2024-2025 Pell-eligible students, and all students who complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA receive our tuition discount.

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

Program Dates

  • June 7: Hall move-in (for those choosing to stay on campus)
  • June 8: New Start Welcome (mandatory for students, family & supporters welcome!)
  • June 9: First day of classes
  • June 12: University Welcome & New Student Orientation (required)
  • June 19: No classes – U of A Closed
  • July 4: No classes – U of A Closed
  • July 18: Last day of classes /final exams and move-out

Students still have over one month of summer break before fall classes start in August.