Your Arizona journey starts here.
New Start is a four-week residential program designed to help incoming first-year students begin their University of Arizona journey with confidence, connection, and momentum.
Our Mission
To create a supportive and empowering launchpad for students by fostering academic confidence, belonging, and readiness for college success.
Why New Start?
Through college-level coursework, academic skill-building, mentoring, and campus engagement, students gain an early start on their transition to university life while building a strong foundation for future success.
Students in New Start benefit from:
Early move-in and campus experience
College coursework before fall semester
Academic preparation in math, writing & learning strategies
Access to tutoring, coaching & campus resources
Meaningful friendships and community connections
Increased confidence entering first semester
New Start
Academics 101
What Do Students Gain Academically?
New Start helps students build the habits and confidence needed for college success. Students strengthen skills in:
What Does the Coursework Look Like?
Students will complete a one-credit course focused on academic transition and student success, along with structured learning experiences in math and writing. This course credit can be used towards your degree regardless of major!
Instruction is interactive, supportive, and designed for incoming first-year students.
What Are the Learning Outcomes?
By the end of New Start, students should be able to:
- ●Navigate key university resources
- ●Demonstrate stronger academic habits
- ●Build confidence in college coursework
- ●Improve readiness for math placement and future classes
- ●Develop connections with peers and staff
Study Sessions and Tutoring
Students receive built-in academic support throughout the program, including structured study time, tutoring, coaching, and opportunities for individualized assistance.
New Start
Student Life
How Do Students Engage Outside the Classroom?
New Start is more than academics. Students participate in activities that help them connect with others and feel at home on campus.
Examples may include:
Where Do Students Live?
Students live on campus in a residential community with other New Start participants. Living on campus helps students build friendships, learn independence, and become comfortable navigating university life before the fall semester begins.
While living on campus is highly recommended, students may request a Housing Exemption for various reasons when completing their New Start registration.
Meet the team!
Student Staff
Graduate Community Director
Hello! Always thrive to become better and learn from new experiences. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and anything can be possible. I did New Start in summer ‘22 and it was the greatest experience and helped me transition into the fall and I gained new skills and friendships. I have worked with New Start over summer as an intern and it helped me grow and develop as a person and led me to pursue my passion of becoming a counselor.
Peer Mentor
I have been an Ambassador with New Start for the past two years and served as a PM last year, and it has been a meaningful part of my college experience. I am also a Media Board member for the Arabic Medical Society and an incoming Destination AZ leader. My advice is to say yes to opportunities even if they feel new or intimidating because they often lead to the best experiences. I am looking forward to learning about students’ stories and journeys as they begin their time at the University of Arizona.
Peer Mentor Student Coordinator
I have been with New Start for four years now, and what has kept me coming back is seeing students thrive and grow, taking their learning with them beyond the summer. I was also a student in New Start, and I have experienced first-hand the growth that this program inspires in both students and student staff. Outside of my work with New Start, I am currently involved in mentoring undergraduate students and food safety research. At home, I frolic with my two dogs, play video games, and go on evening jogs to relax and decompress.
Every day at New Start is designed to help students grow academically and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financials
Yes, that’s VERY true! The University of Arizona is committed to your success and wants to show you by investing in you! Participants of the New Start program will have no associated fees. Course fees, tuition, housing, meals, parking, etc. are all covered by the program.
No. Students are not required to complete the FAFSA for the New Start program. That said, if you do submit the FAFSA for the 2025/2026 year, and it’s determined that you are Pell eligible, you may qualify for a refund which could be utilized for additional expenses not related to the program.
Invitation & Participation
New Start is an invitation-only program offered in partnership with select Tucson-area high schools. If you attend Cholla, Desert View, Pueblo or Sunnyside and have been admitted to the University of Arizona, you likely received an email inviting you to participate in this program.
While capacity is limited this year, the University offers many outstanding resources that support students throughout their academic journey. New Start provides early access to these supports in a structured summer environment, but all students are able to take advantage of these same resources once they begin at the university.
While participation is not required, we strongly encourage taking advantage of New Start if you have been invited. Every student’s journey is different, and this program is designed to help you begin your University of Arizona experience with added support, connection, and confidence. By participating, you will have the opportunity to build academic skills, connect with campus resources, and get a head start on your transition to the University.
Coursework & Structure
Yes. Students will complete certain coursework during the program that supports their academic transition. One of these courses is UNIV 101, a required course for all students at the University of Arizona.
Students will be engaged with the program Monday through Friday from 9 am until around 4 pm. Students will be engaged in coursework, study tables and peer mentoring support throughout the day with a heavy emphasis on supporting their overall academic, social and personal transition to the institution.
Due to the structured daily schedule, outside employment is not recommended during the day. If students wish to have evening jobs or weekend work, they are more than welcome to do so.
Housing, Meals, Parking, and more
Participants will live on campus in a residential community during the program.
Living on campus during the program is highly recommended. Students may request a Housing Exemption for various reasons when completing their New Start registration.
No. New Start roommates are assigned by the program staff and will be shared with you prior to your arrival to allow you ample time to connect and get to know one another. Roommate assignments are intentionally designed to help students build community, form new connections, and engage with peers they may not already know. This experience reflects an important part of college life, where meeting new people and learning from different perspectives are central to a student’s higher education journey.
Yes! All meals are provided during the program. Students will receive swipes for breakfast and dinner daily while lunch will be provided during Lunch and Learn programming.
Yes! Students who intend to bring a car to campus should indicate that on the commitment form. Once we have the vehicle information, the New Start team will provide you with a parking pass to be utilized throughout the program.
Parents & Family Members
Your student’s safety and well-being are top priority. New Start is a structured residential program with staff support, planned programming, and campus resources available to help students transition successfully. Students will live in university housing and participate in a supervised program environment designed to help them feel supported, connected, and prepared for the fall semester.
Students will be supported by a team of professional staff, peer mentors, instructors, tutors, and campus partners. The program includes academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, transition workshops, and community-building activities to make sure students have both academic and personal support throughout the experience.
No. Families should not expect hidden program fees. Any required costs associated with participation will be communicated clearly before the program begins so students and families can make an informed decision. Students may want to bring personal spending money for optional items, snacks, or personal needs, but the program will be clear about what is included and what, if anything, students are responsible for.
Yes. Students may leave campus on the weekends to visit family if they would like to do so. While New Start is designed as a residential experience that helps students build community and adjust to campus life, we understand that staying connected with family is an important part of the transition. Students are encouraged to balance time at home with opportunities to engage in campus activities, connect with peers, and fully experience the program.
Students who need additional support will be connected with appropriate campus resources. The program includes support from partners such as tutoring services and the SALT Center, and students are encouraged to communicate any needs early so staff can help them navigate available resources.
Students should plan to bring the items they would typically need for a short residential stay, including clothing, personal hygiene items, school supplies, any required medications, and personal items that help them feel comfortable. A recommended packing list will be shared before arrival.
Emergency procedures and contact information will be provided before the program begins. Students will be living in a university-supported environment with access to appropriate campus safety and support resources.
The best way families can support their student is by encouraging them to fully participate, stay engaged, ask for help, and take advantage of the resources available. This is an important step in their college journey, and family encouragement can make a big difference as they build confidence and independence.
