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
Alice F
Peer Mentor
Hi! My name is Alice and I'm a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in Medicine and Spanish. I attended New Start last year, and it became such an important part of my transition into college. I gained valuable experiences and made meaningful friendships, and I hope it can do the same for you all. I am excited to be here as a peer mentor this summer and I hope to help incoming students feel welcomes and supported as they begin their college journey.
Aracely C
Peer Mentor
I was part of the Pre-Vet Club, where I learned about veterinary schools, heard from different guest speakers, and explored job opportunities in the veterinary field. As a New Start student, I gained a strong sense of community and made connections that helped me navigate my first year at the U of A. Being involved helped me feel more confident and supported during the transition to college. One college tip I would give is to take advantage of tutoring resources for all your classes, because they can benefit you in the long term and help you succeed academically.
Peer Mentor Student Coordinator
A wise person once said, "In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." Having played a role in New Start '25 as a Peer Mentor was a formative experience for me in every aspect of my life. I have gained lasting friendships, mentors of my own, and an ever-evolving skill set that continues to grow and flourish. Aside from New Start, I am a part of Thrive Center, working as a Peer Mentor to support fellow University of Arizona students, and a member of the International City/County Management Association, connecting with the Pima County community.
Carlene A
Resident Assistant
Hi! I’m Carlene, but prefer to go by Gigi! I’m excited to be part of New Start this year! As a previous New Start student, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that helped me feel welcomed when I first started at the University of Arizona. New Start gave me familiar faces on campus, helped me build meaningful relationships with my peers, and created a strong sense of community during my freshman year. I’m looking forward to helping incoming students feel supported, connected, and confident as they begin their college journey. My biggest tip is to put yourself out there each, the connections you make can truly shape your college experience!
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.
Gaby C
Peer Mentor
Hi everyone! My name is Gabriella, and I’m a first-generation student at the University of Arizona majoring in Medicine with a Medicine and Society emphasis. I’m passionate about healthcare, helping others, and getting involved on campus and in the community. I’m excited to be part of New Start because I love meeting new people and helping students feel welcomed and supported during their transition to college. As someone who was a previous student in New Start, I'm excited to give back and demonstrate the students what it means to be a Wildcat!
Lio Z
Peer Mentor
I'm a second year majoring in live and screened performance. My favorite place to be is on stage, being able to affect someone's thinking and inspire them in any way I can. I grew up in a small town in the southwest of Arizona named San Luis. I hope to help underserved student's get the attention they deserve. I was lucky enough to be a mentee in the new start program last year and create some of my most meaningful connections. Newstart helped me learn where all the buildings I needed for my first year were and that I could afford to go to University. A tip I have for this incoming class is to not be afraid to go on a side quest, it might make all the difference.
Peer Mentor
Hello ! My name is Luis and I am a new start alumni. My goal this year is to emulate the experience and welcoming energy I had for my summer transition program. Im looking forward to guiding incoming freshmen.
Resident Assistant
Hi! I’m Madison, a neuroscience student on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. I’m passionate about improving healthcare access in underserved communities, especially on Native reservations where I hope to help build sustainable, community-led clinics. New Start has been an exciting opportunity for me to connect with others and support students as they begin their college journey. My biggest campus tip: don’t be afraid to ask for help and get involved early, it makes a huge difference. I’m looking forward to helping you feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed!
Morghyn N
Peer Mentor
Hello! I’m Morghyn and this is my first year participating in New Start. I am from Tucson and just completed my first year at the U of A #BearDown. I’m looking forward to make new connections and having a great time at New Start.
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.
Sherlyn H
Resident Assistant
Hi everyone! My name is Sherlyn, and I’m a second-year student at the University of Arizona on the pre-med track, as well as an incoming Resident Assistant and member of the New Start team. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I understand how intimidating it can feel to start college without always having people around you who can guide you through the experience, which is why building community and connection means so much to me. I hope students leave New Start feeling supported, confident, and reassured that they do not have to navigate this new chapter alone. My biggest advice is to put yourself out there early, some of the best friendships, opportunities, and memories in college begin the moment you allow yourself to step outside your comfort zone.
Resident Assistant
Hello! My name is Sherlyn, and I am currently a sophomore going into my junior year of college. I am double majoring in Political Science and Law. I’m excited to be part of the New Start program this year and to help guide and support you all throughout the experience. This is my first year participating in New Start, which makes it even more exciting for me. I recently studied abroad in Barcelona, and it was an amazing experience. I love traveling, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family. Through New Start, I hope to create new memories and build meaningful connections within my community. A tip I recommend is learning good study habits early and building connections with your professors.
Stephanie D
Peer Mentor
Hello! I am a member of Psi Chi and also enjoy volunteering at my research lab. A tip for college is to leap at all the opportunities you have access to! You never know how much you will accomplish without challenging yourself to new things. I am excited to be able to welcome New Start students and see how much they accomplish during peer mentoring!
Vianey R
RA Student Coordinator
Hi! My name is Vianey, and I use she/her pronouns. I am majoring in Criminal Justice Studies with a minor in Criminology, and I have been involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, and member of Kappa Alpha Theta. New Start has been such a meaningful part of my college experience because I first participated as a student, then returned as an RA, and now I am excited to serve as an RA Student Coordinator. New Start helped me build confidence, find community, and feel more prepared for college life. My biggest college tip is to ask questions, get involved, and remember that you do not have to figure everything out alone!
Wesley R
Resident Assistant
Hey everyone, My names Wes and I’m from Northern Arizona studying pre med here at the U of A and I’m so excited for a fun summer with you all! I will be going into my second year here at the University. I participated in the New Start summer program last year and it was the best decision I could’ve made, I met some of my closest friends and I can’t wait to help provide that experience for this years program! Biggest tip would be to talk everyone and put yourself out there, trust me I know that can be hard or intimidating but it’s going to make your summer so much better!
Peer Mentor
Hello everyone! My name is Zenobia, and I am one of the Peer Mentors for the 2026 New Start session! Previously this past summer ('25) during my time as a mentee, I loved getting to participate in all the events New Start offers such as Su Casa's, BLAST, and Monte Carlo. Outside from New Start during my first year, I've greatly enjoyed becoming involved on campus such as through crafting in catalyst studios, joining numerous clubs, performing with campus music ensembles, and volunteering across the Tucson area. A tip I highly recommend to incoming students is to simply show up & give everything a try at least once, because you never know who you may meet or what incredible things you could discover. There's so much joy, knowledge, and belonging to experience during this program and overall here at UA, so I'm looking forward to welcoming everyone to campus & beginning this new journey together. Bear down!
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 to a small population of Arizona high school seniors who have been admitted to the University of Arizona.
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 accepting the opportunity 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.
Yes! If you choose to be a part of the New Start program all elements are required. New Start has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that we're setting you up for success in and out of the classroom. Each element of the program is key to your long term success and will benefit you as you prepare for your time at the institution.
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.
