Frequently Asked Questions - Office of Undergraduate Studies

No — Strong Start is optional, but highly encouraged for admitted first-year students to get a jump start on academics, campus life, and building community before the fall.

Thank you for your interest in the Strong Start program. Our Summer 2026 cohort has been finalized. Applications for Summer 2027 will open in Fall 2026.

In the meantime, we encourage first-year students to consider taking a First Experience (FE) course during their first semester (Fall 2026) to help build connections, explore resources, and start strong in your first semester.

If you don’t complete the summer classes, you don’t gain the credits, but you should meet with the program director.

To be considered for financial aid for Strong Start, students should complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA. This allows the University to determine eligibility for aid such as the Pell Grant, which—if awarded—can be applied toward Strong Start tuition and housing costs. To be eligible, complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Strong Start students will be housed in double-occupancy rooms for the duration of the program.

After Strong Start, students will transition into the fall semester. Details about break housing for Summer 2026 into Fall 2026 are not yet available. Depending on availability, students may stay on campus in break housing or return home until fall move-in. General break housing information can be found on the University Housing website.
https://www.housing.utah.edu/housing-during-break/

For any questions about the Strong Start Summer Bridge Program—please contact us at strongstart@utah.edu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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