Before You Arrive: Incoming Freshmen

Message to our incoming fall 2025 Arizona Assurance recipients:

Welcome to the Wildcat Family, and congratulations on your selection as an AZA recipient! To begin your University of Arizona journey, we strongly recommend our all incoming, first-year students participate in the New Start Summer Program. By participating in New Start you will enroll in 6-7 units towards your degree, make long-lasting friendships, and have the opportunity to become familiar with campus before all the other students arrive on the first day of classes in the fall. You'll also develop a network that includes peer mentors, tutors, instructors, and University staff members.

As an AZA student and Pell Grant recipient you will also likely be eligible for the New Start Pell Promise. Which means your direct program costs for the summer are covered (tuition and mandatory fees). This makes New Start free, not including your book or food. Mark your calendars for June 9 through July 18, 2025 for an unforgettable summer!

To learn more, visit the New Start website. To apply to New Start, visit the Admissions website.

New Student Orientation

All incoming students are required to attend a New Student Orientation session. Make sure you have selected your Orientation date through the Next Steps Center. 

Mandatory AZA Welcome

Each year we welcome all our new AZA recipients with an informational session via Zoom. We will review how funding works and renewal requirements so you are able to maintain your Arizona Assurance funding all four years. This will occur prior to the start of classes. Look for an email from aza@arizona.edu.