Summer Freshman Start

Summer Freshman Start is an opportunity for incoming freshmen to independently experience campus while attending regular college classes during the summer before their first fall semester begins. Summer courses are offered in many subjects, including math, English and 100- or 200-level classes that satisfy core requirements needed for your degree. Taking classes in the summer allows you to get an early start on your education,  familiarize yourself with the University’s great resources, meet new people, and enjoy free University activities and events – all before the rush of fall.

How to enroll in Summer Session classes

Before you can enroll in Summer Session classes, you must first be accepted to the University of Nevada, Reno for Fall.

  1. Activate your MyNEVADA account and accept admission for fall.
  2. Submit the Summer Session Activation Form, located in MyNEVADA under Supplemental Forms, to activate your account for summer registration. The form is available starting in March.
  3. Review the Summer Session classes available and consult with an academic advisor to choose your classes.
  4. Register for summer classes in MyNEVADA by selecting the summer term and adding classes. Registration begins in April. The University’s enrollment guide can help you through the registration process.

Summer Freshman Start tuition award

Eligibility

The Summer Freshman Start tuition award is available to graduating high school seniors admitted to the University of Nevada, Reno for fall. Applicants must attend the University in fall to remain eligible for the award. They must also enroll in six (6) Summer Session credits OR one 5-credit Summer Session math or English class at the University of Nevada, Reno to be considered. Incoming students with 30 or more college credits are not eligible for this award.

How to apply for the Summer Freshman Start tuition award

To apply, enroll in six (6) Summer Session credits (typically two classes) or one 5-credit Summer Session math or English class and then submit the Summer Freshman Start Tuition Award application to the Summer Session office. The application will be available on this website in early May.

Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to earn the appropriate credits during Summer Session, or failure to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in fall, will result in the withdrawal of award money, in which case students will be responsible for returning the funds to the Cashier’s Office. Submitting the Summer Freshman Start tuition award application does not guarantee funding.

Download the 2021 tuition award application

Summer on-campus housing

For students who are taking class(es) at the University during Summer Session or are working on campus and need on-campus housing, residence hall rooms are available. Residential Life staff members are available to connect residents with each other and to encourage participation in summer activities. Students living on-campus during Second Summer Session who also have a fall on-campus housing assignment may sign up for uninterrupted housing during the gap between Summer Session ending and NevadaFIT or the fall semester beginning (additional charges may apply).

For more information, please contact the Residential Life, Housing & Food Service office.

2019 Summer Freshman Start participants

100% of Summer Freshman Start’s 2019 exit survey respondents recommend that incoming freshmen participate in the program. Here’s what some of them had to say about their experience:

“The Summer Freshman Start program was a great way for me to get familiar with the campus, introduce myself to professors and build rapport with them, complete prerequisite courses, and get ahead of the Pack!”

“As a first generation student, the Summer Freshman Start experience made me feel like I was meant to be a part of the Wolf Pack.”

“The Summer Freshman Start program really helped me transition into college life. The class sizes were much smaller than in the fall, which gave me more of an individualized approach to learning.”

“Summer Freshman Start was a great way to get ahead, adapt, and figure out college life on a smaller scale. I got to know my way around campus, which helped a lot going into the fall semester. It was an overall fantastic experience!!”

“Summer Freshman Start provided me with an opportunity to get ahead. I knocked out two classes and earned six credits before almost all of my other classmates even started class. Students who want to get ahead of the curve should seriously consider enrolling and applying for the tuition award that can cover the cost of the summer tuition if received.”