Frequently Asked Questions | UConn First Summer

UConn First Summer is a summer program designed for incoming freshmen and transfer students who will be starting at UConn in the fall. The five-week intensive program has at its core two academic courses intended to give students a start on their UConn careers, but it also includes an array of activities and events designed to help students make the transition to UConn. These events are an integral part of the UConn First Summer experience.

Who can participate in UConn First Summer?

First Summer is open to all incoming freshmen and transfer students who have been admitted to any of UConn’s campuses for the fall semester.

Does UConn First Summer only take place at Storrs?

Yes. Because residence on campus is an important part of the UConn First Summer experience, the program only takes place at the main campus. However, it is open to students admitted to any of the five UConn campuses.

What if I can’t afford to live on campus this summer?

There are other ways to get a jump start to your UConn coursework outside the First Summer program. If First Summer doesn’t fit your summer plans or budget, you may be interested in taking one or two classes on your own. Summer classes are offered at all UConn campuses. See UConn Summer Session for details.

How do I register for UConn First Summer (when is the deadline)?

After you have committed to the University of Connecticut (see admissions.uconn.edu), please see the registration page for more information. Be sure to read important information on our Dates and Fees and Courses pages before you complete the registration form.

Does registering for UConn First Summer commit me to the program (fees, etc.)?

Completing the application form is the first, important step in participating in the program. After your application has been processed you will be able to register in your courses. Please see the registration page for more information.

What happens once I register for UCFS?

Once you apply and register in your two courses, you will receive email notifications from UConn First Summer with information on how to prepare you for the start of the program. Reminders about upcoming deadlines and Student Mentors information will also be shared.

My parents want to be a part of the registration process. How do I include them?

Because of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we will not include your parents in any communications regarding the program. At UConn, students may provide direct access to certain portions of their education records. Students also have the ability to provide permission for certain offices at UConn to discuss records held or managed by that office and/or services provided to the student through that office. Different processes are required for each of these options.

The FAFSA page provides you with information on the various ways students can provide the University with the documentation it needs to share certain records or discuss their contents where prior written consent is required.

What is the cost of attending UConn First Summer (when are fees due)?

Please see UConn First Summer Dates and Fees for detailed information.

When and How do I pay for First Summer?

Your fees for First Summer will be charged to your UConn student fees account, which is viewable in the Student Administration system. Tuition and related fees will be billed once you register in two courses. The University Bursar will notify you via email that fees have been posted to your account and will provide payment information at that time. (See http://bursar.uconn.edu/payment-option for more information).

Will my fees be refunded if I choose not to attend?

If for some unforeseen circumstances, you are unable to participate but have already enrolled and submitted payment, we will refund all program fees if we receive notification by June 28, 2023. The final deadline to withdraw from the program with a refund (minus the $45 University enrollment fee) is July 14, 2023.

Please contact our office directly at firstsummer@uconn.edu if you need to withdraw from the program.

Do I have to take 2 classes during First Summer?

Yes, UConn First Summer requires all students to register in two 3-credit courses to participate in the program.

When will I register for my UConn First Summer courses?

After four-business days from submitting an application, students will receive an email notification when the application has been processed. The email notification will include information on how to complete your course enrollment to finalize your registration.

Do I have to attend a UConn Orientation?

Yes. All UConn incoming students should register for Orientation at their campus. Please register for orientation at the campus to which you were admitted, as Orientation sessions are customized at each campus to make sure you are familiar with services and resources at that campus.

Please see orientation.uconn.edu for further information, including contact numbers. A separate and specific UConn First Summer orientation will also be available. More information to come.

How many planned events will I be required to attend during the program?

We are doing our best to plan events you’ll want to go to. However, we realize that not everyone will be able to make all events. Social programming activities are carefully crafted just for First Summer participants, but we hope that you will take advantage of all UConn and the surrounding community have to offer during your participation.

Where do I sign up for housing?

Housing information coming soon.

Is financial aid available for UConn First Summer?

Unfortunately not, due to federal rules about financial aid. A very limited number of students will be offered a Provost’s UConn First Summer Scholarship. In order to be considered for the scholarship, it is important that students submit a program application. This scholarship is not in any way tied to federal or other guaranteed financial aid awards during the regular academic year. We will unfortunately not be able to offer scholarships to all students with demonstrated need. Students who are offered a scholarship may be offered funds sufficient to cover all or only part of First Summer costs. Scholarship decisions will be released by June 16, 2023.

To be eligible, applicants must submit the program application by June 1, 2023 and must:

Demonstrate high financial need based on the financial aid application submitted to the University (your 2022-2023 FAFSA submission will be evaluated to determine eligibility)
Complete a personal essay. The personal essay must be a one-page, double-spaced narrative explaining your current academic goals, why you are interested in the First Summer program, and how you think this experience will enhance your undergraduate experience and have an impact on your future.