Gain an early advantage this summer and discover the path that is right for you
Your Next Step to Academic Success and a Seamless Fall Transition
Join Summer Pathways for Freshman, a bridge program designed to give you a head start on degree requirements while ensuring a smooth transition to the Fall Quarter. Through Summer Pathways, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and support to confidently navigate UCLA’s vast opportunities. With a specialized focus on majors, Summer Pathways provides unique insights into how your chosen major can support both personal and professional growth. You’ll explore various pathways within your major that can shape your future, all while forming meaningful connections with fellow Bruins.
By the end of Summer Pathways, you will:
- Feel adjusted to university dorm life and familiar with key campus resources
- Build meaningful friendships and connections within the Bruin community
- Gain insights into major trajectories and develop valuable skills
- Fulfill General Education or major preparation requirements that contribute to your degree completion
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to excel academically and connect with peers, setting a strong foundation for success at UCLA.
Have questions? Watch a recording of our informational webinar here.
Registered students may visit our Summer Pathways Bruin Guide for more program details. If you have specific questions not answered on this page, please email pathways@summer.ucla.edu.
Summer Pathways Overview
Summer Pathways for Freshman is designed to help students get acquainted with life in the residence halls, discover campus resources, and adjust to the academic expectations of a university setting. Workshops emphasize major exploration, understanding general education requirements, and understanding potential career pathways and personal development opportunities.
To register for this program, you must meet the following requirements:
- New Fall 2025 freshman admits
Summer Pathways is open enrollment and open to any majors. If you have any questions concerning eligibility requirements, please email pathways@summer.ucla.edu.
- Get a head start on degree requirements: Enrolling in courses over the summer before the Fall Quarter allows students to get a head start on satisfying GE requirements and/or major prep. Summer Pathways provides an invaluable opportunity for students to become accustomed to the fast-paced nature of UCLA courses before their first quarter and to familiarize themselves with the campus and resources.
- Chart your unique academic path: Pathways students have access to exclusive and engaging co-curriculars that enhance the UCLA experience. Participate in thought-provoking panels with professors and UCLA upper classmen, learn about transferrable skills across various majors, participate in hands-on, immersive activities, and much more!
- Gain valuable mentorship from our experienced Pathway Leaders—UCLA upperclassmen eager to share their insights and guidance. Join group mentorship sessions, engaging social activities, and drop-in support throughout the program.
- Build your Bruin community: Summer Pathways offers new Bruins unique opportunities to build relationships and forge connections with fellow UCLA students. Explore new academic avenues and find your path while striving towards your goals together in this welcoming community!
New Fall 2025 UCLA admits who would like to participate in orientation are strongly encouraged to register for New Student Orientation session 103, July 30-July 31st.
How to Register:
Reservations for New Student Orientations begins May 28, 2025 at 3pm (Pacific Time) via MyUCLA. For more information regarding registration and costs, visit the New Student Academic Programs page.
*Please note Orientation costs are charged separately.
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Program Dates
August 3 – September 12 (Session C6) – 6 weeks
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Program Type:
Open Enrollment/ In-person
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Program Eligibility
UCLA Fall 2025 Freshman Admits
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Registration Opens
April 15
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Registration Deadline
June 1 (Students who require a visa)/ July 1 (Domestic U.S Students)
Fees & Deadlines
It is a student‘s responsibility to be mindful of summer deadlines when registering for Summer Pathways. Please carefully review each section below regarding fee dates and deadlines. For academic deadlines related to course enrollment, please review the approved course page.
General Overview
Program Fee: $450
- In order to reserve a spot in the program, students must submit payment of the $400 program fee. Please note the program fee does NOT cover the full cost of attendance. Student are also liable for course fees and housing fees (if applicable).
Payment Deadline for Program Fee: July 7, 2025 (5PM PST)
- When will the program fee be assessed? The $400 program fee will be assessed to your BruinBill on 06/3. If you register after 06/3, the program fee will be be assessed on 07/2. Please submit payment of the program fee by July 7, 2025 5PM PST. Submitting the program fee confirms your participation in the program.
Drop & Refund Deadline: July 21, 2025 (5PM PST)
- In order to drop the program and receive a refund of the $400 program fee, you will need to email pathways@summer.ucla.edu to request a drop. As long as you request a drop by the refund deadline listed above, you will receive a refund of the program fee. Please note, you must also drop your courses.
Course Fees: Amount Varies
- Course fees are calculated based on student type and the number of units you enroll in. UCLA undergraduate students are charged $279 per unit, along with additional campus based referenda fees. There are NO additional out-of-state domestic student fees during the summer (international students may incur additional fees i.e. health insurance). For a fee overview and estimate, you may view our Fees page.
Payment Deadline for Course Fees: June 21, 2025 (5PM PST)
- When will the course fees be assessed? After enrollment, you will immediately have access to your current balance on your BruinBill account, the university’s billing system, via MyUCLA under the “Finances and Jobs” tab. Please note, changes in your Study List may increase your charges, therefore you should view your BruinBill after every enrollment transaction.
- Starting June 21, payment is due immediately to avoid drops for non-payment or financial holds.
Drop Deadline
Impacted Courses: Friday, Week 1 of the course (August 08 by 5PM PST)
Non-Impacted Courses: Last day of the class (September 12 by 5PM PST)
- In addition to dropping the program, you will need to drop your summer classes. To drop a class, log into MyUCLA, click on the “Classes” tab and “Drop a Class”, select the pencil icon under “Changes” and “Drop”. Confirm the course no longer appears on the study List. Please note a $150 processing fee is assessed when UCLA students drop ALL summer courses to 0 units regardless of when the courses are dropped.
Refund Deadline
Impacted Courses: Friday, Week 1 of the course (August 08 by 5PM PST)
Non-Impacted Courses: Friday, Week 2 of the course (August 15 by 5PM PST)
- If you would like to receive a refund of course fees, you must drop the course BEFORE the refund deadlines listed above. The drop and refund deadline are not the same for most summer courses. Please check whether the course you are enrolling in is impacted or non-impacted.
Housing Fee: $2,747
- In order to reserve a spot in the residence halls, students must submit payment of the housing fee. If you would like to opt out of housing, please email pathways@summer.ucla.edu.
Payment Deadline for Housing Fee: July 7, 2025 (5PM PST)
- When will the housing fee be assessed? Similar to the program fee, the housing fee will be assessed to your BruinBill on 06/3. If you register after 06/3, the housing fee will be be assessed on 07/2. Please submit payment of the housing fee by July 7, 2025 5PM PST. Submitting the housing fee confirms your spot in the UCLA dorms for the duration of the program.
Drop & Refund Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025 (5PM PST)
- In order to drop housing and receive a refund of the housing fee, you will need to email pathways@summer.ucla.edu to request a drop. As long as you request a drop by the refund deadline listed above, you will receive a refund of the housing fee.
NOTE: If you are a new student participating in Orientation Session 103 (July 30-31st) and you would like to request a stayover between the end of orientation and the start of the Summer Pathways program (August 3), please email pathways@summer.ucla.edu.
The total cost of attendance varies depending on how many units your courses are. Additional UCLA summer and health fees are applicable.
Please visit the Fees page and utilize the Fee Calculator under “I am interested in ___” for a breakdown of full fees.
Program Courses
Students must enroll in two Approved Summer Pathway Courses that do not conflict with the program’s mandatory co-curriculars from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
Summer Pathway Courses
The recommended list for each pathway includes a curated list of courses that satisfy GE and/or major prep. Please review the course list for the pathway that aligns with your current major or a major of interest.
- Students must enroll in two approved courses with an optional 3rd course (University Studies 10A). Students may also mix and match courses from each pathway course list.
- International students in the program who require a visa will need to be enrolled in at least 8 units to meet the eligibility for an F-1 visa, required for study. At least 51% of those units must be in-person.
Click here to view the Summer Pathways Approved Course Page for Freshman.
Co-Curricular Component
With so many majors to choose from, selecting the right one can feel like a daunting task. Summer Pathway Co-Curriculars are meant to help students think critically about the practical implications behind major options and the wide range of opportunities that a single UCLA major can offer. Please review the section below for a look at some of our co-curriculars.
Overview of Co-Curriculars
Discover diverse major pathways through the perspectives of current students.
In this exclusive panel, UCLA upperclassmen from a diverse range of majors share their unique journeys and insider tips! Get firsthand advice on choosing a major, finding involvement opportunities, and making the most of your college experience. Our panelists are ready to answer your questions and provide real-world insights into academic life at UCLA, helping you find the path that’s right for you
Engage with faculty to maximize your academic experience
Adapting to new teaching styles and the fast pace nature of the quarter system can be challenging! Join this panel to hear insider tips from some of UCLA’s renowned professors. Get personal insights on excelling in upper-division courses, making the most of class time, and the true value of office hours. Discover how building meaningful connections with professors can enhance your UCLA experience.
Professors are people too! Building connections on a personal level can enrich your interactions and enhance your overall academic experience. Meet UCLA faculty in a relaxed, social setting! Join us for a fun event filled with engaging conversations and activities. This co-curricular experience lets students connect with faculty outside the classroom and build personal relationships
Learn how to navigate UCLA’s multiple levels of advising from our CAAC counselors.
UCLA is a vast university with a range of advising services, from general requirements to major-specific guidance and peer counseling. Discover how advising works here, and learn how to connect with your counselors to stay on track with your degree progress.
Take the next step in gaining experience in the legal field with JusticeCorps, an AmeriCorps program dedicated to providing equal access to justice for individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Through the Los Angeles Superior Court, students receive training and supervision from attorneys, gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment. Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your skills and build your professional profile as an undergraduate
Discover what it takes to succeed on the pre-med path—from essential coursework and extracurriculars to a comprehensive breakdown of potential career paths and professional trajectories. Gain a thorough understanding that will put you on the right path towards pre-med.
Discover how to make the most of career development opportunities—from internships and interviews to networking strategies. Learn how the Career Center can support your journey, equipping you with essential skills to become a strong candidate after graduation
Housing Component
Students are strongly encouraged to live in the dorms for the duration of the program. The university offers fully furnished residence halls and suites within easy walking distance of classrooms, libraries, and recreational facilities.
NOTE: DO NOT submit a separate housing contract. Unless you opt out, ALL Summer Pathway students automatically receive housing.
Residential Housing (Strongly Recommended)
ALL students will be assessed the housing fee. If you would like to opt out of housing and receive a refund of the housing fee, please email pathways@summer.ucla.edu by July 21, 2025 5PM PST.
NOTE: DO NOT submit a separate housing contract. Unless you opt out, ALL Summer Pathway students automatically receive housing.
Summer Pathway students will be housed in Sproul Landing.
Amenities
All students that purchase the residential plan will reside in a residence hall with following amenities:
- Triple occupancy rooms that are furnished, air-conditioned, and have internet access
- 24-hour front desk service and a secure facility entrance
- Access to world class recreation facilities
- Laundry facilities and a lounge located in each building
- Internet access
- Gender-specific shared bathrooms on each side of the hall; gender inclusive bathrooms on every other floor
- Access to laundry facilities
- One wardrobe, closet, or dresser drawer per student
- One desk per student
- Essential bedding: flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow, and blanket
Meals
- Breakfast and dinner (two meals) are provided each day in the UCLA dining halls, nationally recognized for their excellent cuisine. Lunch, however, may be purchased by the student each day at any of the campus eating establishments on campusIf you have questions about dietary restrictions or food allergies, please contact the UCLA Dining Services Registered Dietitian (RD) at AsktheRD@ha.ucla.edu or 310-206-3193 (Office) / 424-535-4286 (Mobile). The dietician can assist only with residential dining hall inquiries.
For students in Summer Pathways, residential check in will be Sunday, August 03, 2025 1pm-3pm and check out will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025 11am. More information will be provided to students as we get closer to the start of the program.
You will be assigned roommates based on age and gender and will be notified of the roommate assignment during check-in. In order to better foster a learning community that exposes students to a broader network of peers, we do not accommodate any specific roommate assignment request.
Our residential staff will be planning interactive, optional activities for students. These activities are designed to help students build community and make the most of their academic programming at UCLA. The social cohort bonding schedule will be shared with students closer to the start of the program.
Please note: Residential and social activities hosted on the hill and off campus will be open to BOTH residential and commuter students.
Additional Information for Incoming International Students Only
To study in the U.S., international students will need an I-20 and the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars will need to time to process. If you an international student, you must register by June 1, 2025.
Visa and Full-time Enrollment Requirement for International Students in Summer Pathways
The United States Department of Homeland Security requires all incoming international students to obtain an F-1 student visa. Newly admitted undergraduate students participating in Summer Pathways must hold F-1 status and maintain at least 8 units of enrollment for the duration of Summer Session C. International students may not participate in Summer Pathways while holding a business or a tourist visa (B-1 or B-2) (including those entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program).
Once your Summer Pathways registration is complete, a combined I-20 reflecting your Summer Sessions registration and Fall admissions status will be issued. Upon obtaining an I-20 from UCLA, you will need to apply for an F-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.
I-20 Request Deadline: I-20 requests for Summer Pathways students must be completed no later than June 1, 2023.
To obtain a UCLA I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status), you must first submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to confirm acceptance of your admission to UCLA. Once you have submitted your SIR, you will be emailed instructions on how to request a combined Summer/Fall I-20 online via the I-20 Request Portal. While completing your I-20 Request online, please indicate in the ‘Comments’ section that you will be participating in Summer Pathways.
If you have already completed the request for your Fall I-20 online via the I-20 Request Portal prior to enrolling in Summer Pathways, please message the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars (DCISS) at I-20 Message Center as soon as possible to request for an updated Summer/Fall I-20. You will not be able to participate in the program with the Fall I-20.
Newly admitted F-1 undergraduate students participating in Summer Pathways must complete a Confidential Financial Statement (CFS) and provide evidence of financial support to cover Summer Session C fees and living expenses in addition to one year of undergraduate tuition and living expenses at UCLA (exact required amounts will populate in the I-20 Request Portal).
Students currently in the U.S. holding F-1 status
If you are currently in the U.S. holding F-1 status and have a valid SEVIS record, you must initiate a SEVIS transfer with your current institution to transfer your SEVIS record to UCLA for the Fall Quarter, but you may not require a UCLA I-20 for Summer Session C. Please message I-20 Message Center if you will be transferring your SEVIS record to UCLA.
F-1 students must be enrolled full-time throughout the entire period of study. In order to meet full time enrollment required for the F-1 visa, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units for Session C6
- At least 51% of those units must be in-person
For I-20 and F-1 Visa-related inquiries, please contact I-20 Message Center.
UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)
Students must maintain sufficient health insurance coverage through September 23, 2024 in order to participate in Summer Pathways. As such, students will be automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP), a comprehensive medical insurance program offered to UCLA students at a prorated fee, reflecting the Summer Pathways duration. UC SHIP coverage includes medical, vision, dental, behavioral health and pharmaceutical care.
Please view health insurance costs below:
UC SHIP Premium: $491.34
Ashe Fee: $27.77
CAPS Fee: $8.75