UC Santa Barbara's Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP) is an innovative six-week experience designed to immerse newly admitted freshmen in a vibrant and supportive learning community. FSSP students take immediate advantage of the academic excellence and numerous resources of UC Santa Barbara, while fostering meaningful connections with peers from around the world.
Upon admission to the program, students select from more than 70 courses to build an academic schedule that aligns with their educational goals and interests. Additionally, the entire FSSP cohort participates in a two-unit common course that introduces students to various campus resources, esteemed faculty members, and unique opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research.
Beyond academics, FSSP provides students with many opportunities to connect socially, from exploring the hidden gems of Santa Barbara to participating in tutorials, game nights, or watch parties. By getting involved early, students build a social foundation that they can rely on throughout their time at UC Santa Barbara.
View the 2024 FSSP brochure.
View the 2024 FSSP brochure in Spanish.
Program Dates:
- Move-in: Friday, August 2, 2024
- Program: Saturday, August 3 - Saturday, September 14, 2024 (Session B)
How to Enroll: Starting April 15, 2024 students can submit their enrollment application via the application portal. Enrollment will remain open until June 30, 2024 and students will be admitted on a rolling basis.
Questions? Reach out to fssp@summer.ucsb.edu