FAQ

Any undergraduate student who has been admitted to the University of Georgia as a first-year student is eligible to participate.

The application opens on Friday, March 15th.

The application closes at 5pm on May 15th.

Visit our Overview page for complete details.

Yes, the Zell Miller Scholarship and HOPE Scholarship awards can be applied to the tuition costs for Thrive courses. Please visit here for more details.

The University of Georgia requires admitted first-year students to indicate their intention to enroll at the University by paying a non-refundable $300.

Available scholarships are need-based (based on FAFSA data) with priority consideration for Pell-eligible scholars. You must complete both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 FAFSAs by March 21, 2024 for priority screening for Thrive scholarships.

To apply for federal financial aid for Thrive, you must complete the 2023-24 FAFSA in addition to the 2024-25 FAFSA, which you may already have completed for Fall 2024.

Thrive takes place in the summer term which is considered part of the 2023-24 Academic Year. The 2024-25 Academic Year, for which the 2024-25 FAFSA applies, begins in Fall 2024.

Please note that the last day to submit a 2023-24 FAFSA is June 30, 2024. The U.S. Department of Education will not process any 2023-24 FAFSAs submitted after this date.

When charges are posted, they will display on your student account on Athena. You will also use this system to make payments. Information about establishing access to your student account, establishing a parent login, and payment instructions can be found at http://www.bursar.uga.edu.

The Bursar’s office handles all student accounts and payments for students at UGA. Please contact their office for assistance by emailing Student Account Services at [email protected] or calling 706-542-2965.

The Bursar’s office handles all questions about student accounts at UGA. Please contact their office for assistance by emailing Student Account Services at [email protected] or calling 706-542-2965.

The Thrive program fee to reserve your space in the Thrive at Georgia program is non-refundable once paid.

Students will be able to view their tuition and fees charges in Athena after they register for courses at UGA Orientation (more details forthcoming on course registration). Your payment will be due the first day of classes on Monday, July 8th. All payments will be made in Student Accounts via Athena.

Thrive students are required to enroll in 6 semester hours from the program’s curriculum. These 6 semester hours will consist of a 3-hour credit core academic course and 3-hour service-learning course. You are not permitted to withdraw from these courses.

You will meet with your academic advisor at UGA Orientation, and at this time, you will discuss Thrive and fall semester courses with your advisor. Once you have completed your advising session, you will be able to register for your Thrive courses, as well as your fall semester courses.

All of the core academic courses offered in the Thrive are also available throughout the academic year. Thrive classes are small and seating in each class is limited. If you do not get your first choice during the summer, you will have the opportunity to take the class in the future.

The Office for Student Success and Achievement will provide a variety of support services, including tutoring for certain core classes and student success workshops, throughout the program and for as long as student remains at UGA.

Because the program’s academic term is so compressed, one day of Thrive class is the equivalent of one week of class during a regular semester. The best advice for students is to prepare to be challenged. It may feel overwhelming at times, but it is great preparation for the fall and spring semesters and a great foundation for your college experience.

Participants also participate in “Beyond Class” offerings that are designed to provide academic support to enhance student learning and success, introduce students to various campus and community resources, and provide opportunities to socialize and interact with other participants and program staff.

Attendance at particular Beyond Class offerings is required. Other events are optional based on a students’ interest. All participants are required to attend at least two Beyond Class events each week during the program.

Events will be during the week and weekends. A full schedule will be given to participants at the start of the program.

Thrive participants will move-in to Russell Hall in July and remain there for the 2024-25 academic year.

Thrive participants must room with another Thrive participants. See more information about housing here.

Thrive participants are required to live in Russell Hall during the Thrive Program and the following academic year. Thus, Thrive participants keep the same roommate assignment throughout the academic year.

The only exception for an Thrive student to not live in Russell is if you are planning to participate in another living learning community on campus such as Franklin Residential College, The Launchpad, the Honors Community at Meyers Hall, etc. For a list of living learning communities, please visit University Housing’s webpage here.

No, you cannot participate in the Thrive at Georgia program.

All Thrive participants must attend the in-person UGA Orientation session taking place on June 17-18.

Registration for summer orientation sessions will open in early May. Information will be sent to you from the New Student Orientation Office.

If you have a question about UGA Orientation, please contact New Student Orientation in the UGA Office of Admissions by emailing [email protected].