Overview


Thrive | Georgia (formally known as the Freshman College Summer Experience) is a summer program designed to foster a smooth transition from high school to college. Thrive participants emerge from the program confident in their ability to successfully navigate the campus and meet the academic challenges in their first year at UGA.

Thrive classes will be in session from July 8th to August 2nd, 2024. Participants will live in Russell Hall during the program and must remain in their Russell housing assignment during the fall and spring semesters.

Thrive course requirements are rigorous and challenging and the pace of Thrive moves very quickly. For example, one class meeting during Thrive is the equivalent of one week of classes during a regular semester. Please visit the Classes & Beyond page for detailed information on the available courses.

Participants also attend Beyond Class programs 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.

Why should students participate?

  • Participants will transition from high school to college in a more structured environment.
  • Participants will live on campus while they study and experience the University with a cohort of first-year students in a smaller setting. They will get to know UGA’s campus and the city of Athens.
  • Participants will receive guidance from University faculty, graduate students and staff while exploring the educational and cultural opportunities available on campus and in the Athens community.
  • Eligible participants can gain an early start in one of UGA’s competitive majors (within the College of Engineering, Terry College of Business, Grady College of Journalism or the College of Public Health).
  • Many participants will fulfill their Experiential Learning graduation requirement.
  • Class sizes are small to encourage an engaging learning environment and high impact, student-faculty interactions.