Freshman Edge
Freshman Edge is a specially designed summer program for newly admitted students who will join UC Berkeley in the coming fall and are looking for a head start on their Berkeley experience.
Get oriented this summer
Get a step ahead
Choose from 600+ summer courses, offered online or in-person, with options to fulfill breadth, prerequisite, and major requirements.
Discover your campus
Gain insights into the entire campus and student resources through orientations and workshops.
Build your network
Take advantage of a quieter campus and make meaningful connections with professors, peers, and the community through socials and events.
Popular courses for incoming first-year students
The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Earthquakes in Your Backyard
Selected Topics in Astronomy
How to join Freshman Edge
Explore the Class Schedule
Incoming first-year students can choose from hundreds of lower-division courses.
- Browse and filter courses in the Class Schedule by requirements, level, delivery method, and more.
- Freshman Edge students typically take lower-division courses, labeled 1–99.
- Courses in all sessions are open to Freshman Edge students but program activities and workshops take place during Sessions C and D.
Steps to Enroll
- Opt-in to Freshman Edge through CalCentral and wait 12 hours for your enrollment card to activate.
- Check your “My Academics” page in CalCentral to confirm your summer term enrollment has activated.
- Add your chosen courses in CalCentral and enroll!
Helpful Enrollment Reminders
- Because summer courses are condensed into a 6- or 8-week session and are run at a quick pace, we strongly advise you to enroll in no more than two courses.
- To be eligible for summer financial aid, you must enroll in a minimum of six units. Review the Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more info.
- Review general undergraduate requirements and/or check with your specific college for inspiration on which courses you should take.
- Once enrolled, head to the Cal Student Store website for info on which books are required and recommended for the courses you’ve chosen.
- There are no fees associated with the Freshman Edge program. Participants pay the tuition and fees associated with summer course enrollment.
- Review fees and policies. Read the sections on our website on fees, deadlines, payment policies, enrollment policies, and academic policies.
Engage with the Berkeley community
In addition to academic study, Freshman Edge allows you to better understand the various resources available to you at Berkeley and interact with fellow students over the summer.
Activities and programming
- Participate in online pre-program and welcome webinars to help you orient, learn about campus opportunities, and gain advising tips.
- Take part in workshops designed to accelerate your adjustment to life at Berkeley.
- Join in on socials where you’ll connect with peers and program alumni.
Housing
Choosing a place to live depends on your interests, preferences, and budget. Freshman Edge students have the option of living in Blackwell Hall or accommodations of your own choosing.
Space in Blackwell Hall is being held especially for Freshman Edge students, but you must apply for housing individually through the online Housing Application Portal. Because space is limited, we recommend that you apply for housing early in order to ensure the best chance to secure a housing offer.
Blackwell Hall Highlights
- Double occupancy rooms in a secure housing complex a block away from campus.
- Full building wifi, central bathrooms and lounges, academic center, and fitness center.
- Live-in Residential Life staff who facilitate community development activities and social programming.
- A robust meal plan offering all-you-care-to-eat meals and many cuisine types. Meal points may also be used at any retail location on campus.
For complete information about the residence halls, including when and how to reserve a space, move-in dates, and cost at Berkeley Summer housing website.
Tuition
Tuition is based on course units.
| Sample Course Load | |
|---|---|
| MATH N16B | 3 Units |
| DATASCI 200 | 3 Units |
| Total Units | 6 Units |
| Sample Cost Calculation | |
|---|---|
| Total tuition: $436 unit cost x 6 | $2,616 |
| UC Campus Fee: | $469.05 |
| Transit Fee: | $114.50 |
| Total Due: | $3,199.55 |
Financial aid is available for eligible students. Below you’ll find the steps to apply for summer financial aid:
- Complete the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 FAFSA or Dream Act Application no later than June 1, 2026. Completing the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, along with your summer enrollment, allows the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to determine your aid eligibility for the summer term on the UC Berkeley campus.
- Enroll in a minimum of six units for summer.
- Login to CalCentral (CalNet ID required) two to three business days after enrolling in your courses. Under My Finances, select 2025–2026 from the drop-down menu under Financial Aid and Scholarships and click View Awards.
- Review your Communications and Tasks to ensure that we have received your 2025-2026 FAFSA or Dream Act Application and that you have submitted all required documents.
- You can also review your financial aid awards and Cost of Attendance for summer on this page as well.
Please Note: Students who opt-in to Freshman Edge must remain matriculated at Berkeley to be eligible for the UC tuition and fee rates.
If your admission status changes, contact the Office of the Registrar & Office of Undergraduate Admissions to understand how this impacts your summer tuition and fees.