Start Sooner is the University of Oklahoma’s early-start program designed to help incoming first-year students transition to college. Since 2016, this month-long program has given students the opportunity to get ahead in their coursework, explore campus, and build a strong community before the fall semester begins.
All new students admitted to OU for the fall are invited to participate in Start Sooner! Earn 6 hours of college credit, make connections, and become a Sooner, sooner!
Start Sooner 2027 will take place July 6 - 30, 2027
Applications will open on November 17, 2026 on OU Engage
Start Sooner is designed to give incoming first-year students a unique experience that eases the transition from high school to college. Students move into the residential colleges a month early, complete 6 credit hours, and have the opportunity to explore all that Norman has to offer. At the University of Oklahoma, Start Sooner combines engaging courses with on-campus residential living and activities designed to help students build connections, discover their community, and feel at home before the fall semester begins.
Start Sooner participants will be housed in Dunham Residential College, providing an opportunity to build community and create a seamless transition from the summer program into the fall semester. Students will move into their housing assignment at the start of the program and remain in the same space throughout the academic year. By eliminating the need for an additional move-in, students can settle into their space from the beginning and enjoy a smoother transition into the fall semester.
Room Layouts: Students will have five room options to choose from, ranging from suite-style accommodations with private bedrooms and shared living spaces to traditional double-room layouts with communal bathrooms.
Roommates: Students may choose a roommate, including someone who is not participating in Start Sooner, or select the “potluck”/random roommate. If a student chooses a roommate who is not participating in Start Sooner, that roommate will follow Housing’s standard move-in timeline.
Room Changes: If a student wishes to request a roommate or room change after the fall semester begins, Housing offers a formal room change process. Our team will make sure students are aware of this resource and provide support in navigating the process as needed.
Start Sooner costs vary based on the participant’s residency status. Program costs include tuition and fees for 6 college credit hours, on-campus housing and meals, and a program fee. For more information about financial assistance, please see the Financial Aid section below.
If you are selected to participate in Start Sooner, you will receive a program fee waiver that reduces the cost from $500 to $250. This reduced fee supports our commitment to helping incoming students make a successful transition to college through early academic and student support.
| COSTS | RESIDENTS | NON-RESIDENT |
| Tuition + Fees | $2,456 | $5,569 |
| Housing & Food | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Program Fee | $500 | $500 |
| Total Cost | $4,456 | $7,569 |
*Costs not included: additional course fees (like textbooks and classroom supplies), off-campus meals, and medical costs.
*This breakdown is estimated and subject to change.
Start Sooner students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA to assist with the cost of the program.
The current year FAFSA should be submitted in addition to the one for the upcoming school year.
The FAFSA application process can be found at ou.edu/sfc
As a Start Sooner student, you will spend the morning and afternoon in college courses at OU. You will get the opportunity to choose a course that interests you, satisfying a general elective credit, as well as participate in a Foundations to College Learning course with the rest of your Start Sooner peers. The Foundations course is designed to help incoming students navigate life at OU, develop essential college skills, and build a strong foundation for academic and personal success.
P SC 1113 - American Federal Government
HES 1823 - Scientific Principles of Health & Disease
PSY 1113 - Elements of Psychology
SOC 1113 - Intro to Sociology
PHIL 1273 - Intro to Business Ethics
AHI 1314 - Intro to Art History
All students participating in Start Sooner must be admitted to the University of Oklahoma for the upcoming fall semester.
We also encourage all students to ensure they have a New Sooner Orientation appointment set before the program starts on July 6. Students can begin scheduling their New Sooner Orientation after they have submitted their Enrollment Deposit.
2027 REGISTRATION FORM
Start Sooner combines the academic classroom experience with a vibrant residential community to help students jumpstart their first year at OU. Through engaging programs and activities, students will build community, grow as achievers and leaders, and enjoy a meaningful social experience before the fall semester begins.
Sunday:
Sunday Funday, 8 PM
Monday-Friday:
Check-in, 10 AM
General Education Course, 10:30 AM
Foundations to College Learning, 1:30 PM
Optional Evening Programming, 7-9 PM
Check-in, 11 PM
Saturday:
Weekend Trip, Various Times
Check-in, 11 PM
As a part of the Start Sooner program, students are required to complete a set number of study hours per week. Study hours are logged in designated study hall locations, and students check in with a member of the program staff. Study hours are required to ensure students are as successful as possible in their two courses, especially because of the fast-paced nature of summer courses.
Start Sooner students will be required to check in with program staff each morning and evening. If a student misses a scheduled check-in, staff will follow the program’s missing student protocol, which includes contacting the student and checking their room to ensure their safety and well-being.
Monday - Friday: check in by 10:00 AM & 11:00 PM
Saturday: check in by 11:00 PM
Sunday: check in by 8:00 PM for weekly meeting
Students may leave campus during the weekend but must check out with program staff before leaving and have to be back by our mandatory program meeting on Sunday at 8 PM.
If you have already applied for the program but wish to withdrawal, please contact us at startsooner@ou.edu.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR , TRANSITION PROGRAMS
shilling@ou.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR , TRANSITION PROGRAMS
avery.richards@ou.edu
Students must register by April 1, 2027
Students need to fill out the FAFSA and it must be completed before June 30th. The current year FAFSA should be submitted in addition to the one for the upcoming school year. The deadline to apply for financial aid for Start Sooner is June 30, 2027.
Students who receive financial aid assistance will count as a half year towards their remaining eligibility of financial aid. Students will have 5.5 years remaining of financial assistance after receiving aid for Start Sooner.
Start Sooner students will have access to a variety of campus resources, including the campus writing center, academic support from course teaching assistants, and tutoring through our Start Sooner Guides. Students will also learn about additional academic resources through their Foundations course.
Optional (but highly encouraged) programs will be planned by Start Sooner guides most weeknights of the program. Weekend trips around Oklahoma will be planned for each Saturday. The cost for all programming is included in the program fee.
Yes, the program will conclude in time for students to participate in Panhellenic recruitment.
For any additional questions, please contact us at startsooner@ou.edu or 405-325-4317, and we will be happy to assist you.
