Summer Institute FAQ

The priority deadline to apply for the 2024 Summer Institute program is Saturday, April 13. After April 13, we will continue to accept applications until programs are at capacity. However, we are only able to accept students into a program/major if there is still space available. We strongly suggest that applicants submit their application as soon as possible. 

The deadline for international students requiring an I-20 form to apply is May 12. The scholarship application deadline is Saturday, April 13.

These materials are optional for Summer Institute applicants, however, applicants applying for a scholarship are required to submit auditions or samples of their artwork as well as additional scholarship application documents. 

UArts is located in the cultural district of Center City—the heart of downtown Philadelphia.  UArts is situated near historic City Hall, Reading Terminal Market and Rittenhouse Square, and is within walking distance from world-class museums, theaters and concert halls. Pre-College staff and Community Advisors (CAs) go over safety guidelines with all Summer Institute students at Orientation.  

UArts is dedicated to keeping all Pre-College students safe. Academic buildings are staffed with security officers during building hours, and only those with a UArts ID are permitted inside UArts buildings. Each UArts residence hall is staffed with a security officer 24 hours a day to ensure the safety and welfare of Pre-College students.

Students and parents should plan to make their own transportation arrangements to and from campus.

UArts guests receive special rates from several Center City Philadelphia hotels. Learn more about UArts’ hotel discounts.

Residential move-in is Sunday, July 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hamilton Hall. 

Due to the intensive and immersive nature of the program, Summer Institute students must be fully creatively and academically engaged. As such, we expect residential students to remain on campus for the length of the program, and expect both residential and commuter students to attend all classes, complete all homework assignments and participate in all required field trips and activities. 

Housing cannot be provided before check-in on Sunday, July 7. Early arrivals are not encouraged. Final checkout from residence halls will take place Friday, July 26. For planning purposes, students should expect to leave campus between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the last day of their program, following their performance or exhibition.

Bedroom

• Bed linens for extra-long twin bed

• Alarm clock (optional)

• Blanket/bedspread 

• Pillow(s) 

• Clamp light or small lamp (optional)

Bathroom

• Personal toiletries 

• Towel(s) 

• Toilet paper (single-ply only)

• Bath mat or extra towel 

Health

• Face covering/mask

• Hand sanitizer

• Hand soap

• Medicine and first-aid supplies

Cleaning

• Cleaning wipes or other disinfecting products

• Dish soap/sponge

• Laundry basket or bag (optional)

• Laundry detergent 

• Small Trash can and trash bag(s)

Kitchen (optional)

• Disposable plates, cups, utensils and paper towels

• Small trash can and trash bag(s)

Miscellaneous (optional)

• Hangers 

• Power strip with surge protectors 

• Safe or lockbox for valuables 

• Umbrella 

Yes. Each residence hall has laundry facilities. The cost per wash is $1.25 and $.50 for 30 minutes of drying.

Students should plan to bring or obtain quarters for laundry machines. Students must provide their own detergent.

You will be given your room number and roommate information at move-in. If you and another student request to reside with each other and are admitted to programs of the same duration, Residence Life will make every attempt to honor your requests. This request must be made when completing your housing form. 

Summer Institute students have access to both a nurse and a counselor during the Summer Institute at no charge. Both are located in Gershman Hall at the corner of Broad St. and Pine St.

Students will earn three college credits upon successful completion of the program.

During the Summer Institute at UArts, you will have the opportunity to get feedback on your portfolio or audition from UArts faculty and admissions counselors, and earn college credits.  Participation in the Summer Institute does not guarantee admission to UArts’ undergraduate programs. For more information on how to apply for an undergraduate degree at UArts, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@uarts.edu or 215-717-6049.

You will need an I-20. If you have additional questions about your immigration-related paperwork, please contact Mara Flamm, director of International Student Programs, at 215-717-6621 or mflamm@uarts.edu.

I-20 applications take two to five weeks to process upon receipt of a complete I-20 application.  If you have additional questions about your immigration-related paperwork, please contact Mara Flamm, director of International Student Programs, at 215-717-6621 or mflamm@uarts.edu.

To view the dates for your program's final events, visit the Summer Institute calendar.

We encourage family and friends to attend their student's final performance/exhibition. Tickets are not needed to attend the events and seats are first-come, first-served.

Requests for official transcripts (both paper and digital) are processed by the Registrar's Office via an online form. Please note, there is a fee to process this request.

Request a transcript.

If you have additional questions regarding your student records after the conclusion of the program, please contact the Registrar's office at registrar@uarts.edu.