We visited you, you visited us. You applied, you were accepted. Now what?
We know the time between getting accepted and starting your first day can feel a little nerve-racking, so here are 7 things to know before the big day!
Your first day will be everyone’s first day
The first day of school for incoming juniors is Thursday, August 20, 2026, and we like to call it Jump Start Day. This first day is designed to give you a… jump start. Clever, right?
Jump Start Day gives you time to familiarize yourself with the building, find your classes, and meet new people before all students return. Your first day is EVERYONE’s first day. It’s completely normal to be nervous, but hopefully knowing everyone else is new too makes it feel a little less intimidating.
By the end of the first week, you’ll probably wonder why you were nervous at all.
You might get lost… at first
UVCC might be a little, or a lot, bigger than your associate school, so it’s safe to say you might get lost a few times. Have no fear, our staff is here!
Staff members will be outside classrooms and stationed throughout the hallways during the first couple of weeks to help you navigate your way to class.
Pro tip: On schedule pick-up day, highlight your classes on the map. It makes finding your way around much easier!
Your school day is going to look a lot different
You are probably used to a full day of book work, but things look a little different here.
As a junior at UVCC, your morning will be spent in your career-tech lab and your afternoon will be spent in your academic classes. Get ready to be hands-on!
You are encouraged to stay connected to your associate school
One of the great things about UVCC is that you get the best of both worlds. You get the opportunity to earn certifications, learn hands-on skills, and meet new people while still staying involved at your associate school.
Many of our students participate in sports, band, show choir, musicals, clubs, and other activities. We encourage you to stay connected and participate in whatever you can!
UVCC does not host school dances because we believe it’s important for students to experience those events with their associate schools.
There are a TON of resources available
When we say tons, we mean it!
UVCC is proud to offer driver’s education to help students earn their license, mental health counselors onsite, four school counselors, and six transition coordinators.
We also have a Student Assistance Center (SAC) that can help with clothes, hygiene products, tutoring, transportation needs, and more. The list goes on and on.
If your uniform is delayed, it’s okay
While at UVCC, students are expected to be in uniform every day. Your program’s uniform requirements can be found on our website.
Uniforms should be ordered through Ernst. The deadline to place your order and ensure availability before schedule pick-up day is June 30.
Order after June 30? No problem. Incoming juniors will receive two t-shirts and a sweatshirt to help hold them over until their uniforms arrive.
You made a great decision
In case you didn’t already know, you made a great choice to come to UVCC, and we are SO excited to have you this fall.
You made a brave, bold decision to invest in your future, and you should be proud of that.
Now enjoy your summer and get ready for an exciting two years ahead! We will see you at Schedule Pick-Up Day on Tuesday, August 18!