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HELLO!

Portrait of Alex Rose, Student Body PresidentCongratulations on your admission to the University of Utah! Welcome to the next chapter of your academic journey and to The Nest: a home base for new students like you! Check out compelling stories told by fellow U students, from thrilling outdoor recreation to campus life at the U to highlights of the programs that make the University of Utah a special place to pursue your college degree.

My name is Alex Rose, ASUU Student Body President and fourth-year Entrepreneurship student. Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona in a family of University of Utah alumni, I decided at a young age that the U was my dream school, falling in love with the unique culture, inspiring community, and historic athletics. I worked hard to achieve my dream of becoming a University of Utah student, and since I’ve arrived in Salt Lake City, I am proud to say I’ve found a new place to call “home.”

Growing up, I couldn’t get enough of the outdoors, and when I began my degree at the U, I found unbelievable access to outdoor recreation right in the University of Utah’s backyard! Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowboarding, and rock climbing are just the beginning of what you can expect. On top of that, no matter what calls you to attend the U, there are hundreds of student clubs and organizations for you to find your people.

Few places have had a greater impact on my life than the U. With endless academic resources, alongside a renowned faculty who truly cares for their students’ success, the University of Utah has truly shaped who I am. Changing the world of medicine has always been my dream. My entrepreneurial spirit and the U’s flexible course offerings have allowed me to chase that passion on a pre-med track while learning from one of the most innovative programs in the nation.

What makes the community at the U so special is how much it cares for its people: not just as students, but as human beings. There are so many ways to grow, connect, and thrive. Volunteering through the Bennion Center, scheduling courses at the Academic Advising Center, finding balance with the University Counseling Center’s wellness resources—no matter where your journey leads, you’ll find support every step of the way.

At the University of Utah, earning your degree will be the adventure of a lifetime. Thousands of new students are ready to tackle this summit as well, and thousands more can’t wait to meet you. As you prepare for your first day of classes, remember that being a student at the U means that you will learn valuable life lessons on top of your curriculars. Explore outside of your comfort zone. Take on new and unique extracurriculars and courses. Connect with the U’s many amazing administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Utilize the resources available to you to get the most out of your university experience.

Great things are within reach; all you have to do is set your sights on the peak. Let’s do your first year at the U right: together. Best of luck in your first year of studies, and go Utah!

Alex Rose, ASUU Student Body President

SWOOP INTO THE NEST

A nest is more than a place to land, it’s where your journey takes flight. At the University of Utah, you’ll gear up to explore new heights, discover your potential, and find a community as bold and dynamic as your big dreams. Here, you’ll push boundaries, chase adventure, and shape the future you want to see. And no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a place to fly back to: your nest here at the U.

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Finding First-Year Success

Categories: The Nest, Trail Guides

by Professor Jennifer Shah—Associate Professor of Environment, Society, & Sustainability When students ask me what it takes to thrive at the University of Utah, I speak from years of teaching, advising, and watching students grow into confident professionals. My own career began with a love of learning that carried me from a PhD in biology […]

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Expand Your Mind

Categories: The Nest, Trail Guides

by Dr. Vincent J. Cheng — Distinguished Professor of English I’ve been a university professor for the past 46 years—the past 26 here at the University of Utah, and nothing gives me more pleasure than teaching.  So here are some suggestions about how to approach your college experience—since starting college is both an exciting and […]

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Game Changers

Categories: The Nest

by Adam Couch When you think of video games, maybe the pellet-consuming Pac-Man, or Pikachu, the iconic mouse surging with electricity, or the blue speedster, Sonic the Hedgehog, come to mind. Often seen as a casual hobby, video game production is an elaborate art form involving collaboration between technical artists, engineers, writers, and designers. There […]

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From Incheon to Salt Lake

Categories: The Nest

by Dagyeong Amelia Jeong, College of Humanities, ’26 My name is Dagyeong Jeong, though many know me as Amelia. I’m a senior studying Strategic Communication and Political Science, and I’ve had the unique opportunity to spend three years at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in South Korea before moving to Salt Lake City […]

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From Salt Lake to Incheon

Categories: The Nest

by Tyler Beeston, College of Social & Behavioral Science, ’26 Gearing Up When I started at the U, I was curious about studying abroad, but with a demanding pre-medical schedule and a structured major, I didn’t think it was something that I could fit in. However, that all unexpectedly changed when, during my sophomore year, […]

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Geared For Gold

Categories: The Nest

by Adam Couch “I’m doing what I love. It’s really cool to be able to do my academic passions and climbing passions at the same time,” says Zach Hammer, Olympic speed climber and Environmental Science student at the University of Utah. Zach has been rock climbing since the age of three, quickly improving his skills […]

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Advice From Your Future Professors

Categories: The Nest, Trail Guides

TAKE YOUR POTENTIAL TO THE SUMMIT by Dr. Ryan Stolley, Research Assistant Professor of Chemistry When I first started college, I was full of doubt-wondering if I was truly “smart enough” to succeed. But throughout my career in education, I learned that success in higher education isn’t about knowing everything right away. It’s about persistence, […]

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