The fall semester usually starts in late August or early September. For the year 2025, most colleges and universities have fall semester start dates around August 18 to August 25. For example, University College Utrecht starts classes on August 25, 2025, the University of Cincinnati's fall semester begins on August 25, 2025, and the University of Utah starts classes on August 18, 2025. Many institutions mark the first week of September or the last week of August as the typical fall semester start time frame.