To apply for a First-Year Learning Community, you must complete your Housing Contract no later than April 1. However, space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your Contract as soon as possible!
Once you receive notice of the Housing Contract’s availability, go to the online Contract and log in using the information provided.
Read the next screen, and then click “Next.”
On the following screen, list your housing preferences and complete the other requested information. At the bottom of the page, you will be allowed to select a First-Year Learning Community. Please note: if you list suite-style housing as your first choice, and that preference can be accommodated, choosing a First-Year Learning Community will not override that preference. If membership in a First-Year Learning Community is your first choice, please mark that Community’s residence hall as your first preference at the top of this page.
To apply for a specific Learning Community, choose that community from the drop-down box. Once you have completed all information on the page, click “Next.”
On the following page, you will be allowed to request a roommate. You may be in a First-Year Learning Community, even if you request a roommate who is not in the Community. If we are unable to honor that request, we will contact you to see what you wish to do.
Why should I join a First-Year Learning Community?
- Meet new people right away
- Benefit from Increased interactions with faculty and staff
- Connect with knowledgeable upperclass student mentors
- Enjoy programs to help you succeed academically
- Gain chances to network with people in your field of study
- Connect with alumni
Participation in learning community activities is completely voluntary, but we're confident you’ll find plenty to enjoy and that it will be one of the best decisions of your first year at UNL!
What if I don’t know what I want to major in yet?
That’s fine! We have a First-Year Learning Community, University Exploration, designed specifically for students who have not yet decided on a major. Also, many of our First-Year Learning Communities are interest-based and do not require a specific major.
What is the cost of a First-Year Learning Community?
Students in a First-Year Learning Community will be billed an additional $95 through University Housing in September. This nominal fee helps fund your community’s activities and subsidize relevant travel expenses.
What if I change my major?
Most First-Year Learning Community classes will meet ACE general education requirements, which are accepted in all degree programs.
Can I live with a friend who is not in a Learning Community?
We will do our best to accommodate you and your friend, but we have limited space in our learning communities. If we can't put you together, we will contact you to discuss options.
I have already taken one of the courses the First-Year Learning Community takes together; can I still be in it?
Yes! At your New Student Enrollment orientation session, you will work with an academic adviser to verify the learning community courses are right for you. If there is a course you already have credit in, you will not be expected to retake that course.
What should I do if I am interested in a First-Year Learning Community, but my first choice residence hall is not home to that Learning Community?
To be part of a First-Year Learning Community, you must live with that community. If you select a different hall as your first choice and your request can be granted, selecting a First-Year Learning Community will not override your first choice. This may be helpful particularly for students interested in Neihardt or suite-style housing.