How to Apply to a First-Year LC

How to Apply for a First-Year Learning Community

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.

To apply for a specific Learning Community, choose that community from the drop-down box. There is the ability to select up to two preferences for a First-Year Learning Community. If your first selection is full, this will automatically allow you to be considered for your next preference. Once you have completed all information on the page, click “Next.”

On the following page, you will be allowed to request a roommate. You  will only be allowed to request a roommate if that person has also been accepted to the same First-Year Learning Community. If we are unable to honor that request, we will contact you to see what you wish to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Can I request a roommate?

You may request a roommate if that person has also been accepted to the same First-Year Learning Community. While you are not required to request a roommate, you can utilize the Roommate Finder tool in your MyRED account up until April 1.

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, the Learning Community preference will override the hall preference, if you are admitted to the Learning Community.