First-Year Experience
A menu of activities designed to help you get oriented, prepared, and settled into college life
Your Â鶹Դ´ Adventure Begins...
The transition from high school to college is a moment of transformative growth, and we understand that completely.
From easing into community living and becoming accustomed to college-level intellectual inquiry, to creating the friendship support networks that will see you through your time at Â鶹Դ´ and beyond, your first-year experiences will have a lasting impact.
From the moment you arrive on campus, you'll be supported by residential and academic programs to help set you up for success and welcome you into the Â鶹Դ´ community.
These include:
Explore First-Year Experiences
Orientation Adventure Trips
Your college experience won't start in a classroom, but amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Southern California or the bustling culture of Los Angeles on an Orientation Adventure trip.
Explore Orientation Adventure Trips
First-Year Seminar (FYS)
Your First-Year Seminar is specifically designed to kindle your scholarly curiosity and hone your academic writing skills. These intimate classes of approximately 15 students pave the way for a college experience rooted in active learning, self-expression, and collective inquiry.
First-Year Seminar ProgramÂ鶹Դ´ Voices
"My first-year seminar (FYS) totally shaped the trajectory of my college experience. Taking a course Exploring Natural Disasters allowed me to consider the interaction between society and science in such a tangible way. This is something I continue to seek out in all of my classes."
Mariah Jenkins '20
Geology major
Dorm Living
Â鶹Դ´, Atherton and Sanborn (PAS) Halls Living
All first-year students are required to live on campus in Â鶹Դ´, Atherton, and Sanborn Halls. In addition to a supportive community environment, you can take advantage of study rooms, outdoor spaces, and the Gold Student Center swimming pool located just steps away.
Explore PAS Halls