The perfect first-year experience
As you work toward graduation, your focus narrows and your work deepens. But your first year is broader, full of exploration and discovery. First-year programs teach indispensable skills and connect you to the KU community in unexpected ways.
First-year courses
UNIV 101
In UNIV 101, you and a small group of peers will learn to navigate KU. You’ll build a plan centered on your academic and personal goals, develop important skills, and connect with people and resources here to support you on campus.
First-year seminars
Each First Year Seminar focuses on a single, exciting topic. Over the semester, you and other students (fewer than 20 in all) explore issues, gather and evaluate evidence, and learn academic skills that you will use throughout your KU career. Seminars satisfy a KU Core requirement, and no prior knowledge or prerequisites are necessary.
Learning communities
Learning communities encourage you to make deeper connections with other new students and KU. The themed sections of UNIV 101, like sports or creativity, connect you with students and instructors with interests similar to yours. Linked-Course Learning Communities enroll groups of students in two shared classes.
Other seminar options
If you’re admitted into a professional school or certain academic program, you may be required to attend one or more first-year seminars. Your advisor will work with you to identify the requirements that match your program.