A learning community is a first-year seminar linked to one or more general education courses that a cohort of 25 freshmen take together. Students build close friendships with their peers and make connections with their faculty, advisor, and peer mentor. Learning community students explore and apply ideas across courses and through out-of-class activities make connections between classwork and life experiences.
Learning across your courses
Facts about learning communities
25Every learning community is capped at 25 students
110Learning community students engaged in 110 out-of-class activities last year
#1The number one reason students love their learning community is being in classes with the same people
We were like a family—we helped each other learn and grow. This really has helped me feel welcomed into this community.
Former learning community student
Whether you have a major in mind or are exploring your options, your orientation advisor can help you pick a learning community that will work for your degree program. Each learning community includes a first-year seminar and courses from the list of IU Indianapolis general education courses so if you change majors, the credits you earn can count toward graduation.
Enhance your college experience
Friendships
Make close connections
"The learning community allowed me to make those close connections in a small circle of people, which made me more comfortable and more apt for learning."
Real-life connections
Experience outside the classroom
"What I liked most about my learning community was going on our little field trips and being able to interact with each other. It brought us together as a community."
Support
Tools for success
"I think having such a caring group of teachers was what I enjoyed the most. They didn't give me success; they gave me all the tools I needed to be successful."
Relevant experiences
Real-world learning
"I liked how everything we learned was relevant to the real world. We had a lot of stimulating discussions in class, and we all had the opportunity to share our opinions and values."