First-Year Students

Unique first-year learning opportunities enable you to hit the ground running and instantly feel part of the Rutgers community. Our Byrne Seminars, First-Year Interest Group Seminars, Living Learning Communities, and special RU-1st programs will quickly make you feel at home and connected to students who share your interests or passions.

Byrne Seminars

Get ready for a fun and eye-opening intellectual workout. Taught by top faculty ready to share their scholarly zeal, these one-credit seminars are extremely popular and will pique your curiosity while you experience the excitement of research. No pressure, no grades, no formal exams and exclusively for new students.

170+

Courses

Students Per Class

Watch Video

I'm trying to get my students to think as deeply as possible about their culture and their communities, especially the Rutgers community.

Dr. Mary Chayko

Teaching Professor

School of Communication and Information

Professor Chayko's Story

FIGS: First-Year Interest Group Seminars

Learn the ropes of academic life and explore career interests in small one-credit seminars taught by peer instructors. Delve into everything from environmental policy to philosophy to business. Connect quickly with other new students and begin your journey to personal and professional success. Develop leadership skills and become an instructor yourself!

Weeks Long

Topics to Choose From

More About FIGS

Learning Communities

Take common courses and live with students who have similar interests. Make new friends quickly. Build a supportive network of peers and faculty. Discover a new passion or talent. You'll experience all this and more when you join a first-year learning community.

Reasons to Join

15+

Learning Communities

Watch Video

RU-1st

RU-1st provides support to students who are first in their families to attend college through academic and career advising, and by building inclusive communities.