Set yourself up for success

Learning communities provide students with a small-group experience in a big university. You'll find people with similar interests, peer mentor support and opportunities that create an instant support network for your social and academic activities.

A national leader

The success of Iowa State's learning communities program is nationally recognized and serves as a model for other universities. Participating students perform better academically and connect more deeply with the campus community with the help of dedicated faculty, staff and peer mentors. 

Community-building and collaboration

With 80+ learning communities to choose from, you're sure to find a fit. Residential living community and nonresidential options are available.

The learning community offered me friendships, industry connections, and academic success. Now that I am a peer mentor, it is very fulfilling to be a part of the growth of these students as they navigate through their first year of college.

Maddy Stevenson, Horticulture peer mentor and former participant

What students say about learning communities

“Being part of a learning community during my freshman year at Iowa State University had a significant impact on my college experience. It enabled me to build connections and friendships with peers who shared the same major and interests.”

Ben Moss,
Horticulture peer mentor and former participant

"Being in a learning community my first year was the best thing I could have done for myself. I found my future roommate and got to be in contact with a mentor who is highly knowledgeable.”

Sam Solberg,
MELT Peer Mentor and former participant

“Being in a learning community during my first year was something I really enjoyed because I felt like I was immediately in a community of people who cared about me. When I came to college, I didn't know anyone, especially in my major, and I thought it was going to be hard to make friends. But by being in a learning community, I could make connections with my peers who were also coming into college, and I could make a connection with my peer mentor.”

Ben Jablonski,
Earth, Wind, and Fire (Geological & Atmospheric Sciences) peer mentor and former participant