First Year Academic Opportunities

There are many unique academic opportunities for first-year students to engage in both in and out of the classroom.

First Year Experience

The first year experience is designed to support students in their transition to college academics.

Health, Wellness, and Life Skills
As a component of Brandeis' Health, Wellness, and Life Skills Core curriculum requirement, all first year students must complete HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety. This requirement consists of two parts:

HWL 1-PRE Intro to Navigating Health and Safety (online training)
HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety (module)
New Student Book Forum
A common read program during Orientation, it is the only time that all first year students read the same book and participate in a fun and low-stakes conversation with peers and faculty. The culmination of the experience is a visit with the author.
University Writing Seminar (UWS)

UWS is a required course for graduation. The seminar focuses on strategies and techniques of college-level argument taught through the exploration of a subject.