Mizzou provides award-winning living and learning programs designed to support your ambitions and success. Many former students will tell you that living in university housing helped them become the Tigers they are today. Here are just a few of the programs that contribute to the unique and welcoming Residential Life experience.

Freshman interest groups

Freshman interest groups (FIGs) comprise 15-20 first-year students who live near each other and enroll in a few general education classes together. By joining a FIG, you are not only living and learning with students who share your interest and your major, but you are also gaining a built-in study group.

You will automatically be enrolled to the corresponding FIG class bundle prior to Summer Welcome. You may work with your academic advisor to complete the remainder of your class schedule and make adjustments for prior class credit. Classes in FIG bundles are subject to change. 

Open the links below to see the FIGs offered by theme.

Agriculture & natural resources

Animal Science 

Learn to perfect your résumé, plan your undergraduate years and navigate your way to a degree in animal science. Learn more about career paths in the field and what you can do with your love for the animal kingdom. Learn more about the Division of Animal Sciences.

Natural Resources 

For students who would love to work outdoors.  Explore various topics in Natural Resources, meet other students who enjoy the outdoors while exploring resources and activities that can help you succeed at Mizzou. Learn more about the School of Natural Resources.

Sports Management  

Explore various careers and opportunities in sport!  Connect with students, faculty and staff in all aspects of sport and gain insights into the industry.  Grow professionally through resume building and skill workshops.

Storm Chasers  

For students with an interest in weather and severe storms, this is the FIG for you!  Learn about meteorology and the exciting careers in weather with other science-minded students.  Also enjoy discussions of topical issues and hands-on field trips.

Art & visual studies

Art & Art History  

Develop skills, explore new mediums and learn how past artists have shaped our world. Learn how art relates to your education at MU by meeting faculty, learning about campus resources, getting to know the local art scene and developing a peer group of creative thinkers. Learn more about the School of Visual Studies.

Film & Digital Storytelling  

Become acquainted with the dynamic moving image culture at Mizzou and in downtown Columbia. Meet the faculty, visit the local cinema, and even have a chance to make your own short film. Learn more about the School of Visual Studies.

Business & management

Accounting  

Gain insight into how to succeed in the Trulaske College of Business. Learn time management, interview skills, professional development and how to develop a great résumé, as well as hear tips and tricks from School of Accounting faculty and students. Learn more about the School of Accountancy.

Economics & Social Problems  

Climate Change. Inequality. Trade Wars. Discrimination. High Rents. These are all social and public policy issues that students (and citizens) care deeply about. They are also issues where a solid grounding in economics is vital for understanding. In this FIG, you will begin laying the foundations of your economic knowledge, develop your logical reasoning abilities, and enhance your mathematical/statistical skills, all of which are indispensable for competent policy analysis and evaluation. In addition, the proseminar will supplement the material from ECONOM 1014 (a diversity-intensive course) and focus on the economic approach to addressing social problems. Internship opportunities (recent placements include the Federal Reserve, the FBI, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and many others) will also be introduced.

Exploring Business  

Everything business, from international business to business technology. Learn valuable skills on how to thrive in the Truslake College of Business, interact with local businesses and learn how to work in a team. Start your first year by getting a head start on preparing for your career. Learn more about the College of Business.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship   

Gain insight into the processes to turn your ideas into businesses.  Learn valuable tricks, techniques, and skills that will enable you to thrive in a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Explore customer discovery skills and how to take advantage of opportunities and solve customer problems.

Education & leadership

Tomorrow's Teachers    

Learn what it means to be an educator. Engage in enriching activities and discussions covering topics in education and career preparation. Meet College of Education faculty in a small classroom setting. Learn more about the College of Education & Human Development.

TRiO    

Explore leadership development and academic success. Participate in a pre-week the week before classes start. Please contact the TRiO office to determine if you would qualify at 573-882-2493. Learn more about TRiO Student Support Services.

Engineering

Computer Science  

Meet other engineering students and learn about a broad range of topics related to computer engineering. Develop critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate in the creative, professional, technical, ethical and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.

Engineering  

Meet other engineering students and learn about a broad range of topics related to engineering. Develop your critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate in the creative, professional, technical, ethical and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.

First-generation experience

Trail Blazers: First-Generation College Students  

Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, Trail Blazers offers a FIG designed especially for you! This FIG is led by first-generation college students and will provide you with help, guidance, resources, and insight into navigating the sometimes daunting maze of higher education all while earning core credits toward your degree.

Health, medicine & science

Discovering Science: Biology  

Learn how science ties into our daily lives. Explore an array of science topics in an environment designed to help you navigate first semester of college. An excellent choice for science-loving students who are interested in a biology degree or career. Learn more about the Division of Biological Sciences.

Discovering Science: Biochemistry  

For students majoring in biochemistry, regardless of career plans. Discuss potential pathways in biochemistry, including academic research, industry and medicine. Explore resources and activities that can help you succeed at Mizzou and in your career. Learn more about the Department of Biochemistry.

Health Professions  

For students interested in health-related professions. Meet the faculty, staff and resources in the School of Health Professions. Explore clinical and non-clinical career paths and the requirements and processes to achieve professional goals. Learn more about the School of Health Professions.  

Honors Pre-Med  

Get help in your studies and in preparing for future graduate applications. Network with Honors College faculty. Gain confidence in your future and place here at Mizzou. Learn more about the Honors College.

Medical Careers  

Explore health careers outside of hands-on patient care, including health administration, pharmaceutical sales and practice management. Learn about ethical principles and the requirements for admission to post-graduate school. Become familiar with campus tools that can help your academic success.

Nursing  

Prepared for your nursing classes, the interview process and clinical course work through active discussions of career options and ethical issues, hands-on activities, and presentations from nursing faculty. Learn more about the Sinclair School of Nursing.

Pre-Medicine

Good for all majors, especially biology. Prepare for a future in medicine by meeting current students in and applicants to the School of Medicine. Visit the cadaver lab and patient simulation lab. Discuss your four-year plan and other topics. Learn more about the Division of Biological Sciences.

Undergraduate Research  

Explore the different resources on campus that can help you become involved in undergraduate research at Mizzou. Learn about the research process, poster creation, professionalism, how to find a research mentor, and how to succeed in college. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Honors

Honors Engineering

Meet other engineering students within the Honors College and learn about a broad range of topics related to engineering. Develop your critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate with the creative, professional, technical, ethical, and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.

Honors First-Generation College Students

Are you the first in your family to attend college? Are you also in the Honors College? If so, Honors First-Generation College Student is designed especially for you! This FIG is led by first-generation college students and will provide you with help, guidance, resources and insight into navigating the sometimes-daunting maze of higher education — all while earning core credits toward your degree. Learn more about the Honors College.

Honors Journalism  

Gain the skills, mentorship and inspiration necessary to succeed in journalism. Challenge yourself to think critically about the changing media landscape, how your talents can serve different audiences, and how you can prepare for a fulfilling career. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Honors Pre-Med  

Get help in your studies and in preparing for future graduate applications. Network with Honors College faculty. Gain confidence in your future and place here at Mizzou. Learn more about the Honors College.

Walter Williams Journalism Scholars   

Learn the fundamentals of journalism, explore different career paths and find your strengths. Examine how culture on campus and diversity relate to journalism. Develop meaningful connections with fellow journalism students and faculty. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

International studies

International Studies  

This FIG is for any student who wants to jump into another culture, and especially those who are interested in International Studies at Mizzou. Develop intercultural competence, meet students from around the world, and listen to MU International Studies graduates share their experiences. Delve into the many ways through MU that you can learn about, and experience personally, the world beyond our borders.

Journalism

Exploring Journalism  

Learn about the resources, opportunities and challenges related to journalism and college life. Experience activities like the prestigious Honor Medal Banquet, and ethics and diversity discussions, while becoming a well-rounded journalist and student. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Honors Journalism  

Gain the skills, mentorship and inspiration necessary to succeed in journalism. Challenge yourself to think critically about the changing media landscape, how your talents can serve different audiences, and how you can prepare for a fulfilling career. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Journalism & Innovation  

Acquire the small group foundations to succeed in the School of Journalism while encountering numerous aspects of journalism and technology across media platforms. Connect with extracurricular groups in the J-School that are tailored to your interests, such as the Online News Association, Radio-Television Digital News Association, Women in Media and more. You will be co-enrolled with like-minded students in hands-on classes that help you expand your written and visual skills in journalism and strategic communication. Explore your interests across a broad spectrum of media, ethics and communication topics. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Sports Journalism  

Explore the connections between print and broadcast and ethics and diversity in sports. Expand your knowledge of how sports affects other areas of life. Gain hands-on experience practicing basic skills before entering higher-level courses. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Walter Williams Journalism Scholars 

Learn the fundamentals of journalism, explore different career paths and find your strengths. Examine how culture on campus and diversity relate to journalism. Develop meaningful connections with fellow journalism students and faculty. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.

Learning communities

Like FIGs, learning communities group students with similar social or academic interests together in designated floors within a residence hall. While FIGs are often housed within learning communities, learning communities do not require an academic structure and they are open to sophomores, juniors and seniors as well as freshmen.

• Education. Students in this community explore topics in education such as education law, inclusive classroom management and personal development. 
• Engineering. Dedicated to all areas of engineering. Students in this community explore future challenges in engineering and the diversity of disciplines in the field.
• Health Professions. Students in clinical and non-clinical career paths in this community navigate the future of health care and approaches to empathetic health care.
• Honors. Open to all honors students, regardless of major. Students in this community practice critical thinking skills and participate in unique Honors College opportunities.
• ROTC Students in this community connect with other in the ROTC (Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy) to explore opportunities within each branch. 

Kinder Institute Democracy Lab

How, when, why, and where have people risen up to overthrow unjust governments? And maybe an even bigger question: what happens next? In the Kinder Institute’s Democracy Lab FIG, first-year students of any major who are interested in politics and history can explore these questions through a yearlong series of courses that look at the origins of democracy in the U.S. and around the globe.

Courses will include a small lecture class in the fall, discussion-based seminars in the fall and spring, and a two-semester version of the FIG program’s one-credit hour proseminar. Democracy Lab members also participate in extracurricular activities designed for the program and are introduced to the many opportunities available for Mizzou undergrads at the Kinder Institute, including study abroad trips, chances to study in D.C., and an interdisciplinary B.A. in Constitutional Democracy. 

Need- and merit-based scholarships are available for all full participants in the Democracy Lab. Learn more about the Kinder Institute Democracy Lab.  
 

National Residence Hall Honorary

The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is a leadership-based honorary comprised of exemplary residential students who value service and recognition. NRHH is supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students, while also providing opportunities for their personal growth and development. NRHH provides students with leadership skills and low-commitment, high-impact opportunities for serving and recognizing people in the Mizzou and Columbia communities. Learn more about NRHH.

Residence Halls Association

The Residence Halls Association (RHA) is a governing body that represents students who live in our residence halls. RHA provides educational and social programming to help new students transition to college life. Leaders also represent on-campus students in discussions with university administrators. Learn more about RHA.

Tutoring

The Learning Center offers tutoring in residence halls for mathematics and writing. Discover how the Learning Center can help you.