Discovery Communities

Discovery Communities provide living environments in designated dorms where students with shared interests, passions, or goals live and learn together. These communities help you build connections, explore new ideas, and grow both personally and academically—while creating a meaningful home on campus.

Discovery Communities for the 2026-2027 academic year:

These communities offer a flexible, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment that reflects today’s student interests and schedules. Faculty from a variety of disciplines deliver lectures and programs, while campus staff lead interactive experiences connected to each community’s theme. As a resident, you’ll find many opportunities to grow and engage - participation is entirely up to you. It’s truly what you make of it.

 

When you join a Discovery Community, you’ll: 

  • Meet fellow students, staff, and faculty who share your interests and can offer support, guidance, and mentorship.
  • Participate in fun events, workshops, and programs centered around your community’s theme.
  • Dive deeper into what you love, explore new possibilities, and discover ways to connect your passions to your future goals.
  • Become part of a supportive community that encourages you and helps you make the most of your time at the U of A.

Signature experiences for Discovery Community members may include:

  • Early Move-In – Settle in ahead of the crowds and start building connections right away.
  • Welcome Dinner – Celebrate the start of the year with fellow Discovery Community students, faculty, and staff.
  • Speaker Series – Hear from inspiring leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
  • Field Day – Show your community spirit through games, teamwork, and friendly competition.
  • Community Gatherings – Meet regularly with peers, faculty, and staff to build community, reflect, and plan upcoming events.
  • Common Read – Explore a selected book connected to your community’s theme, with gatherings and events that spark conversation and deeper engagement.
  • Signature Event – A hallmark program unique to each community, showcasing its theme and serving as a point of pride.
  • Small-Scale Engagements – Enjoy casual, community-building activities such as coffee chats, game nights, low-ropes courses, or group study sessions.
  • Career Night – Connect with alumni and professionals working in fields related to your community’s focus.

Note: If you are interested in the 2+ year Discovery Community there is a separate process. Click here.

  • Apply for housing and complete your application, including your $175 non-refundable application fee.
    • After you have completed your housing application you will see a page about the Discovery Communities and will select YES if you are interested.
    • Then you will select your desired community and sign the agreement.
  • During your designated self-assign timeslot (this summer) you must select a room in the dorm that hosts your desired Discovery Community.
    • Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis
  • If you pick a room in another dorm, we will assume you are no longer interested in participating in the specified Discovery Community

Reminder: As part of the Discovery Community I understand that I must:

  • Participate in the Early Move-In Experience (August 15 to 19, 2026)
  • Attend Discovery Community meetings (approximately once a month -- to be scheduled after August move-in)
  • Participate in Discovery Community events throughout the year

 

Common Questions

Yes, as long as there is still space in the designated dorm. You will just move yourself to that dorm during the open time frame.

Yes, any student can live in the designated dorm. Only those who have committed to being a member of the Community participate in the programming.

You can go into your housing application and cancel your participation.

Please talk to your Community Director (CD) for further information.

Looking for other types of housing options, like Honors or ROTC? Learn about the various housing opportunities we offer here.