Our Purpose
Starting college is a big step—Freshman Connection helps make it smoother, more supported, and more successful. Launching in Fall Semester 2026, this first-semester program is designed especially for students who are still exploring their path, offering built-in support, smaller learning communities, and a strong network to help you thrive.
Why Join?
Explore options and decide on a major that fits your goals
Connect with peers and form a sense of belonging
Gain confidence in your ability to succeed academically
Build confidence and skills to succeed in college and beyond
Who's it for?
Freshman Connection is ideal for students who experience any of the following::
- Are still exploring their academic path
- Are first-generation college students
- Want to feel more connected and supported in their first year
- Are looking for a clear path and a strong start to college life
How does it work?
- If you’re a freshman starting in Fall 2026, you can choose to participate in Freshman Connection when you register for your BYUI 101 class
- When you opt-in, you’ll join a cohort of up to 40 other students who want to connect as well
- You and your cohort will take the following three classes together:
- BYUI 101, Experience BYU-Idaho (required for all first-semester Freshmen)
- A selected religion course
- The Career and Major Discovery course for your focus area
How do I register?
- At registration, you will be required to register for BYUI 101.
- Select the 'Search for Registration Sets' button and not an individual class.
- Select the group of classes you would like to enroll in.
- Dropping one class will require you to drop all the sections in the cohort.
- You may swap into a different set using the swap button.
Freshman Connection FAQ's
Absolutely! Freshman Connection is open to any student who’s still exploring their options or isn’t sure what they want to study yet. It’s a great way to start college with a built-in community, supportive classmates, and experiences that help you discover the right major for you.
You will meet with your cohort 4-5 times a week depending on the Freshman Focus emphasis you choose.
Yes. The purpose of the Freshman Connection program is to help you discover the field of study that’s right for you. You can change your major at any time.
- To be part of Freshman Connection, you’ll need to be enrolled in all three classes — your religion course, your career and major discovery class, and BYUI 101.
- Each class is designed to work together to give you the full Freshman Connection experience — helping you explore your options, build confidence, and connect with your group. Being in all three is what creates that strong community and support system that makes the program so valuable.
Freshman Connection is only available in the Fall semester for a limited number of first-semester students.
Freshman Connection is part of the Freshman Focus Areas Major. They are both designed to support first-year students, but they differ in structure and timing. Freshman Focus is a two-semester program that provides recommended courses within a chosen Focus Area, helping students explore their academic interests. Freshman Connection, an optional sub-program within Freshman Focus, is offered only during the fall semester and places students into a cohort of three recommended courses taken together with the same group of peers. This cohort model fosters a sense of community by connecting students with others who share similar interests as they explore their options.
Want More Info?
Fill out our interest form to request more information