Learning Communities

If you’re anything like me, coming to college is a little scary and outside of your comfort zone. Meeting new people, making friends, and navigating college classes are all things you hope to conquer during your freshman year. Luckily, Auburn offers Learning Communities which help create a smooth transition to college.  

What is a Learning Community?

A Learning Community is a group of about 20 other Auburn freshmen who are grouped together based on either a common interest or major. The “A Sound Mind” Learning Community focuses on mental health and wellness. The “Global Ambassadors” Learning Community is designed for students who are interested in exploring other cultures. There are also Learning Communities specific to the different colleges/schools on campus such as the “Hello Harbert” for business majors and the “Engineered for Success” for our future engineers. You can view a full list of Learning Communities here.

Within your Learning Community, you’ll be placed into one First Year Seminar class based on the theme of your Learning Community. For example, the “A Sound Mind” Learning Community will take a class on how to manage stress and practice self-care. The major-specific Learning Communities will explore career options within their major and create connections with faculty, staff, and alumni within the program. In addition to the FYS class, you’ll also be placed into core classes with your Learning Community.

Why join a Learning Community?

Learning Communities are a great way to meet people! You’ll automatically have 3-4 classes with the people in your Learning Community during both semesters of your freshman year, so you will have at least 20 familiar faces in class. This is such a big benefit if you’re coming from out of state or just don’t know a lot of people at Auburn. I was in a Learning Community, and I became great friends with several of the students in my group. We were able to sit next to each other in class and study together outside of class.   

You’re also going to be pre-registered for the core classes that are connected with your Learning Community. This is so helpful when you’re signing up for classes at Camp War Eagle because you’re able to build your schedule around the classes already on your schedule through your Learning Community. It takes away some of the stress of registering for classes for the first time!

Sign me up!
Ready to join? Accepted students can fill out an application in AU Access. You can find more information on our website at this link.

Living on Campus

By Mary Davis Kennedy

Who wants to live on campus?! At Auburn University, about 4,800 students live on campus in 30 residence halls spread out in 5 different neighborhoods. Every dorm has at least 1 Resident Assistant, which is an upperclassman who helps create a warm, welcoming, and safe living environment. While it is optional for students, including freshmen, to living on campus, we always encourage students to live in the dorms their first year. We suggest this because it’s a great way to feel connected to campus, meet new people, and get involved! Living on campus as a freshman tends to be the culture at Auburn. As students become upperclassmen, they typically move off campus. That’s what I did and I’m so glad I got both experiences! I lived in the Quad my freshman year, and I lived in the Village my sophomore year. Below, I’ll detail the different on-campus neighborhoods where students can live.

The Hill and the Quad are very popular options for incoming freshmen. Rooms in both the Quad and the Hill are configured as suites with two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom (4 people per bathroom). There are a limited number of single rooms available. Each room is furnished with an extra-long bunkable twin bed, desk and chair, and chest of drawers. 

In the Quad, there are 2 all-female dorms with the rest being co-ed. In the Hill, there is 1 all-male dorm, 1 all-female dorm, and the rest are co-ed. The Quad houses about 1,000 and is located in the heart of campus. The Hill is home to about 730 students and is located off West Samford Avenue, which is about a 5-10 minute walk to the Student Center and main classroom buildings.

Little Hall in the Quad
The Hill

Cambridge Hall is a co-ed dorm and has 5 floors of double occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom and in-room sink. Each room is furnished with an extra-long (80″), bunkable twin bed, desk and chair, and chest of drawers for each resident. Located next to the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center, Cambridge Hall is home to about 300 students. Similar to the Hill, Cambridge is also about a 10 minute walk to the Student Center and other buildings.

Cambridge Residence Hall

The Village and South Donahue are the apartment style living options on campus and are each about a 10–15-minute walk to the heart of campus. The Village is home to about 1,500 students and South Donahue houses about 400 students. While South Donahue is co-ed, the Village has 4 all-female dorms and 4 co-ed dorms. The Village is also where sorority housing is located and normally members have an opportunity to live on the hall their sophomore year. Most Village suites are configured with four single bedrooms, two bathrooms and a common living/dining area. There are a limited number of suites with three single bedrooms with a bathroom or two single bedrooms with a bathroom. Each bedroom is furnished with an extra-long (80″) twin bed, desk and chair, chest of drawers, and open closet. The living/dining areas are furnished with a sofa and side chair, dining table with two chairs, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and counter and cabinet space. 

The Village

In South Donahue, most suites include two bedrooms with a private bathroom and a shared living room and kitchenette. There are also a limited number of one bedroom/one-bathroom suites and four bedroom/two bathroom suites. South Donahue is the newest residence hall and definitely the fanciest on-campus living option. Compared to a twin extra-long bunkbed, each bedroom is furnished with a queen-sized bed, desk and chair, chest of drawers, and open closet. The living room/common area is furnished with a sofa and side chair, entertainment unit, a wall-mounted 42” flat screen TV, and a quartz counter with two chairs (or a table and two chairs in ADA units). The kitchen area includes a microwave, refrigerator, sink, cabinet space, and a front-loading, high-efficiency washer and dryer unit. 

South Donahue

To live on-campus, students must apply separately through University Housing. Also, students must be accepted for admissions before they can apply for on-campus housing. For that reason, we encourage students to apply for admissions early. Once accepted, students receive more information to their Tigermail (Auburn email) about applying for housing. For step-by-step instructions, please click here.

For information about rental rates, please click here.

University Housing is offering residence hall tours Monday-Friday. To register for a housing tour, please click here.

For more information about living on-campus, the housing application process, room selection, room dimensions, design inspiration and more, please visit www.auburn.edu/housing or contact University Housing at housing@auburn.edu or 334-844-4580. Also, follow University Housing on Instagram @ housingatau.

Where is Opelika? A guide to Opelika

O-pel-ee-ka? O-pel-ica? O-peel-ka?

O-pel-I-ka !

Opelika is the sweet town that connects to our beautiful Auburn, AL. The town is made up of more 30,000 residents who LOVE their town! From sweet treats at O-Town Ice Cream to the community traditions by the railroad tracks, this town has it all!

Here is my guide to OPELIKA!

The Eats

Café One Twenty Three

If you are looking for fine dining and southern cooking, Café One Twenty Three is for you! This restaurant is located in historic downtown Opelika and has a cozy, at-home atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a delicious pork chop, juicy steak, or lobster, shrimp and grits, you are going to leave full and happy!

http://www.cafeonetwentythree.com/

Zazu Gastropub

Zazu is another fine dining experience with an eclectic, industrial feel. This restaurant is also located in historic downtown Opelika. They pride themselves on making everything from scratch and buying produce from local farms as best they can. Make sure you try the Korean BBQ Spring Rolls the next time you stop by!

https://zazuopelika.com

Irish Bread Pub

Another historic downtown favorite has to be Irish Bread Pub. IBP has the classic Irish, English and American pub favorites on the menu to enjoy. My personal favorite is the Chicken & Chips! Not only is the food great, but the environment is even better. This is the place to just hangout and enjoy the community!

IBP
https://www.irishbredopelika.com/

O-Town Ice Cream

Now if you are looking for something sweet, you have to head over to O-Town Ice Cream. Located on 2nd Ave, O-Town has all sorts of sweets to satisfy your cravings. You can stop by in the morning and pick up one of their delicious biscuits or cinnamon rolls to start your day. Or you may choose to end it with a scoop of one of their homemade ice creams named after people and places in Opelika. Either way you cannot miss this Opelika favorite!

https://www.aotourism.com/Dining/196/O-Town-Ice-Cream/

The Drinks

Side Track Coffee

Now Side Track Coffee is a spot you can’t miss. This coffee shop has a cool, minimalist atmosphere where you can study, meet with friends, or just grab a quick cup of coffee when you’re on the go. The coffee is amazing and the service hospitable, but what makes this location so unique is you choose your price. You pay what you can pay.

Photo of Side Track Coffee - Opelika, AL, United States
https://www.sidetrackcoffee.co/?fbclid=IwAR29p22s-TihS6XpX3CcvY3m4YKzMq0YHTYDvMfyBw0z1iFMPWz6vWGmAwY#/

Mama Mocha’s Coffee Opelika

Now we have talked about Mama Mocha’s on this blog before! Our coffee shop round up described the unique and eclectic feel of the Mama Mocha’s brand. Now the Opelika Mama Mocha’s shop and roastery located in downtown Opelika on 1st avenue has that same unique feel. This spot has amazing coffee, breakfast, and a welcome-to-all environment.

Mama Mocha's Coffee Opelika
https://mamamocha.com/

The Traditions

Opelika Songwriters Festival

The Opelika Songwriters Festival is a new tradition here in Opelika, but it is a great one! This festival is co-produced by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management and takes place all over town. Opelika venues and locations are transformed into music filled spaces. You are able to enjoy your favorite Opelika hotspot while experiencing local artists and artists from all over. Unfortunately the 2020 OSF was cancelled due to COVID, but here’s to 2021!

Opelika Songwriters Festival
https://www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com/

On The Tracks

There is no better way to bring a community together except through food, live music and drinks! Opelika holds this biannual event to raise money and promote local businesses in the area. You able to walk through downtown while eating and drinking from Opelika favorites!

Opelika Main Street's 'On the Tracks' event set for Oct. 18 | Opelika  Observer
http://onthetracks.org/?fbclid=IwAR1BD8I6GL9MVC7m0BiZ2ddpaVcrIRzh8gsiVjev7GZMd116JMmfgfm0CDU

Christmas in a Railroad Town

My personal favorite tradition held in Opelika has to be Christmas in a Railroad Town. This event is perfect for everyone! You can shop at the local businesses, try one of the holiday activities, enjoy the live music, say hi to Santa, and of course grab a sweet holiday treat. This event typically takes place right before Christmas Break, so make sure you stop by before heading home for the holidays!

Thousands flock to Opelika for Christmas in a Railroad Town event | Local  News | oanow.com
https://www.aotourism.com/Event/41096/Christmas-in-a-Railroad-Town/

There is so much more to Opelika than this quick guide, so make sure you head over there and explore!

https://www.opelikamainstreet.org/

https://www.aotourism.com/

The Auburn Creed: Part VII

“I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.”

Much like the fifth line of the Auburn Creed, the seventh line doesn’t always get as much attention as other parts. It is still an important piece of the Creed as it acknowledges our privileges and calls us to action.

In a time of social unrest, a pandemic, and perhaps the most contentious presidential election we’ve ever seen, I believe this section of the Auburn Creed is a call to those of us who love Auburn to be an example. We have so many freedoms in America and an opportunity to make things better for future generations. The way that we can do so is by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.” To me, this means doing the right thing.

The world looks a lot different than it did when George Petrie first penned the Auburn Creed, but there is still work to do. At Auburn, we’re doing all we can to help lead the charge.