Learning communities connect students with social and learning activities that extend well beyond the classroom. The transition to life at Iowa State University can be overwhelming at times — new friends, a different community and campus to learn, and all new things to study. The freshman and transfer learning communities within the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management (AESHM) provide new students with a core group of peers in similar classes. For at least one semester, the group meets regularly with advisors, faculty members, and student peer mentors to ease the transition to Iowa State.