The Discovery Advantage First-Year Neighborhood (DAFYN) is built around the vision of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Academic Master Plan, which emphasizes student success through intentional residential resources, peer mentoring, and strong connections with academic schools. The goal is to give first-year students a “small school” feel within the larger public university, helping them build community, access support, and thrive both academically and personally from day one.
DAFYN was established as a pilot first-year neighborhood in B.E.S.T. Hall with the goal of creating a supportive environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to campus resources. The program builds on existing university resources and collaborates closely with campus partners to provide programs, services, and staff that guide and connect residents throughout their first-year experience.
Partnerships:
DAFYN brings together university offices and academic schools that work directly with residents, including:
- Cultural Centers
- Learning Centers
- School of Engineering
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
- School of Nursing
- Counseling, Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- New Student Orientation
- Offices of the Dean of Students
- Career Exploration and Success
- And more!
What Living in DAFYN includes:
Community Navigator Support
Every Student has access to Community Navigators (CNs), who help you with:
- Academic support and study strategies in relation to their dedicated STEM journey
- Adjusting to college life
- Finding clubs, opportunities, and resources
Residents can meet with CNs through their office hours and CORE Plan conversations
Engagement Opportunities:
DAFYN features events and experiences that help you connect and grow academically and socially. These include Student Volunteer Engagement and RU Alternative Break showcases, midterm snacks events with staff and faculty, and programs that link academic success with personal development.
Fall 2025 First Six Weeks Calendar
Spring 2026 First Six Weeks Calendar
Differences between the Health and Medicine LLC and DAFYN:
DAFYN serves as the umbrella community for all first-year students living in the Discovery Advantage neighborhood in B.E.S.T. Hall East and North. The Health and Medicine LLC is one of the specialized communities within this larger neighborhood. Health and Medicine LLC is a focused track specifically for students interested in health and medical fields, while DAFYN includes students with a wide range of interests. For students who want more detailed information about the Health and Medicine LLC, including requirements, coursework, and application, they can visit the full Health and Medicine LLC Page. The Health and Medicine LLC is located in B.E.S.T. West. Students in the Health and Medicine LLC are required to take a designated Health and Medicine section of a Biology course during their first semester, along with a First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) course that is tailored to students exploring health and medical careers. Health and Medicine LLC residents also participate in at least two Health and Medicine-specific engagement opportunities each semester.
ODASIS Chemistry Health and Medicine LLC:
Located in B.E.S.T. West with Health and Medicine LLC students
Office for Development and Academic Success in the Sciences (ODASIS) supports first-year students majoring in medical and allied health fields, creating a strong academic and social foundation. Students in its LLC live alongside peers with similar goals, participate in ODASIS academic support programs such as tutoring, and engage in activities that promote academic growth.
To learn more about the ODASIS Chemistry Health and Medicine LLC track, follow this link:
