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Prospective Students

The W.S. Lee College of Engineering Freshman Learning Community (EFLC) gives students a strong start on their path toward an engineering degree. The first year of engineering can be academically demanding and the EFLC provides structured support within a close-knit community of students who share similar goals, interests and determination to succeed.

Through shared experiences, academic support and community-building opportunities, students develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in a rigorous engineering curriculum.

Eligibility and Housing

The EFLC is open to all traditional first-year students who have been accepted into the W.S. Lee College of Engineering. It is a residential program, and students in the EFLC live together in Oak Hall.

Oak Hall features suite-style living, with each 4-person suite including two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a living room. The building also offers a laundry room, game room and TV lounge. In addition, the Creativity Lab, located in Smith Hall, provides access to tools such as 3D printers and a laser cutter for hands-on learning and innovation.

Academic and Community Support

The EFLC is designed to support student success in three key areas:

  • Learning about the engineering profession
  • Building the academic skills needed for success in the College of Engineering
  • Developing a strong sense of community and belonging

Students are enrolled in EFLC-specific sections of foundational courses, including:

  • ENGR 1300 – Exploring Engineering and Technology
  • ENGR 1301 – Foundations of Math & Science for Engineers

Important: Students should not remove themselves from these pre-registered courses. For questions or concerns, attend an Engineering Registration Support session and speak with an advisor.

Experiences and Opportunities

EFLC students are encouraged to participate in a variety of academic and professional development activities, including:

  • ENGR 1300 guest speaker series featuring practicing engineers and alumni
  • “Interview an Engineer” program connecting students with professionals across engineering fields
  • Field trips to engineering sites and organizations
  • Community Design Challenges
  • Workshops on study skills through the University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE)
  • Job fair preparation sessions hosted by the University Career Center
  • Free tutoring for first-year engineering courses

Steps to Join the EFLC

Apply to the Engineering Freshman Learning Community (EFLC) between mid-February and June 1. Engineering students are not automatically housed in the Engineering FLC. If you have been accepted to UNC Charlotte’s W.S. Lee College of Engineering as a freshman, you are eligible to live in the Engineering FLC. Beds are on a first-come, first-served basis so apply early!

How to Apply

  1. Housing Application: Complete a Housing Application and submit your $200 housing deposit.
  2. Learning Community Application: The Learning Community application must be completed in addition to the Housing application. Apply to the Engineering FLC by using the LC Application. Applications are accepted mid-February through June 1.
  3. Accept the Offer: It typically takes a week to review the applications and respond with an offer. To hold your room, when offered a space in the Engineering FLC program, you need to go back into the LC application and accept the offer.
  4. Roommate Requests: If you would like to make a roommate request, each roommate must submit a form requesting each other. Roommate request forms must be submitted by June 1. If no roommate request form is submitted, or if each student involved fails to submit a form, roommates will be assigned by Housing. Roommate Request forms must be emailed to coe-flc@charlotte.edu.

To request additional information about the Engineering FLC or to send questions please contact us at coe-flc@charlotte.edu.

Key Dates

  • Roommate requests close on June 1
  • LC Applications close June 1

Trying to find a roommate?

You can take your chances and let fate decide, rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Or, you can take a more proactive approach by connecting with other Engineering Freshman Learning Community residents through social media. Your EFLC offer letter includes a Discord invitation where you can join the community, meet future roommates and start building connections before move-in.

If you and another student decide to room together, both of you must complete the Roommate Request form and submit it to coe-flc@charlotte.edu. All roommate requests must be received by June 1.

Roommate Request Form

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?
Do I have to complete both a housing contract and a EFLC application?

Yes. Completing only a Housing Contract is your lease agreement to live in the residence hall. The EFLC application is for the Learning Community program and covers the program activities. Students submitting an EFLC application without a Housing Contract will not be considered for the Engineering FLC.

When should I apply?

We will begin accepting applications for the next school year in mid-February. There are a limited number of beds available in the residence hall, so please apply as soon as you commit to attend UNC Charlotte. Beds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. After June 1st applications will no longer be accepted.

In which residence hall is the engineering FLC housed?

Oak Hall is dedicated to the Engineering FLC.

Can I have a tour of the engineering FLC?

The Engineering FLC is an active residence hall. Out of respect for our students’ privacy, we limit tours. Tours will be available during Admitted Students Day events that the W.S. Lee College of Engineering is participating in. Virtual tour links can be found on the Let’s Connect page.

What kind of rooms can I expect?

Each room in Oak Hall houses FOUR students. All rooms are suites. No single rooms are available in Oak Hall.

Can I select my roommates?

Yes! Please complete the roommate request form and email it as soon as possible. It is important that roommates request each other. Without mutual requests, the roommate request is not complete and will not be considered. Roommate requests will be accepted until June 1st.

I have been accepted into the EFLC. What are the next steps?

Accept your offer to make it official. Go to the New Student and Family Services web page to prepare for Orientation.