The Boise State University Residential College Program was founded in 2004, and is comprised of five living-learning communities, each facilitated by a faculty-in-residence (FIR). Approximately 125 students with similar majors or academic interests live and learn together. The communities offer academic credit for the living-learning experience, engage in community building activities, community service and recreational activities. This presentation will focus on the first year experience, “Our Freshman Year” experience of two faculty and the Assistant Director of Residential Education. What goes into creating a successful residential community? How do we blend the philosophies of academic affairs and student affairs? How does residence life work with new faculty in developing living and learning communities? The session will provide lessons learned, changes made and future directions for creating programmatic structure while supporting the learning outcomes of the different communities.