FYE Course

This course explores the connection between nature, health, and well-being. Students examine current research, participate in outdoor experiences, and develop practical strategies for incorporating nature into everyday life.

🏆 An Award-Winning Course

The First Year Experience Teaching Innovation Award

This award honors instructors who have implemented outstanding innovative teaching approaches shown to increase student learning and success. “Innovative teaching is defined broadly and may include the use of new instructional technologies, the use of traditional technologies in creative ways, novel approaches to instruction, and new ways to engage students in the learning process.

Course Information

    • Course: UNIV-1820 First-Year Seminar: NatureRx
    • Credits: 1
    • Instructor: Kim Kleszczynski
    • Semester: Fall Semester

This unique one-credit course is designed to support your transition to college by providing a space to explore key topics relevant to new students while also fostering a deeper connection with the natural world as you learn about how nature influences your health.

About This Course

College can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Research consistently demonstrates that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, increase focus, and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging.

 Did you know that spending time in nature can enhance your creativity, focus, and overall well-being? Backed by research, nature engagement is a simple yet powerful way to manage the many stressors of student life. This semester, we’ll combine the goals of FYE with a weekly ‘dose’ of nature as we explore the UConn campus and surrounding areas through outdoor recreation, nature art, journaling, and more. Through hands-on activities, thoughtful discussion, and reflective exercises, you will build your personal connection to nature while also examining your development as a student, individual, and global citizen.

📘 Download the Course Syllabus

View the complete course syllabus for
UNIV-1820 First-Year Seminar: NatureRx: How Spending Time with Nature Improves Your Wellbeing,
including course topics, assignments, learning outcomes, and important dates.

What You’ll Learn

  • Gain confidence in collaborating with peers in nature-based activities.
  • Discover ways to incorporate nature into daily life as a college student.
  • Understand the connection between nature, mindfulness, community, and belonging.
  • Demonstrate increased self-awareness through reflective activities and assignments.

Nature is Not a Place to Visit. It is You. It Is Home.

Join us as we explore how simple interactions with nature can support your success, wellbeing, and sense of balance throughout college.

Questions?

For questions about the course, please contact
kim.k@uconn.edu or connect with your Academic Advisor.