Join the College of Education's Class of 2030
Turn Your Passion into a Profession
It’s time to lead, teach and inspire.
You feel called to make a difference. To guide, mentor, coach and lead. At UK’s College of Education, that calling becomes a profession grounded through preparation, experience and impact.
Big Blue Nation Orientation is your first official step.
Required for all new UK students, BBNO connects you to the people, programs and resources that will prepare you for success. This is where you’ll learn about academic expectations, discover hands-on learning opportunities, plan your Fall 26 schedule and receive information you’ll need to begin your college journey with confidence.
Confirm your spot by May 1 and take your place in a college committed to developing world-ready leaders and educators.
What you Need to do Next
- Activate your linkblue account to access your student portal
- Set up your UKY email to receive important updates and next steps
- Watch for BBNO details arriving 3 to 4 weeks before your scheduled date
Confirm Your Spot by Registering for BBNO
The University of Kentucky is in the heart of downtown Lexington, Ky. Just a short walk to Rupp Arena, home to Kentucky Basketball as well as live concerts and events. Born and raised in Lexington, I love the balance between suburban and rural beauty. Downtown Lexington is full of local restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. However, drive 10 minutes and you will see the beautiful horses and farmland, which is what makes Lexington so special.
Welcome to your new Kentucky Home
Lexington is a vibrant, friendly, and safe community nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region that has all the amenities of a bustling city, and all the charm of a small town.
We’re within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country’s population, or a quick flight from our Blue Grass Airport—making it close enough for an easy trip home, but far enough to keep your parents from trying to visit every weekend.
We're not the only ones who think so
U.S. News And World Report (2024-25)
Conde Nast Traveler (2025)
Southern Living (2025)
Conde Nast Traveler (2025)
UK is a big school, but it is filled with the right people, and the right opportunities make it feel like home. You can’t make a small school feel big, but you can make a big school feel small, and that’s exactly what happens when you find your community here. Get involved, say yes to new experiences and soak up every moment, because your time in college goes faster than you think.
Go Big Blue!
From putting on the blue body paint to chanting in the stands and singing our fight song, there's nothing quite like the rush of game day. (Okay, the body paint is optional, but you should try it at least once.)
Athletics are an exciting aspect of college life here at UK. As part of the Southeastern Conference, and the home to 23 varsity sports programs, there's no shortage of action for you to get in on, Wildcats.