(( Frequently Asked Questions ))
How do I apply as a student?
Read through all the information on this page, and then proceed to the application form using the button below.
Can I roleplay a character who is further along in their studies than a freshman?
Yes, we encourage a diverse range of roleplay and do not wish to limit characters to being freshmen. If you would like to roleplay a student in a later year of their degree or pursuing a higher education qualification, that is completely acceptable.
While our application process is primarily designed for undergraduate freshmen, those applying for advanced courses or higher degrees will have the opportunity to provide additional details. You may be asked to include this information by your application handler if omitted from the application. This ensures that your character’s academic progress is realistic and appropriately considered, such as ensuring a character isn’t pursuing a PhD at an implausibly young age.
Are sports scholarships available at ULSA, and how do they work?
Yes, ULSA offers sports scholarships. College athletics, particularly football and basketball, are highly prestigious and integral to university life. If your character is pursuing a sports scholarship, the process will differ slightly from the standard academic application.
To be considered for a sports scholarship, your character’s dedication to their sport and their personal story will be closely examined. Application handlers will engage with you to understand how your character portrays the discipline and passion required of a serious student-athlete. Your character’s background should reflect a balance between athletic commitment and academic performance, with realistic motivations and a grounded story. Stereotypical or overly simplified narratives will be rejected in favor of well-developed, multifaceted characters.
It’s important to note that only the most dedicated characters will be accepted into ULSA’s sports programs. Commitment to the sport and long-term participation are key factors, and any indication of a lack of commitment may result in the rejection of the scholarship application.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide details on your character’s recruitment journey — how they were discovered by scouts, and the role of modern scouting practices, such as social media visibility. Once all the criteria are met, and depending on whether a representative exists for the relevant sport, the process will either involve an in-character interaction with the sports team or an NPC scout, after which your application will be finalized.
Can I start my own club, society, or group at ULSA?
Yes, you can! Starting a club or society at ULSA is an in-character process. To create a new club, you will need to submit a request to the ULSA Student Union. This process mirrors how student-led organizations are established in real universities, and your request will be reviewed by the appropriate in-character representatives.
Please note that, while this is an in-character process, ULSA leadership reserves the right to disband any club or society if the group’s leadership fails to uphold their duties or if the club causes issues either within the faction or the larger community.
Can I pick my degree or is there a prospectus?
Yes, we have a prospectus available on our forums, which players are expected to use when selecting their character’s degree program. The prospectus outlines the available degree options, and we encourage you to choose a program that aligns with your character’s background and aspirations.
Additionally, when it comes to academic sessions or lectures hosted by the faction, your character is not restricted to their chosen course. We encourage cross-enrollment in different subjects, which can be roleplayed as electives or additional interests your character may have.
How can attending a lecture be fun?
At ULSA, we understand that roleplaying academics should be enjoyable, not a chore. Most core lectures that your character would attend on their path to graduation are NPC’d at your discretion and won’t be the focus of in-game roleplay. Instead, the in-game lectures hosted by our professor characters are often treated like electives, open to all students regardless of their degree. We encourage everyone to participate, as it adds to the overall fun and inclusivity of the roleplay.
Professors are given the freedom to structure their lectures in ways that suit their teaching style. Some may replicate a traditional university lecture format, while others focus more on open discussions or interactive Q&A sessions. Group discussions and debates are common, and professors often involve students directly to create a more engaging atmosphere. These lectures are designed to be inclusive and collaborative, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute.
Additionally, while we are primarily focused on academic roleplay, we occasionally offer more specialized and immersive opportunities, such as field trips or cross-faction roleplay with for example local law enforcement and medical services. This could include specialized courses in fields like medicine or fire safety, creating unique and exciting RP for those pursuing legal or public service roles.
In short, we aim to make academics at ULSA a fun and dynamic experience, encouraging active participation and creative roleplay rather than simply sitting through a lecture.
I have more questions, where can I get answers?
For a more detailed FAQ, please visit our Discord server, where we have a comprehensive FAQ section covering a wide range of topics. If you still have questions or need further clarification, feel free to use the #queries channel on our Discord to ask directly. For more in-depth assistance or private inquiries, you can also submit a support ticket through our ticket system, and a member of our team will be happy to help.