Students in FIGs take three courses together during their first year and, with the guidance of a faculty adviser, engage in extracurricular activities based on the broad themes of their coursework. Participants meet with faculty to discuss the overlapping areas of the courses they take together and work closely with faculty and other students to create both academic and social connections.

Interest groups are usually limited to 20 students who live in the same area of campus. Students sign up to participate in a FIG during Summer Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR). Apart from regular tuition, there is no additional fee to join a FIG.