Newcomer Friendly Spots

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Camp Italia Educational Area

Community Gateway area for newbies, in Camp Italia, where it's possible to learn how Second Life works through an educational path and weekly lessons, in Italian language.

Editors' Pick

Newcomer Friendly

Helping Haven Gateway

New Second Life Residents can find a helpful hand at Helping Haven, a spot filled with experts who can share tips and tricks to getting started in SL. Visit this newcomer-friendly community for freebies, landmarks and other useful items. More at http://helpinghaven.weebly.com.

Editors' Pick

Newcomer Friendly

Happy Hippo Building School

The Happy Hippo Building School is a long-term, well-respected and large school. The instructors provide a building course to take you from absolute beginner onward.

Editors' Pick

Newcomer Friendly

Texture Tutorials & Library

Texture Tutorials & Library is a peaceful place to find out how textures work in SL. You will find self-paced tutorials, a texture library with tutorial books to study or buy, prims with video tutorials to watch, and textures for sale.

Editors' Pick

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The Faery Crossing Learning Grove

When you take your first steps into Second Life, it can be overwhelming. We've all been there. You can go anywhere! Be anything! So... why not visit the Fae? Especially for newcomers to Second Life, they have constructed a fully interactive tutorial area, where you can learn how to walk, talk, shop, fly, and more. Attended by their wonderful Gateway Guides, the Gateway to the Faery Crossing will ultimately lead you to the lands below where you can explore the wonderful world of The Faery Crossing in its full splendor.

Editors' Pick

Virtual Realty Learning Institute

Owning property is a fun and rewarding part of SL, so it's important to get all the facts before making the big commitment. The VRLI helps Residents make informed decisions about land ownership by providing information on topics like management, renting, and maintenance.

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The Shelter

The Shelter was established in 2004 and is a haven for those new and old! Relax and meet new people at a safe place for new avatars in Second Life.

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Learn to Dance Free Dance Lessons in SL

Learn the very basics of dancing in SL in this education center (great for newcomers) then take the free Introduction to Dance 101 class that runs 24x7. Learn to match dance styles to the tempo and music so you have more fun dancing. Bring a partner or learn on your own. You'll be a better dance partner after taking this class. More info at 2LDance.org.

Editors' Pick

Newcomer Friendly

Ajuda SL Brasil - Voluntários

Ajuda e orientacao - idioma portugues. Nesta Comunidade Gateway, apoiamos os residentes mais novos, oferecendo ajuda para todos. Somos um Grupo de Voluntarios, desde 2009; atualizado em 2011. Community Gateway 2017. Sejam bem-vindos e divirtam-se! Help and guidance - Portuguese language. In this place, we support the younger residents, offering help for all. We are a Volunteer Group since 2009; Updated 2011. Gateway Community 2017. Be Welcome and have fun!

Editors' Pick

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New Citizens Incorporated

New to Second Life? New Citizens Incorporated is a community-run portal offering help, education and support for new Residents.

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Black Tonic

Black Tonic is a newcomer and seasoned Resident hang-out and help center. Everyone is welcome! They have tutorials for newbies, free rezzing and change rooms, a game room filled with games, a spacious dance floor, and more. Event hosting is available upon request. Bring your friends and chat awhile!

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

New Resident Island

Welcoming newcomers to Second Life since 2010. Here you will find free complete avatars and accessories, fun learning in the Caves of Knowledge, and a wonderful region to explore, filled with history, mystery and artistry.

Editors' Pick

Education

Caledon Oxbridge University

Caledon Oxbridge University (COU) is an independent, community-supported, Second Life skill-training facility, located within the Victorian-Steampunk estate of Caledon. COU supports students of all avatar ages. A primary feature of COU is the seven-building walk-through tutorial, COU also has live, walk-in classes as well as live tutors in the plaza to answer questions and provide assistance.

Editors' Pick

Education

Virtual Worlds Education Consortium Eduverse

The goal of the VW Education Consortium (VWEC) is to bring educators together both to share what has been successful and to tackle obstacles across virtual platforms and communities. For more information contact: Valibrarian Gregg, Elli Pinion, or Dodge Threebeards.

Editors' Pick

Discussions & Communities

Virtual Ability

Virtual Ability is a place where people with disabilities and chronic illnesses can safely learn about virtual worlds. Details on VirtualAbility.org

Editors' Pick

International

Unihispana

Grupo de enseñanza y ayuda de habla hispana, tenemos a vuestra disposicion un recorrido para recien llegados con, zona gratuita, tutoriales y guias, clases semanales basicas y avanzadas, sandbox, zona infantil, juegos, punto de encuentro y galeria de arte. Celebramos distintas actividades, fiestas y eventos.

Editors' Pick

Miscellaneous

SAVOY Dance Learning Center & Class

Learn how to dance in Second Life at the SAVOY Dance Learning Center. Experience the dances, bands, and history of the Swing Era at the Dance 301 full-immersion classroom.

Editors' Pick

Linden Destinations

Social Island 8

New to Second Life? Meet new friends, go through Second Life tutorials, and more at Social Island!

Editors' Pick

Linden Destinations

Social Island 10

New to Second Life? Meet new friends, go through Second Life tutorials, and more at Social Island!

Editors' Pick

Discussions & Communities

See Yourself Health Community Gateway

See Yourself Health is an award-winning, evidence-based diabetes lifestyle coaching platform that uses virtual world technology to promote healthy decision-making. Play wellness with others! More info at seeyourselfhealth.com

Editors' Pick

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Second Pride

Celebrate diversity at Second Pride! This destination is the headquarters of the Second Pride organization in Second Life. Second Pride holds annual events since 2005, featuring plenty of music and fun. Spread across two regions, with everything from cityscape to a massive beach and boardwalk, all centered around a huge park that spans both regions. There are shops on the pier, carnival rides, a zipline over the beach, a working trolley to take you on a tour, and more! More info at: second-pride.com

Editors' Pick

Education

Rockcliffe University Consortium

Rockcliffe University Consortium is an online nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of science, education, and research in 3D virtual environments. There are free workshops and forums provided on a regular basis, as well as live music and movies. There's also a theater, art gallery, sandbox and a full academic research library.

Editors' Pick

International

Raizes do Brasil - Community Gateway

Raizes do Brasil foi criada para auxiliar os novos residentes a ter uma boa experiencia dentro do Second Life. Nosso grande objetivo é mostrar nossa preocupacao com preservação do tesouro mais precioso do Brasil. " A Floresta Amazonica"

Editors' Pick

Photogenic Spots

Mindful Cove

Mindful Cove exists to provide both an entry point into Second Life, and an ongoing community region for newcomers and long-time residents alike, based on the core principle that SL can be an excellent place to engage in activities that support emotional and mental well-being.

Editors' Pick

Chat Hot Spots

London City

London City has a multilevel freebie store with regularly updated mesh clothing and accessories. Additionally, there is a tutorial area, with Support staff to assist new Residents. You can enjoy daily events with free-to-enter contests and Linden Dollar prizes, live voice chat, a busking area, sandbox, pubs, clubs, concert area, and a large hangout park, where new and older residents mix. For details see mainlandlondon.blogspot.com

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

This self-guided, self-paced, comprehensive building tutorial also includes a weapons testing area and safe sandboxes where you can try out your newly-acquired skills.

Editors' Pick

International

Japan - Hiroba

Visit Japan-HIROBA, a helpful place for Japanese-speaking residents of Second Life. Here you'll find assistance from a supportive community, as well as a dressing room, beginner tutorials and free sandbox.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

GBTH Welcome Area

GBTH is an art incubator here in Second Life. Their Welcome Area is meant to help and assist new Residents interested in seeing and developing art exhibitions on the grid. After checking the tutorial, feel free to explore the several exhibits on the region! More info at: gbth.org

Editors' Pick

Popular Places

Firestorm Gateway

New residents are invited to learn the day-to-day basics of Second Life on this lush, wooded tutorial path. Learn movement, communication, outfits, and more. Assistance and mentoring are also available for new and experienced residents alike. All are welcome, but this tutorial zone is optimized for the Firestorm Viewer. (firestormviewer.org).

Editors' Pick

Real Life

Dublin Community Gateway

This remarkable recreation of Dublin's downtown area is full of interesting attractions and replete with Irish hospitality, bars, music, and great company.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

Door to America

Door to America is a region within Second Life built specifically to onboard new users using the theme “Second Life is a virtual world for human connection!” DtA can promote a healthy, positive, transformative learning curve for users. Second Life is porous and learned skills, talents, and lessons of all types can transcend the virtual world and bring real-world benefits. Learn more at doortoamerica.blogspot.com

Editors' Pick

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Central Park Hangout

Central park is a newbie-friendly hangout and sandbox. The best vacation starts by relaxing on a sofa - by the ocean! Hop around this newbie-friendly destination and meet new friends, dance your heart out, fish for rewards, enjoy horseback riding, or just lay along the shores to relax. Be your own supermodel! Shop for freebies at the sandbox and dress your avatar. These and a lot more! Visit Central Park and have the time of your life!

Editors' Pick

Second Life Origins

Builder's Brewery

Established in 2008, Builder's Brewery is one of Second Life's oldest destinations for learning. Visit and take a free training class and learn all about building, textures, scripting, mesh, animations, and more. Join their 3x award-winning group, and there is even a Sandbox for builders. Check their website for their schedule of educational events. More info at buildersbrewery.com

Editors' Pick

International

Ayuda Virtual

Comunidad Comunidad de Recepción y Ayuda a nuevos usuarios a Second Life. Integrante del Proyecto Community Gateway. Para usuarios de habla hispana de todo el mundo.

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Destinations

Camp Italia Educational Area

Helping Haven Gateway

Happy Hippo Building School

Texture Tutorials & Library

The Faery Crossing Learning Grove

Virtual Realty Learning Institute

The Shelter

Learn to Dance Free Dance Lessons in SL

Ajuda SL Brasil - Voluntários

New Citizens Incorporated

Black Tonic

New Resident Island

Caledon Oxbridge University

Virtual Worlds Education Consortium Eduverse

Virtual Ability

Unihispana

SAVOY Dance Learning Center & Class

Social Island 8

Social Island 10

See Yourself Health Community Gateway

Second Pride

Rockcliffe University Consortium

Raizes do Brasil - Community Gateway

Mindful Cove

London City

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

Japan - Hiroba

GBTH Welcome Area

Firestorm Gateway

Dublin Community Gateway

Door to America

Central Park Hangout

Builder's Brewery

Ayuda Virtual

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Second Life

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Destinations

Camp Italia Educational Area

Helping Haven Gateway

Happy Hippo Building School

Texture Tutorials & Library

The Faery Crossing Learning Grove

Virtual Realty Learning Institute

The Shelter

Learn to Dance Free Dance Lessons in SL

Ajuda SL Brasil - Voluntários

New Citizens Incorporated

Black Tonic

New Resident Island

Caledon Oxbridge University

Virtual Worlds Education Consortium Eduverse

Virtual Ability

Unihispana

SAVOY Dance Learning Center & Class

Social Island 8

Social Island 10

See Yourself Health Community Gateway

Second Pride

Rockcliffe University Consortium

Raizes do Brasil - Community Gateway

Mindful Cove

London City

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

Japan - Hiroba

GBTH Welcome Area

Firestorm Gateway

Dublin Community Gateway

Door to America

Central Park Hangout

Builder's Brewery

Ayuda Virtual

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Second Life

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Linden Lab

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