Newcomer Friendly Spots

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New to Second Life? Check out these locations that offer orientations, tutorials and other resources for new virtual world Residents.

Editors' Pick

Voice 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

Linden Destinations

Social Island 10

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

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.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

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

Linden Destinations

Welcome Hub Social Plaza

Want a chill place to socialize? The Welcome Hub Social Plaza is your go-to! Located under the main dome at the Welcome Hub, meet friends old and new, share experiences, or simply watch the world go by. It is an ideal place for newcomers to get assistance and navigate to other parts of the Welcome Hub.

Editors' Pick

International

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

Linden Destinations

Sandbox Welcome Area

Ready to create? Visit the Sandbox and learn to build in Second Life! Whether it's a small gadget or a dream mansion, your imagination is the only limit.

Editors' Pick

Linden Destinations

Second Life Community Exhibition

The Second Life Community Exhibition (SLCE) is designed to showcase a variety of communities to new Residents right from the start, by featuring them prominently at the Welcome Hub, a key initial gathering spot. We will regularly update the exhibition with a diverse mix of community showcases.

Editors' Pick

Voice Chat Hot Spots

Central Park Hangout

Central park is a newbie-friendly voice-enabled 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

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

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

Help & How To

London Town Gateway

London Town Gateway offers new users a walk-through tutorial to learn the basics of Second Life while connecting to the vibrant London town region. This detailed recreation of London, England, features shopping, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

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

Help & How To

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.

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

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

Real Life

Dublin

Dublin Community Gateway offers new users a walk-through tutorial to learn the basics of Second Life while connecting to the vibrant Dublin region. This detailed recreation of Dublin, Ireland, features daily events, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere with Irish hospitality, bars, and entertainment. Learn more at dublinsl.net

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

Caledon Oxbridge Gateway

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

International

Coliseum Italian Gateway

Comunità di accoglienza e aiuto dei nuovi residenti italiani Coliseum è partner e partecipante al programma Official Community Gateway di Linden Lab. Coliseum Gateway is also a location for racing with the SL Cycling Federation.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

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

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

Help & How To

The Fitting Room

The Fitting Room provides a private, comfortable space to try on clothing and work on your avatar. 8 dressing rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each room features a complimentary photo studio and concierge/tailor assistance.

Editors' Pick

Linden Destinations

BelliHub

BelliHub is the go-to destination to learn more about Bellisseria! With detailed tutorials and information about Premium membership, how to get a Linden home, using land tools, and more - you'll be up and running in no time! Explore the DEMO region and get an up-close look at all the Linden home themes and models. Plus, hang out with other Residents, play games, and get to know the Bellisseria community!

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

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

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

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

International

Germany - Community & Gateway

Germany – Community & Gateway ist ein Ort für Neueinsteiger in die Welt von Second Life. Dort kannst Du einige Grundlagen kennenlernen und erste Schritte der Welt von Second Life unternehmen. Außerdem ist dies ein Ort um neue Leute kennenzulernen, Infos über andere deutsche Orte zu erhalten oder in der Sandbox erste Bau Erfahrungen zu sammeln.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

New Citizens Incorporated

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

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

Help & How To

Hello, Avatar!

Hello, Avatar! is a newbie-friendly focused fantastical thing where new people to SL will be able to get support and a good foot forward into SL. Come get some support and guidance, and enjoy the grid. Grab landmarks, tips, tricks, how tos, and some free fun stuff. This is here to bridge the gap between the welcome hub and the rest of the grid. Everyone was new once!

Editors' Pick

Mobile Friendly

Dreamers' Landing Beachfront

Dreamers' Landing Beachfront is a peaceful community where newcomers are warmly welcomed and supported by kind, experienced residents. Your Second Life journey begins here, with support, smiles, and a community that truly cares.

Editors' Pick

International

Santos Dumont Airfield

Especialistas da Aeronautica Community Gateway is located at the Santos Dumont Airfield. It was founded on June 7, 2012, with the purpose of bringing the routine of this important Brazilian Air Force organization to Second Life. It is a newcomer-friendly Portuguese destination.

Editors' Pick

Linden Destinations

Linden Homes Demos

Dreaming of a Second Life home? Visit the Linden Homes Demo region! Explore an array of beautiful, fully furnished homes that come with our premium subscription.

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

Echo Group Band of Brothers

Echo Group Band of Brothers is a real-life Veteran's non-profit with a chapter in Second Life. They provide assistance with anything a Veteran or their family members may need including VA, claims, DIC, etc. There are 2 regions and a Gateway for new residents to learn SL! It is well done, easy to maneuver, and lots of fun. The main region boasts the only Armed Forces Museum Experience in SL, with lots more to see. How can they help you?

Editors' Pick

Help & How To

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

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Second Pride

This year, Second Pride is celebrating 20 years of service to the LGBTQ+ community in Second Life. Running June 20th through June 29th, this year’s main event features DJs, singers, and live shows covering all styles and genres across three stages for the first time. Explore both regions of Second Pride all year ‘round. You’ll find shops selling clothing, accessories, furniture, animations, and much more, from LGBTQ+ creators and allies. You’ll also find information about LGBTQ+ friendly communities, support services, art installations, photo opportunities, games, rides, and lots of fun! During this event, Second Pride is raising funds for the It Gets Better organization. So, whichever color of the rainbow you are, you are welcome at Second Pride!

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

Help & How To

GBTH Gateway Tutorial

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

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

Got a favorite Spot?

Suggest your venue or favorite place for consideration in the Destination Guide today.

It’s easy and it will broaden the horizons of residents just like you.

Suggest a Destination

For general questions about the Destination Guide or to report an issue like a broken link contact editor@lindenlab.com.

Destinations

London City

Social Island 10

Ayuda Virtual

Firestorm Gateway

Welcome Hub Social Plaza

Ajuda SL Brasil - Voluntários

Sandbox Welcome Area

Second Life Community Exhibition

Central Park Hangout

Japan - Hiroba

Builder's Brewery

London Town Gateway

Helping Haven Gateway

The Shelter

Unihispana

Ivory Tower Library of Primitives

Dublin

Caledon Oxbridge Gateway

Virtual Worlds Education Consortium Eduverse

Coliseum Italian Gateway

Happy Hippo Building School

Raizes do Brasil - Community Gateway

The Fitting Room

BelliHub

The Faery Crossing Learning Grove

New Resident Island

Mindful Cove

Germany - Community & Gateway

New Citizens Incorporated

Social Island 8

Hello, Avatar!

Dreamers' Landing Beachfront

Santos Dumont Airfield

Linden Homes Demos

Echo Group Band of Brothers

Virtual Ability

Second Pride

Rockcliffe University Consortium

GBTH Gateway Tutorial

Door to America

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