Living-Learning Communities are specialized residential environments designed to integrate on-campus living with a focused academic experience. The mix of curricular and co-curricular activities inside and outside of the classroom enables students to fully engage in their VCU experience and learn to encounter real world experiences with an interdisciplinary approach. With the support of dedicated staff members, intentional events and programs, and experiential learning opportunities students who participate in Living-Learning Communities experience a stronger connection to the university through increased academic and personal success. All residential students have the opportunity to participate. We offer several varieties of communities that are designed to enhance on-campus living with a focus on shared interest, academic goals, or lifestyle preferences.
Theme Communities
Theme Communities are residential experiences that offer students who have special interests the opportunity to live and study together. Theme Communities provide participating students with co- curricular activities that may be initiated and led by either students or by university faculty/staff. There is no class requirement for these communities.
Live Well
|
|
LiveWELL supports each student in the residential community through activities, learning, and practice designed to increase well-being. As part of LiveWELL, you will explore what holistic well-being means to you, and create personal well-being plans that address issues that can impact your academic success. We learn and practice ways to cope with stressors, adapt to change, form healthy relationships, move/fuel/rest our bodies, and more! Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
|---|
Mosaic
|
|
Mosaic Living-Learning Community is a themed living experience for first-year students where they can form lasting bonds, explore culture and community, and connect what they’re learning in the classroom to everyday life. Mosaic is designed for students who want to live in a vibrant community that values connection, collaboration, and personal growth. From social events, campus engagement, and local field trips, Mosaic residents will have the opportunity to celebrate diverse backgrounds and engage in experiences to build the self-awareness and curiosity needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
|---|
Programs-In-Residence
Programs-in-Residence are residential experiences that offer students interested in a shared topic the opportunity to live together in a dedicated residential area. Programs-in-Residence support high levels of student interaction, increased interaction with faculty outside of the classroom and collaboration through the use of strategies such as a required class on the given topic, study groups and programming. All Programs-in-Residence communities listed have a required class.
Engineering and Computer Science
|
|
Engineering and Computer Science is an engineering community where future engineers and programmers unite in a shared space. Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
|---|
.png)
GLOBE
|
|
VCU Globe is your gateway to the world of global learning. Live and learn in a community that connects you with diverse cultures and fosters meaningful intercultural experiences through virtual and in-person interactions. Discover opportunities like education abroad, the Peace Corps Prep certificate, the Global Buddies program, and more, all designed to expand your global awareness and skills. Supported by the Global Education Office, this program connects cultures and community to prepare you to thrive in an interconnected world. |
|---|
Outdoor Adventure
|
|
Outdoor Adventure is for students who love hiking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, caving, or any other outdoor pursuit. This community allows space for students who share joy in outdoor adventure to connect and pursue their outdoor goals. Through partnership with the VCU Outdoor Adventure Program, residents have the chance to learn outdoor skills, develop stewardship principles, and grow as leaders. Residents are encouraged to come rock climb at the Cary Street Gym or try one of the OAP trips. Residents can work with their RA to plan a custom trip just for them! Come join us outside! Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
|---|
You First
|
|
The You First living-learning community is designed for first-generation college students, or students whose parents did not complete a four-year degree. More than one-third of VCU students are first-gen and while many are connected to the larger You First at VCU program/office, this opportunity allows you to live in a community of peers and receive support from dedicated staff and faculty members who understand what it is like to be the first in the family to navigate the college experience. |
|---|
Partner Communities
Partner Communities are residential experiences sponsored by VCU programs and have a separate application process.
Acceleration
|
|
Acceleration is for incoming VCU first-years who are interested in pre-health concentrations in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and the allied health sciences. The program provides exposure to various health professions and preparatory course work in math and science through a 4-week summer program followed by academic support throughout the first year. Hall: The Honors College * Acceleration has a separate application process. Visit the VCU Acceleration website. |
|---|
Emerging Leaders Program
|
|
Emerging Leaders Program is a one-year, intensive leadership community. It is designed to create opportunities for students to learn about leadership through classroom study and practical, real-world application. Residents of this community are paired with upperclassmen mentors to substantial leadership projects during the year. The Emerging Leaders Program is only open to students who have been invited to apply to the program. Hall: West Grace North *The Emerging Leaders Program has a separate application process. Visit lead.vcu.edu website for more information. |
|---|
The Honors College
|
|
The Honors College residence hall accommodates first-year students in a residence hall that is designed especially for students of The Honors College. The Honors College living experience allows for increased interaction among honors students and facilitates active involvement in Honors College programs, including seminars and activities. In addition to completing honors courses, honors students attend Berglund seminars and assume leadership roles in honors student organizations. Hall: The Honors College *The Honors College has a separate application process. Visit the The Honors College website for more information. |
|---|
.png)
How To Apply
Living-Learning Communities Application is part of the Housing Application. To apply, visit the Housing Application before June 1 and follow all steps. Students will be asked to write a short essay and rank their top three preferences. Please review all the options before making selections. While efforts are made to place students in their first choice, that is not always possible.
Requesting A Roommate
Roommate requests for a Living-Learning Community can be made through the Housing Application. However, to be eligible to be roommates, both students must select the same Living-Learning Community and also choose each other as roommates. If a student chooses a Living-Learning Community and the roommate does not, the student will be placed in the Living-Learning Community over the roommate choice.