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.
Lavender House
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Lavender House provides an inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ students to live and learn with their peers. This community is a queer-friendly space with monthly programs sponsored by Residential Life and Housing focusing on LGBTQIA+ identities, history and concerns. Here, residents are able to explore and express their whole selves, including their gender identities and sexualities, in a safe and affirming environment. |
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Live Well
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Live WELL is for students interested In learning more about how to live a healthy and active lifestyle focused on self-discovery, well-being, healthy relationships, and practicing healthy wellness behaviors. Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
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Mosaic
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Mosaic is a multicultural living environment that facilitates dialogue, learning, and engagement that focuses on racial and ethnic identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, intersectionality, power and privilege and other concepts related to multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. It is designed to highlight the role of intersectionality and interconnectedness through the lens of social identity. The community's design encourages students to engage in dialogue about social justice and diversity in a shared academic and residential environment Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
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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
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Engineering and Computer Science is an engineering community where future engineers and programmers unite in a shared space. Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
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Global Village
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Global Village strives to connect culture and communities. Students will have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world in-person and virtually, and will also learn more about Study Abroad, Peace Corps Prep, Cultural Ambassadors, and all of the opportunities offered by the Global Education Office. |
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Impact
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Impact is a dynamic living experience that brings leaders together who want to impact the VCU and Richmond community through service and social change. Through direct service and co-curricular and curricular activities, Impact connects leadership and community engagement to drive social change. |
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Outdoor Adventure
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Outdoor Adventure is for students who love hiking, climbing, kayaking, snowboarding or any other outdoor pursuit. This community offers an exciting experiential learning environment where students share outdoor experiences that foster personal development, cultivate relationships, and encourage academic success. Through help from the VCU Outdoor Adventure Program, residents will learn wilderness stewardship, develop leadership skills and explore group dynamics. Each semester, residents will have the opportunity to choose and plan adventure trips such as indoor/outdoor rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, backpacking and many more. Hall: Gladding Residence Center |
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You First
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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. |
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Partner Communities
Partner Communities are residential experiences sponsored by VCU programs and have a separate application process.
Acceleration
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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: Gladding Residence Center * Acceleration has a separate application process. Visit the VCU Acceleration website. |
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Emerging Leaders Program
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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: Gladding Residence Center *The Emerging Leaders Program has a separate application process. Visit lead.vcu.edu website for more information. |
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The Honors College
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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. |
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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.