Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional housing cost associated with living in a Learning Community?

No, there is no additional housing cost for living in a Learning Community.

What is a Living & Learning Community?

Living & Learning Communities are a housing option at UConn where students live with other students who share their interests on one or more floors in a Residence Hall. Students in all communities register for a 1-credit class based on the theme of their community that meets for 1 hour each week. Beyond that, each community is unique in what it has to offer. Some allow you to earn a credit for participating in community service (Community Service, Public Health) or service learning projects (EcoHouse). And some communities allow you to enroll in an additional course as a cohort, such as an English class or "Intro to Public Policy."

Students living in a Learning Community get to know faculty, staff and peer mentors in their area of interest and have unique opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research, volunteer projects, internships, student clubs and organizations, and more. Learning Community options have themes related to a student's major, career interest, or an interest area such as the environment or social justice (see all of the options on the Learning Community home page).

What are Learning Communities that have no living component?

Students who share a major participate in a 1-credit class that provides them with an overview of their major (they do not live together). It is taught by a professor or advisor from their major, and provides students with information about career paths within the field, as well as connecting them with opportunities and tips to help them be successful. Students also get to meet other people who share their major which helps them form a network of support during their college years, and beyond.

Students do not apply to participate in a Non-Residential Learning Community. Some majors are automatically enrolled in the corresponding INTD 1810 course, while others have limited space, so students must enroll early to participate. For questions, email livelearn@uconn.edu.

When will I hear whether I've been accepted to live in a Learning Community?

Returning Students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors will hear back before Housing Selection for the next academic year begins (typically in mid-March).

New Students who apply before May 1 will be notified prior to Orientation (which begins in mid- to late-May). Students who apply after May 1 notified of their status by mid-July.

Can I request a roommate who does not apply to live in the Learning Community (LC)?

Yes. If there is space in the LC, your friend may be able to live with you. If demand for the LC is high, then you will have the opportunity to opt out and select housing elsewhere on campus with your friend, if you wish.

On the application form, indicate your situation and explain your preference (indicate if you'd like to live in the LC whether or not your friend could be your roommate, or not).

Can I apply for more than one Learning Community?

Students may not apply for more than one Living & Learning Community. However, many LCs are open to students in multi-years. So, you could apply to live in one LC for one year, and then another the following year.

If there is a non-residential Learning Community for your major, you can enroll in the 1-credit class, and still be a part of a Living & Learning Community.

Will living in a Learning Community limit my college experience?

No! In fact, LCs are meant to expand your experience and help connect you with opportunities and resources that otherwise would be difficult for you to discover on your own on this large campus. Taking a Learning Community course connects you with UConn faculty or staff who are interested in your success - both academically and socially. They can help you figure out how to make the most of your time in college, right from the start ... you won't believe how fast your UConn years go by!

Students have said they feel a sense of belonging to a close-knit community that is very supportive, but they still have all the freedoms of other students living in the Residence Halls around them. They are able to make friends all over campus, pursue other interests, and select how much they want to get involved in Learning Community activities at any given time during the semester.

How much of a time commitment will living in a Learning Community require?

Students devote time to taking a course or a course cluster together, depending on which LC they participate in. Students in some communities also devote time to community service or service learning projects. Beyond that, what you get involved with is up to you, your schedule, and your interests. You will still have time to hold down a job, pursue other interests and have fun!

Another benefit that may save time is that students often are taking similar classes (especially those in the Major-Based LCs), and form study groups. Instead of arranging a time and place to meet, you can talk to your roommate or walk across the hall for questions about homework assignments or projects. If you want to get involved with a student organization, or attend an activity, it is often easier to go when you can ask your floor-mates who share your interests to join you.

Can I apply to live in a Learning Community if I plan to Study Abroad in the Spring?

Yes! We hope you stay in touch with your UConn friends while you are away to share all you are experiencing.

I am a UConn student attending a regional campus. I've applied to transfer to Storrs, but will not hear back until after the Learning Community Application deadline.

Please still submit your Learning Community Application before the deadline (the Returning Student application), and explain your situation on the form.

Can I talk with a student who lives in Learning Community I'm interested in?

Yes. Email livelearn@uconn.edu or call (860) 486-1127, and we will connect you with a student.

Do you have any other questions?

Please email Melissa at livelearn@uconn.edu or call (860) 486-1127 for more information.