Finding your place: Living Learning Communities
UIC’s Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and Affinity Dwellings offer students a unique and enriching opportunity to enhance their educational and residential experiences. Going beyond the traditional dormitory setting, these specialized communities are perfect for high-achieving students seeking a sense of community, tailored programming, and resources centered on their academic and personal interests. Delve into the benefits and learn about three of the many LLCs and Affinity Dwelling communities available.
LLCs and Affinity Dwelling are themed communities where students live with others who share their major or similar life interests. Students can collaborate and learn with a Faculty-in-Residence, get guidance from a Peer Mentor with adjacent academic and professional goals, and pursue leadership opportunities. Students have access to homework support, study groups, and opportunities to explore Chicago with community members. Academic support is streamlined, ranging from professors to dedicated peer mentors. Weekly office hours are available for additional guidance and support. Toni Jackson, Assistant Director for Residence Life, suggests engaging within your community and taking advantage of academic support or collegiate engagement opportunities to maximize your experience. Each community designates staff members to help students as they explore college life.
Spectrum
Students of different genders and sexualities have the opportunity to come together at Spectrum. Located in the Courtyard residence hall, Spectrum helps to develop and explore social identities. Developing dialogue facilitation skills, enhancing cultural competency through diverse learning experiences, and initiatives to promote inclusivity on campus are some of the benefits at Spectrum. Students can network with professionals and faculty and engage with other students.
Future Leaders of Healthcare
Located in the Academic and Residential Complex, the Future Leaders of Healthcare community offers students from the College of Medicine a chance to enhance their professional skills. Explore ethical principles in medical practice, discover research and volunteer opportunities, and network with others professionally. Students can also choose to teach and mentor Pre-Health undergraduates and participate in panel discussions and social events. Interested students are encouraged to join study groups and work with their resident assistants to plan relevant programs.
Honors
Honors LLC is located at James Stukel Towers and is open to people of different majors in the Honors College. Arya Aitipamula, a Public Health major with a minor in Chemistry and Biology, serves as a peer mentor in the Honors LLC. She appreciates that the Honors LLC plays a vital role in bridging gaps among students of diverse interests and professional goals. She assists students with navigating Honors College and happily shares her experience. Arya also collaborates with other peer mentors like Ricky Chen to plan events that introduce students to skills and resources needed to be successful Honors College students. Ricky, a Biology and Philosophy major, dedicates 6 hours a week to office hours, assisting students in creating study plans that help them stay on track.
The Honors LLC is a great way to form connections. For Arya, as a STEM student, it has been helpful in understanding the “interdisciplinary nature of knowledge”. She is more open to learning about other areas of study. Similarly, Ricky appreciates the opportunity to interact with the people outside of STEM, as they offer valuable insights and viewpoints. He mentions gaining additional knowledge about the Honors College and the opportunities available there.
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Interested in being a peer mentor like Arya or Ricky? Peer mentors have the opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment, which is a great way to foster meaningful connections with fellow students. Ricky mentions that the role helps develop leadership skills, while Arya suggests it allows engagement with students from diverse backgrounds, demonstrates organizational skills, and promotes positive community change. Learn more.
For students considering an LLC, Toni recommends selecting the LLC or Affinity Dwelling of interest during the online housing application. Opting for an LLC or Affinity Dwelling enhances students’ awareness of academic events and opportunities within their field of study. Explore more of the diverse options at Campus Housing and find a community that is the right fit for you.
Campus Housing Applications are open for the Academic Year 2024-2025. Room selection for new applicants begins on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Earliest selection time slots will be assigned based on the application completion date. For details, visit go.uic.edu/applyhousing.