Living Learning Communities (LLC)
Our Living and Learning Communities (LLC) attract high-achieving students and provide specialized attention for an enriched educational experience. They offer a sense of community through programs, conversations, and faculty interaction centered on members’ interests.
Benefits of Living in a LLC
- Each community has a Peer Mentor who works within the Living Learning Community to aid you in having the best in- and out-of-class experience. PMs also provide residents with faculty connections and connections with outside offices (e.g., Academic Center for Excellence).
- Study with others who are in the same major/classes as you!
- Faculty-in-Residence and Faculty Associates who teach in the area are designated to work with your individual community.
- Programming offers meaningful and experiential learning, including research opportunities, career planning and development, guest speakers, workshops, and programs in the city.
Living Learning Communities

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Incoming Residents
Incoming first year and transfer residents will make their LLC preferences in their applications. Assignments will be made based off of those preferences indicated. You can update your preference information anytime on myContract.
Returning Residents (for ReApp only)
If you live in an LLC now and would like to stay on your floor, you do NOT need to reapply.
If you are applying to change floors to a different community (from one LLC to another, or from a regular floor to an LLC), complete the application on the Housing Dock.
Our Living Learning Communities
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Architecture, Design, and the Arts
This Living Learning Community is located in the traditional style residence hall Commons West, conveniently adjacent to the Art and Design Studios. The lounge is equipped with drafting tables, and residents regularly plan trips to see art, theatre, and music shows across campus and the city. Residents are encouraged to register for Art History 110 (a prerequisite for many majors in the college, as well as a general education elective for many other students) to help make for natural study groups.
- Located in Commons West, next to Art and Design Studios
- Tutoring in the halls
- Students in the same classes make for natural study groups
- Study space adapted for courses
- Ease of planning programming with fellow residents and faculty in residence
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the College of Architecture, Design, and Arts
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- Art History (AH 110)
- Dialogue (DLG 120)
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Business
The Business community is designed specifically for business scholars. For continuing students, we’re encouraging all eligible students to register for Accounting 210; since it’s part of the required courses in business, you’ll have several other residents as a natural study group, and Faculty In Residence Rob Kemp, Lecturer in Accounting, is right next door and available to provide additional support. Other spots on the floors will be set aside for incoming business scholars.
- Located in James Stukel Towers
- Tutoring in the hall
- Students in the same classes make for natural study groups
- Ease of planning programming with fellow residents and faculty in residence
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the College of Business
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- ACTG 210
- BA 100
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Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering & Computer Science special interest communities are located in James Stukel Towers or Commons West. In addition to encouraging continuing students to enroll in Statics and other engineering courses together, incoming first year students in the areas are encouraged to enroll in block schedules of the same sections of math, chemistry, and English.
- Located in James Stukel Towers or in Commons West
- Tutoring in the halls
- Students in the same classes make for natural study groups
- Ease of planning programming with fellow residents
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the College of Engineering
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- ENGR 111 for first-year students
- ENGR 112 for first-year students
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College of Medicine
This community brings together students from the College of Medicine. Living in this community you will receive multiple development opportunities to enhance your professional skills.
- Conveniently adjacent to UIC Medical District in Single Student Residence
- Explore ethical principles in the practice of medicine
- Explore potential research and volunteering opportunities in the field of medicine
- Build an academic and professional network
- Opportunities to teach and mentor Pre-Health undergraduates
- Engage with peer mentoring, panel discussions, speakers, and social events
- Interact with faculty representing diverse medical specialties and scientific interests
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the College of Medicine
If you live here, we encourage you to:
- Join study groups with others on the floor
- Work with your RA to plan relevant programs
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Global Village
This community is designed for students interested in exploring international issues and enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills. Living in this community, you will develop friendships with both domestic and international students who are committed to being fully engaged with exploring Chicago and the world.
- Learn from the experience of international students
• Explore Chicago through programs
• Participate in team building exercises - Located in Polk Street Residence, conveniently connected to programming space and student organizations in Student Center West and the Sport and Fitness Center
- Kitchen and lounge space for Global Village residents
- Ease of building cross-cultural relationships
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be interested in international issues
- Be comfortable interacting with students from around the world
If you live here, we encourage you to:
- Enroll in International Studies course(s)
- Join Tradewinds program through the Office of International Services
- Learn from the experience of international students
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Honors
The Honors community is exclusively for academically talented students enrolled in the Honors College. Here, you will find friendships with people of different majors who are focused on high achievement.
- Located in James Stukel Towers and Commons West
- Engage in exploring various study strategies
- Receive support to fulfill Honors activities such as senior capstone projects
- Attend professional development and stress management workshops
- Participate in fun programs such as yoga, scavenger hunts, and museum trips
- Learn about research opportunities available on campus
- Build relationships with Honors College Advisors and Staff
- Peer Tutoring and study groups
- Integration with faculty from the Honors College
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the Honors College
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- HON 101
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Humanities
In conjunction with the Engaged Humanities Initiative, this community brings together students interested in using literature, philosophy, history, or art to analyze cultural forms. This is particularly relevant for students with interests in: Architecture, Art, Art History, African American Studies, Classical Studies, Design, English, French and Francophone Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Germanic Studies, History, Latin American and Latino Studies, Music, Slavic Languages: Polish Concentration, Slavic Languages: Russian Concentration, Spanish, Philosophy, Teacher Education, or Theatre.
- Attend events through the Institute for the Humanities
- Volunteer at Chicago Ideas Week
- Learn about research opportunities
- Network with humanities faculty
- Located in Academic & Residential Complex
- Courses taught in the same building
- Peer tutoring and study groups
Common Courses:
- HUM 100 encouraged for first-year students
- HIST 104 required
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International Perspectives
This community is intended for both international students and domestic students with an interest in exploring international relations, studying abroad, learning other languages, and integrating their learning through a global perspective.
- Take part in Tradewinds program
- Learn languages through coffee hours and foreign films
- Present on study abroad experiences
- Network with faculty
- Take excursions to internationally themed events across Chicago
- Cook and share foods from around the globe
- Connect your interest in global perspectives with UIC Radio, the Student Activities Board Cultural Showcase, the Language and Culture Learning Center and Centers for Diversity and Social Change and more
- Learn about research opportunities abroad and how to conduct research on international topics locally
- Prepare for your career by exploring internships with global connections
- Take part in peer tutoring for language classes
- Located in Academic & Residential Complex
- Courses taught in the same building
- Peer tutoring and study groups
Common Courses:
- POLS 184 required
- Language courses beyond those required for the major required for continuing students
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Leadership & Civic Engagement
This community for new first-year students provides them the chance to explore and enhance their leadership skills through a cohort-based curriculum of leadership programming and service to the community. Members will attend Project LEAD before the school year begins, and throughout the year participate in leadership programs and develop a personal leadership development plan. Members will complete at least 40 hours of service to the community.
- Located in Commons South, conveniently connected to programming space and student organizations in Student Center East
- The opportunity to move in early
- Participate in service learning projects
- Participate in leadership development programs
- Ease of getting involved with student organizations
Residents living in this community will:
- Participate in Project LEAD for new first-year students
- Participate in the IGNITE Leadership program
- Perform a minimum of 40 hours of service
If you live here, we encourage you to:
- Get involved in leadership positions within student organizations
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Nursing
This community brings together students from the College of Nursing. Living in this community you will receive
multiple development opportunities to enhance your professional skills.- Conveniently adjacent to College of Nursing in Single Student Residence
- Live in furnished apartments
- Engage in peer study groups
- Interact with nursing faculty and professionals
- Engage in panel discussions, speakers, and social events with the UIC Nursing Community
- Specially designed events that enhance students’ understanding of the fields of nursing and healthcare
- Gain a broad perspective of the career opportunities available in the nursing field
- Build an academic and professional network
- Opportunities to teach and mentor Pre-Nursing undergraduates
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in the College of Nursing
If you live here, we encourage you to:
- Join study groups with others on the floor
- Work with your RA to plan relevant programs
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PAP STEM Initiative
New this year is the creation of an area designed specifically for students in the President’s Award Program (PAP) STEM Initiative. This LLC will allow you to participate in seminars and programs within the residence hall, together with students who share your interests and passion for science and technology, combining living and learning.
- Located in James Stukel Towers
- Students in the same classes make for natural study groups
- Space for students to organize and host events
- We encourage eligible students to register for the Emerging Scholars Program. Students in this program are more likely to get As and Bs in crucial math and chemistry classes
- With sufficient numbers of students registering, courses can be taught right in JST
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be a member of the PAP STEM initiative
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) courses for corresponding math placements
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Pre-Health
This community brings together students interested in going into the health professions. Living in this
community, you will have an easier time learning about and preparing to go into the various healthcare fields.- Located in Courtyard across from the Learning Resource Center
- Learn about Delta Epsilon Mu, a pre-health co-ed fraternity, and the different research opportunities and assistantships available to you
- Develop cultural competency by learning how health disparities are addressed across fields
- Participate in trips to museums, professional organizations, and companies involved in health professions
- Attend information sessions about applying to professional programs in health-related fields
- Interact with faculty in the halls
- Peer Tutoring and study groups
Prerequisite for the community:
- To have a Pre-Health Educational Goal
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM 232)
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Pre-Law & Justice
This community is designed for students interested in preparing themselves to take an active role in the creation of a more just society.
- Practice LSAT questions
- Learn about student organizations such as Mock Trial
- Develop relationships to gain internships
- Network with faculty
- Located in Academic & Residential Complex
- Courses taught in the same building
- Peer tutoring and study groups
Common Courses:
- CLJ 120 required
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REAL (Respect, Equity, & Active Learning)
This community brings together first-year students interested in meeting and engaging with a diverse set of peers and learning about issues related to cultural diversity, equity, identity, and inclusion.
- Located in Commons West
- Engage in discussions with other students,
faculty, staff, and visiting presenters - Attend dinners and book clubs with authors, faculty, and top-level administrators
- Participate in team building activities and professional development opportunities
- Develop leadership skills on issues of social justice
- Learn how to make the most of UIC’s diversity
- Interact with faculty in the halls
- Peer tutoring and study groups
If you live here, we encourage you to:
- Enroll in Dialog (DLG) 120
- Have an interest in engaging with issues of diversity
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Women In Science and Engineering (WISE)
The Women in Science and Engineering wing, located in JST, works in conjunction with the Center for Research on Women and Gender to increase the number of women, majority and minority, students pursuing and graduating in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, and to promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women who have chosen academic careers.
- Located in James Stukel Towers
- Monthly dinners with faculty
- Tutoring in the hall
- Students in the same classes make for natural study groups
- Ease of planning programming with fellow residents and faculty in residence
Prerequisite for the community:
- Be in a STEM major
- This community is designed for female-identified and/or transgender students
If you live here, we encourage you to enroll in:
- Engineering 111 if a member of the College of Engineering
- Engineering 112 if a member of the College of Engineering