Frequently Asked Questions: Learning Communities

What is a Learning Community?

Residential Learning Communities at UConn allow students with a similar major or interest to choose to live together in a residence hall. Students in each community are enrolled in a one- or two-credit seminar course together, and engage in other activities as a community outside of class. These activities include social and cultural events; study groups; volunteer work in areas of interest to you; opportunities for internships; interacting one-on-one or in small groups with faculty, staff, peer mentors and guest speakers; field trips; and so on. Students in some communities take an additional course as a cohort.

Learning Communities offer a fun way for you to learn about, and adjust to, life at UConn — a very large and complex community — within a smaller, closely knit community. They place you on a path to make the most out of your time at UConn, and they create a rich and integrated university experience that will inspire you to become an engaged lifelong learner.

For additional information, visit the Learning Communities website.

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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.

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What Residential Learning Community options can I choose from?

Learning Communities are a specialized housing option at UConn offered through a partnership between the Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities and the Department of Residential Life, where select students can live as a cohort with others who share similar interests and take a one- or two-credit seminar course together. Students 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. Students interested in living in Learning Communities can choose from themed communities related to their major, career interest, or an interdisciplinary topic:

• Major-based communities: EUROTECH; Fine Arts; Honors; Music; Nursing; Pre-Pharmacy; Women in Math, Science & Engineering.
• Interdisciplinary interest-based communities (open to all majors): Community Service; Connecting with the Arts; EcoHouse; Global House; Leadership, Learning & Life at UConn; Public Health/Public Service; and Social Justice in a Global Economy.

For descriptions of these Learning Communities and who can participate, please visit the Learning Communities website.

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What are Non-Residential Learning Communities?

Students do not live together, but automatically become part of a Non-Residential Learning Community when they enroll in a corresponding INTD (Interdisciplinary) course. Students form a community through sharing this common experience.

• Non-Residential Learning Communities include: Allied Health; Animal Science; Economics; Engineering; Exploring Helping Professions (Human Development & Family Studies); Pathobiology; Pre-Journalism; and Pre-Teaching.

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How can I apply to live in a Learning Community?

You can apply to live in a Learning Community for the upcoming 2010-2011 academic year after you apply for housing. First, submit your Online Housing Application and then submit a Learning Community Application (check the Learning Communities website for deadlines). If you apply for a Learning Community, but are not accepted (spaces fill fast), you will still be considered for regular housing on campus.

For additional information, visit the Learning Communities website.

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

Students who apply by the application deadline will hear by early May.

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If you still need to have a question answered, you can submit a question online.