×

FAQs

Student raising his hand in class

Learning Community FAQs

What are the benefits of living in a Living-Learning Community?

There are many benefits of living in a Loyola Living-Learning Community. By participating in a Living-Learning Community, you are more likely to:
  • Meet friends with similar interests
  • Explore your passions with faculty, staff, and students
  • Feel more connected to campus
  • Enhance your academic and social experiences
  • Broaden your perspectives with the theme of your community
  • Enjoy a smaller close-knit community within the larger university
  • Connect with professors in class and across campus
  • Take advantage of LC events and activities on and off campus
  • Feel more confident in your academic abilities
  • Achieve greater academic success

How do I apply to participate in a Living-Learning Community?

Students will have the ability to indicate interest in participating in a LLC when completing their housing application. 

If I apply to participate in a Living-Learning Community, am I guaranteed a space in my first choice?

We do our best to place as many students as possible in their first-choice Living-Learning Community.  However, students may also be accepted into their second or third choice community.  If you are truly only interested in one community, please understand that this means there is a chance that you will not be placed in a Living-Learning Community at all.  Preferencing all the communities you are interested in will increase the opportunity for you to participate in the Living-Learning Community program.

 

How many students participate in Living-Learning Communities?

Typically each year we have approximately 450 first-year students participate in a Living-Learning Community.

Is there an extra cost associated with the Living-Learning Communities?

No. Living-Learning Community students pay the same rates as other students in their residence hall (depending on room type). View Room and Board Rates

In which residence halls are the Living-Learning Communities located?

Living-Learning Communities are housed in many of our first-year residence halls. Most LLCs are assigned to halls based on the number of interested students. All communities offer space for community gatherings, programs, and community engagement.  Students will find out their assigned hall in July.

As a Living-Learning Community student, must my roommate be in the same Living-Learning Community?

Yes. Living-Learning community students live together in a community of their own. If you would like to room with someone who is accepted to the same Living-Learning Community as you, make sure that both of you apply for the Living-Learning Communities, indicate the same community preferences, and also put each other as a roommate preference on your housing application.  We will do our best to accommodate your request.  

Do I need to live on-campus to participate in a Living-Learning Community?

Yes. The Living-Learning Community experience is centered around students living and learning together. Participating in both is the only way for students to truly get the most out of the experience and build the most supportive community.

What classes are required for the Learning Communities?

Courses selected for the Learning Communities are based on the Core Curriculum and fulfill degree requirements for all students at Loyola, regardless of major. Therefore, participating in a Learning Community does not add any courses to your regular curriculum.
 
Typically, Learning Community students take UNIV 101 and a 3-credit Core course together in the Fall semester and a 3-credit Core course together in the Spring semester. However, the academic requirements do vary by community. For a complete understanding of the curricular requirements please see the website for each specific Learning Community

Am I required to take the Learning Community course(s)?

Yes. The Learning Community program is centered around students living and learning together. Therefore, students are required to enroll in and complete the Learning Community course(s). Should a student decide not to take the required course(s), they will be choosing not to participate in the community. An alternate residential space will be found for the student.
 
LC Courses count as degree requirements or electives for most majors. If you believe that your required Learning Community class does not fit into your curriculum, you should contact your Academic Advisor directly.

Can I participate in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program or Quinlan School of Business Honors Program and also be in a Learning Community?

No. The Learning Communities and Honors Programs each feature a specific residential component, so it is not possible to participate in both. However, you are encouraged to apply for both. If you are not accepted into an Honors program, you still may be accepted into a Learning Community.

I was conditionally admitted to Loyola through Bridge to Loyola or ICAP. Can I participate in a Learning Community?

No. Bridge and ICAP have their own rigorous programs and require that you take specific classes, so you will not be able to take advantage of the Learning Community experience. 

As a Learning Community student, when will I register for classes?

During New Student Orientation
Once you have made your admissions deposit, you will be able to sign up for an Orientation date. Orientation takes place during the summer and will give you an opportunity to get to know campus and develop some friendships before you start in the Fall. During Orientation, you will meet with your Academic Advisor and register for your fall semester classes. You are responsible for ensuring that you register for the correct LC classes, but your Advisor will help make sure you register correctly.

As an incoming Learning Community student, when will I participate in New Student Orientation?

Incoming first-year students will participate in Orientation over the summer. In early May, you will be able to select the Orientation date that works best for you. During Orientation you will have the opportunity to become familiar with campus, develop friendships, and register for classes before you begin at Loyola in the Fall.