A place to belong, a community to call your own.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) bring together students with shared interests to form meaningful connections through both structured and informal activities—like community meals, campus events and academic and service projects. There are a number of LLCs offered and guided by peer mentors and faculty or staff advisors who lead programming that supports students’ growth, belonging and out-of-class learning.
All first-year students at University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) participate in a unique Living Learning Community.
Living Learning Communities are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, disabilities, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin or other identities.
List of Living Learning Communities
Additional Details
Why Participate in an LLC?
Being part of an LLC is just the beginning—how you participate shapes your experience. Research shows that students who actively engage in LLCs:
- Perform better academically
- Feel a stronger sense of belonging
- Build lasting friendships
- Adjust to college life more smoothly
- Get involved on campus and in the community
- Have higher retention and graduation rates
Through intentional programming, peer mentorship and immersive experiences, LLCs make the first year of college more connected, engaging and successful.
Each LLC includes:
- Student mentors who help foster connections and guide group activities
- Exclusive programming such as monthly events, guest speakers and off-campus retreats
- A supportive community to help navigate college life, build relationships and explore new opportunities
Assignment and Selection
Who is Assigned to an LLC?
All incoming first-year students are automatically assigned to a Living Learning Community. This includes those students with Housing Exemptions.
First-Year Definition: You are considered a first-year student if you graduated high school less than two years ago and have not attended college since graduation. This applies even if you enter with PSEO or dual-enrollment credits earned during high school.
LLC assignment applies to students in the following tracks:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS)
- Early Assurance and Accelerated academic programs
- Current PSEO students
How are LLC Assignments Made
Admitted students will have the opportunity to rank their top ten LLC preferences when completing the Housing Application as part of the Admitted Students Next Steps checklist.
Spots in each LLC are limited. Students are encouraged to complete their Housing Application early to help secure their preferred community.
Students will receive their LLC assignment confirmation from the Living Learning Communities Coordinator before attending their New Raptor Advising and Registration session.
Programming Fee
A one-time, first-year charge of $50 for the fall term and $50 for the spring term will be applied to student accounts. This fee supports LLC-only programs, events and community activities throughout the year.
FAQ
Where and when do I submit my LLC preferences?
You will rank your top ten LLC preferences within the Housing Application, located in your admitted student portal.
- Deadline: Fall 2026 students must complete the application by June 1, 2026.
- Important: Assignments are prioritized by the date your application is submitted. We strongly encourage you to apply early to increase the likelihood of being placed in your top choice.
Do I need to be assigned to the same LLC as my roommate?
Yes. We prioritize keeping confirmed roommate groups together. If your LLC rankings do not match your roommate's, the assignment will be based on the preferences of the first applicant in your roommate group. We will not break up roommate groups, so we encourage you to discuss your rankings with your roommate ahead of time.
Can I switch LLCs after being assigned?
Changes are rare and reviewed on a case-by-case basis (e.g., for major changes or medical needs). To request a change, please contact the LLC staff at [email protected].
What if I don’t get my first choice?
While we strive to place students in their highly ranked choices, assignment to your first choice is not guaranteed. Placements are processed based on the date your housing application was received. If your first choice is at capacity, we will move to your next highest-ranked preference.
What if I start the spring semester?
You will submit your LLC preferences within the Housing Application. However, because you are joining mid-year, assignments are largely determined by where we have open beds. We will review your preferences, but placement is strictly subject to space availability in existing communities.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Living Learning Communities Coordinator at [email protected].