Apply Now and FAQ

How to Apply for Learning Communities

1. Submit Living-Learning Community Interest: Starting February 1, submit your Housing Application/Contract. In this form, select that you are interested in Living-Learning Communities. This will take you directly to another form where you will rank your Living-Learning Community preferences and write about why you want to join. There is no additional deposit or fee for Living-Learning Communities.
2. Roommate Matching: If you are requesting to live with a specific roommate, make sure your preferred roommate also submits Living-Learning Community interest and preferences that match yours.
3. Deadline: The first year priority application deadline is May 1.
4. Questions? Email us at livelearn@luc.edu

Research Shows...

Living-Learning Communities are considered a High-Impact Educational Practice by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, because they increase student engagement, retention, and persistence.

Research shows that students who participate in a Loyola Living-Learning Community report significantly higher ratings in:

• Intent to stay at Loyola
• Making friends and feeling connected to other students
• Overall learning in the residence halls
• Overall satisfaction with their residential experience
• Connection to faculty
• Access to peer role models and professional mentors
• Learning-focused conversations
• Leadership skills

(Sources: Residence Life Survey 2019, 2018, 20217, EBI Survey 2016-17, Survey of Integrated Living-Learning Programs 2016-17)

Additionally, peer-reviewed published research shows that students who participate in a Learning Community:

• Report higher overall engagement
• Graduate at higher rates
• Drink alcohol at lower rates and engage less in high-risk drinking
• Show higher gains in intellectual and social development
• Have more social interaction with peers
• Show increased gains in critical thinking and reading comprehension
• Have more interaction with faculty

(Selected Sources: Zhao and Kuh (2004), Brower, Golde, and Allen (2003), McCabe et al. (2008), Tinto (1999))

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits?
  • There are many benefits of living in a Loyola Living Learning Community (LLC). By participating in a LLC, you are more likely to:
    • Connect with students with similar interests
    • Broaden perspectives with the LLC theme
    • Connect with professors in class and across campus
    • Achieve greater academic success through linked courses
    • Participate in LLC specific events and activities both on and off campus. 

• How do I apply?
  • Students will have the ability to indicate interest in participating in a LLC when completing their housing application. Refer to steps under “Apply Now” section. 

• Am I guaranteed a spot in a LLC?
  • 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 choice community. Preferencing all the communities you are interested in will increase the opportunity for you to participate in the Living Learning Community program. 

• Does it cost more to be in a LLC?
  • 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 

• Which halls have LLCs?
  • 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 June/July. 

• Can I pick my roommate in a LLC?
  • Yes. 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. 

• Can I participate in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program or Quinlan School of Business Honors Program and also be in a Learning Community?
  • No. The Living 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 Living Learning Community. For questions regarding the invitation only communities, refer to the “Current LLCs” section.  
• Still have questions? Email us at livelearn@luc.edu.