Living Learning Communities
Live with students who share similar academic or social interests.
WKU Living Learning Communities
In a WKU Living Learning Community (LLC), students with similar academic or social interests live together on a residence hall floor and participate in activities tailored to their specific majors or interests.
LLCs are designed to help you connect socially, succeed academically, engage with WKU faculty, staff, and administrators, and chart your course at WKU.
WKU faculty share about WKU Living Learning Communities
Although each LLC has unique opportunities, they all share the same vital purpose and goal: nurturing and developing a prosperous Hilltopper student to become engaged with other students and faculty throughout campus.
*There is no additional cost for a Living Learning Community. However, some LLCs require
students to register for specific classes; please refer to the individual LLC descriptions
for additional requirements.
WKU student attributes collegiate success to involvement in Living Learning Community
“The LLC was the biggest thing that contributed to my success within the Gordon Ford College of Business itself, not only as a person, but also as a college student...”
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No Additional Cost.
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Academic Living Learning Communities may include enrollment in two linked courses that count toward your major and/or General Education requirements.
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Priority housing - you will receive your housing assignment in early April.
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Priority course registration for LLC courses.
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Opportunity to form deeper connections with faculty and staff members.
- Opportunity to connect with people similar to yourself and create lasting relationships through your college career and beyond. You will build your support system early, preparing you as you progress through your coursework and into the career field.
“Joining the LLC allowed me to be in one of the most encouraging environments I’ve ever experienced...I had a group of 25 peers around me that I had three classes a day with, and we all lived on the same floor too. We were instant friends, and we knew so much about each other quickly. They were my first friends on campus, and we didn’t have to go through that ‘I don’t know anyone in this class’ phase. It just made it feel like home.”
Academic Living Learning Communities
*Academic programs marked "interdisciplinary" are open to all majors and areas of study.
The Agriculture Living Learning Community provides a residential environment that fosters peer networking and academic success for freshman who are majoring in Agriculture at WKU.
Majors include:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Technology & Mgt
In the Agriculture LLC, you will:
- Live with other freshman Agriculture majors on the same floor in a residence hall,
- Take agriculture major courses together, and
- Participate in events throughout your freshman year that will help you to learn more about your area of study and the opportunities available in your discipline.
Participating in the Agriculture LLC is a great way to get to know other students, faculty, and staff in your program.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
AGRO 110: Introduction to Plant Science
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU Department of Agriculture and Food Science
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Business Living Learning Community is specifically designed for first-year business-minded students to receive enhanced learning programs outside of the classroom. This community provides support toward a successful academic and eventual business career.
I am thankful for all of the friends that I have made and all of the academic benefits [the Business] LLC has to offer!
The Business Living Learning Community provides students with opportunities to connect and engage with fellow business-minded classmates, faculty, peer mentors, and business executives.
Students will benefit from programming designed to focus on community engagement, leadership, and personal development.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in business workshops, networking events with faculty, and business-related excursions.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
- FIN 161 -Personal Finance (fall)
- BA 175 - Business Administration (fall)
- CIS 141 -Basic Computer Literacy (spring)
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Eligible Majors Include:
- Business
- Accounting
- Business Econ
- International Business-Prep
- Marketing
- Applied Economics
- Business Data Analytics
- Finance
- Management
- Mathematical Economics
- Entrepreneurship
"I am thankful for the immediate connections that we all made in the first couple of weeks of school."
Thanks to the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Gail Broady, there is no additional cost for students to enroll in the Gordon Ford College of Business Living Learning Communities.
WKU Gordon Ford College of Business
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Living Learning Community is for students who are majoring in a CHHS program.
Students will live together in a common "pod" and will participate in activities that will promote a smooth transition academically, socially, and personally to college life.
The CHHS LLC will provide opportunities to observe and interact with a variety of professionals.
Each student in the CHHS LLC will enroll in a common course. This course will facilitate networking within the college and with professionals in the community. Students will discover how professionals interact and collaborate.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU College of Health & Human Services
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Eligible Majors Include:
Department of Applied Human Sciences
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Hospitality Management and Dietetics
- Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Communication Disorders
Department of Social Work
- Social Work
School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport
- Physical Education
- Recreation, Park, and Non-profit Administration
- Sport Management
School of Nursing and Allied Health
- Dental Hygiene
Find your inspiration in the Creative Arts Living Learning Community.
Join future artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, composers, actors, designers, technicians, and dancers in this interdisciplinary community designed to cultivate creativity.
Live, study, create and collaborate with fellow students studying the arts.
Students in the Creative Arts LLC have access to residence hall music practice rooms and studio space.
Meredith Hall is a suite-style residence hall, featuring a brand new studio space accessible to Creative Arts LLC students.
Eligible Majors Include:
- Art History
- English (Creative Writing)
- Dance
- Film
- Film Production
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Visual Studies
WKU Potter College of Arts & Letters
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Criminology Living Learning Community is focused on engaging first-year students interested in the professions of criminology (i.e., law enforcement, courts, corrections, victim advocacy, and juvenile justice), and believe their transition to college would be enhanced by receiving extra support from faculty, peer mentors, alumni, and community partners working in justice careers.
Together, participants will live on the same residence hall floor while engaging in shared classroom experiences and programming designed to deepen awareness of and appreciation for the field of criminology.
LLC participants will benefit from a close relationship with faculty and peer mentors in the criminology program, learning from them the techniques of college success.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
- CRIM 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CRIM 234: Crime and Popular Culture
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
I am beyond thankful for the relationships I’ve made in my pod, as well as my phenomenal pod leader and RA. They are the ones that has helped me transition into my new life here on campus.
WKU Department of Sociology & Criminology
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) LLC is a community designed for first-year majors in environmental, geographic, geological, meteorological, emergency management/disaster, and sustainability sciences. Although students may major in these distinctively different fields, the disciplines are highly interconnected, with the broad topics complementing and building upon each other.
Students will receive enhanced learning programs outside of the classroom to support a successful academic and eventual geoscience career. Non-majors who have a broad interest in these topics are also welcomed.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences
Contact: llc@wku.edu
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Major or have an interest in one of the following:
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- Environmental, Sustainability, & Geographic Science
- Geological Sciences
- Meteorology
- Public Health
- Recreation
- Social Work
- Students with an explicit interest in the disciplines of EEAS, including emergency management and disaster sciences and geographic information systems are also welcomed.
- Students must take GEOG/GEOL 103 and GEOG 280.
The "Top of the Class" Living Learning Community is for first-year students enrolled in the WKU School of Teacher Education.
All students majoring in education are welcome: elementary, special education, middle grades, or secondary.
This LLC provides a learning community for future teachers to share their passion, learn together, and interact in professional growth activities that develop fellowship and professionalism.
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU School of Teacher Education
Contact: llc@wku.edu
I’m thankful for my LLC because I have learned a lot from those who live around me. They have taught me what it’s like to be in a community and have people around me that you can talk to at any point about whatever you need. Being around people that have the same interest as you is a great opportunity to learn from one another! I have made friends for life here and for that I’ll always be thankful!
The Exercise Science Living Learning Community is designed for first-year students in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport who are majoring in Exercise Science.
Each semester, LLC members will enroll in two courses together that are required for the Exercise Science major. Students will also live on the same floor of a residence hall with other Exercise Science students and will benefit from peer engagement, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities.
Members of the LLC will have opportunities to engage with each other, with faculty members, and with other students in the Exercise Science program. Examples of engagement and educational activities include:
- Guest speakers and discussions on topics in Exercise Science
- Educational exercise sessions
- Pre-registration group advising session
- Peer mentoring
- Faculty meet and greets
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
I am thankful for the opportunity to meet lots of friends, and having neighborhood style living within my pod.
To be eligible to join the EXS LLC, students must:
- Be a first-year student
- Major in Exercise Science
- Express interest in the EXS LLC on their housing application and answer the required questions.
Applicants will be chosen based on GPA and stated interest in the program. Members of the LLC are expected to enroll in the designated foundational courses (two per semester) with their cohort.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Are you interested in learning more about yourself as a leader and improving your communication with others?
The interdisciplinary Leadership & Communication Living Learning Community will provide you with:
- Mentorship from current students and faculty,
- Experiential learning activities, and
- The chance to develop a network of peers and explore leadership opportunities on campus.
The Leadership Communication LLC will create a learning environment that fosters individual and group leadership skills and allow participants to determine and develop their personal ethical perspective and improve their leadership communication skills.
This LLC provides guest speakers, in-class active learning activities, and at least one weekend co-curricular excursion per semester. Office hours will be held weekly by each faculty member in the First Year Village space.
In this LLC, you will earn 6 hours of Colonnade credit in your first semester (LEAD 200 and COMM 145) and be able to discuss basic concepts of leadership and communication.
You will also complete Phase 1 of the Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI). In your second semester, you will complete Phase 2 of DLI and engage in other out-of-class activities with your LLC colleagues.
FALL
- LEAD 200: Leadership Studies
- COMM 145: Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication
SPRING
- DLI Phase 2 and other activities
These courses offer credit toward certificates in Organizational Leadership and Workplace Communication.
- Students will take both COMM 145 and LEAD 200 as well as complete DLI Phase 1 in the
first semester and complete DLI Phase 2 in the second semester. Students with COMM 145 dual credit are not eligible for this LLC.
- The Leadership & Communication LLC is interdisciplinary; students from any major or program of study may apply.
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
I am thankful for the friends that have turned into my college family who are there for each other whenever we need it.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Nursing Living Learning Community provides a residential community for peer networking, selective tutoring, mentoring and strategic programming for students who plan to enter the nursing program at WKU.
This LLC is limited to students with a Pre-Nursing major designation.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
I’m thankful for my faculty fellows that are super kind and always willing to help us!
WKU School of Nursing and Allied Health
Contact: llc@wku.edu
PSYCH - Psychology Students Yearning to Climb Higher
The PSYCH LLC is designed is to:
- Help students learn the ins and outs of the psychology major,
- Broaden students' knowledge about career options in psychology,
- Develop transferable skills relevant to the field of psychology and beyond,
- Improve academic success,
- Promote positive social involvement with both peers and faculty, and
- Improve overall wellness.
Satisfies general education requirements
Fall
- PSY220 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology
- TBD Colonnade course
Spring
- PSY210/211
- TBD colonnade course
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
- Declared Psychology Major
- Eligibility for MATH 183
I am thankful for my LLC because I have made genuine close connects to people that I can now call my closest friends. I have also been able to be more connected to my major in psychology and have learned ways to advance toward my future career. I have also had many activities that have gotten me more connected on campus. I wouldn’t change this opportunity for anything else.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Public Health LLC is designed for students who are in programs housed within the Department of Public Health. The programs include public health, health care administration, environmental health science, health sciences and health information management.
As a member of the Public Health LLC, students will:
- Be in presence of others seeking similar education and careers in various healthcare disciplines
- Participate in networking events in collaboration with the community and local healthcare industry, including healthcare facility tours and community service related to public health.
- Engage with healthcare leaders of the community, as well as faculty of the department
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Contact: llc@wku.edu
First year students in the following undergraduate programs:
- Public Health
- Health Care Administration
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science
- Health Sciences
- Health Information Management
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) Living Learning Community provides a residential environment for first-year students that fosters peer networking and academic success for students who are majoring in any of the nine undergraduate programs in SEAS through the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.
In the SEAS LLC, you will live with other students in SEAS meta-majors on the same floor in a residence hall, take a SEAS University Learning course together, and participate in SEAS LLC events throughout your freshmen year to learn about your major and to grow professionally.
Participating in the SEAS LLC is a great way to get to know other students, faculty, and staff in your discipline.
I am thankful for having the given experiences and being able to make friends with the ones in similar fields and who live on the same floor.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Eligible Majors Include:
- Architectural Science
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Computer Information Technology,
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Technology Management
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
The School of Media Living Learning Community is designed to bring together and engage first-year students in the fields of Journalism, Photojournalism and Broadcasting, and to provide shared experiences across those disciplines.
Students in this LLC will form strong, interpersonal connections to their classmates and faculty in the School of Media, and will have increased and enhanced opportunities to study, discuss and experience the core material from their Freshman SoM classes.
- Students must be first-year majors in Journalism, Photojournalism or Broadcasting.
- Students must be enrolled in a single linked section of SOM 101 (Understanding Media) and one of two linked sections of SOM 102 (Media Content, Collaboration and Community) during their first semester.
Students are also encouraged, but not required, to enroll in a journalism-focused section of UC 175 (University Experience).
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Learn More | WKU School of Media LLC
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Interest-Based Living Learning Communities
The Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community houses students participating in the Chinese Flagship Program.
Students who participate in the Chinese Flagship LLC are invited to exclusive events intended to immerse them in, and deepen their knowledge of, the Chinese language and culture.
Events may include:
- Chinese New Year and Moon Festival celebrations,
- Cooking traditional Chinese food with faculty,
- Study abroad application workshops,
- A Critical Language Scholarship application workshop with the Office of Scholar Development,
- The annual Spring Symposium, an event designed to showcase student research, language learning, or creative work in Chinese,
- A workshop to learn about federal careers,
- Learning intercultural games with a Chinese tutor.
I am so very thankful for the community we created which enabled us to learn and grow together. The ability to utilize the skills of others while learning Chinese has been immensely helpful which allowed us to make unforgettable connections to one another! I will never forget this experience and I’m so thankful for that.
Throughout the year, students will be connected to an upper-level peer mentor who will serve as a bridge to the upper-level students, and to advise on adjusting to WKU and how to succeed in the Flagship Program. In addition, students will be invited to multiple informal events held at the Chinese Language Immersion House on campus to cook, play games, sing karaoke, or watch movies.
Minton Hall is a community style hall located in the middle of campus.
- This LLC is for incoming first year students.
- Students must apply to and be accepted into the Chinese Flagship Program to participate.
- All students will attend the mandatory Annual Flagship Student Meeting in September.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Intercultural Student Engagement Center (ISEC) Academy Living Learning Community is for any student who identifies as a student of color (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, and Multiracial) and/or is a first-generation college student, Pell eligible, and has some need with their transition, persistence, and graduation from WKU.
[I am thankful for] the family away from home that is has provided me, it’s a priceless support system, filled with love and black excellence that keeps me on my path and lifts me up when I fall.
LLC participants may be enrolled in up to two courses including:
- IDST 199: University Learning
- ENGL 100: Introduction to College Writing
This LLC is for first-year and second-year students only.
Hugh Poland Hall is a community style residence hall located in the First Year Village.
Zacharias Hall is a suite style residence hall located in the First Year Village.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The WKU Mahurin Honors College Living Learning Community is designed specifically for scholars in The Mahurin Honors College (MHC). The MHC has worked with driven and gifted scholars for decades, and we have crafted an environment inside of Minton Hall that focuses on your unique social, cultural, and intellectual needs.
Our inclusive interdisciplinary LLC focuses on maximizing your success through a host of specialized programs as you ascend towards excellence in the MHC. The MHC LLC in Minton Hall is a residence hall full of high energy eclectic scholars just like you.
Students must be admitted to the Mahurin Honors College
I have made friends who share the same values as me. This has helped me enjoy college while also putting my academic requirements first. My friends have encouraged me to keep pushing through homework and even getting up for class sometimes. I am truly so thankful for the lifelong friends that the LLC has brought me.
HON 251: Citizen and Self
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Army ROTC Living Learning Community is for students who:
- Are enrolling in the ROTC program and a Military Science course
- Want to live in the same residence hall and form connections with other Army ROTC students
- Want to participate in extracurricular activities that connect learning in and out of the classroom
Army ROTC partners with Western Kentucky University to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire ROTC Cadets in order to commission officers of character for the Total Army.
The Army ROTC Living Learning Community consists of a diverse group of first-year students who are engaged in the Army ROTC program, and a variety of co-curricular activities. The living learning community will create camaraderie and team building among ROTC students, ensure each ROTC student is persistent in their academics and connect ROTC students with faculty/staff to track student success through mentorship opportunities. Students in the living learning community will have access to many different opportunities to enhance their abilities and prepare them for their future careers.
Zacharias Hall is a suite style residence hall located in the First Year Village.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Stonewall Suites (LGBTQ+) Living Learning Community is for students who strive to promote social integration and change for all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations.
This LLC is open to any student interested in participating. Students interested in this LLC will go through an interview process before being selected into the community.
Meredith Hall is a suite style hall located in the First Year Village
I'm incredibly thankful for the friends I've made since coming here and hearing all of their incredibly stories. I've really learned so much from them and I'm so grateful to have met everyone in Stonewall Suites!
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Transfer Living Learning Communityis for any student who is transferring to WKU from another institution of higher education, whether that is a four-year university or a community college.
This LLC equips students for future success and strives to help students get connected to the campus community by helping them access helpful resources and making meaningful connections with other students.
Meredith Hall is a suite style residence hall
I am the most thankful for the community and friends I've made while being a part of my LLC.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
View From the Hill | Incoming Freshmen at WKU encouraged to apply for Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Community options and locations may be subject to change.
Have a Living Learning Community Suggestion?
Let us know!
Apply for a Living Learning Community through your WKU Housing Application.
Depending on the LLC, you may be asked to submit more information. You will be contacted about your participation.
If selected for a Living Learning Community, you will be assigned to the building/floor housing the LLC.
“Living in an LLC makes it easier for us to access our teachers.”
Danielle Williams, a member of the Criminology Living Learning Community (LLC) at WKU, has found life in an LLC beneficial for starting her academic journey.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through the Business LLC.”
Nick Herdegen, a member of the Business Living Learning Community, says that being a part of the Business LLC helped him transition into WKU both academically and socially.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through the Business LLC.”
Nick Herdegen, a member of the Business Living Learning Community, says that being a part of the Business LLC helped him transition into WKU both academically and socially.
“It’s great because we’re all in the same classes and I have people I can bond with.” He explained that being in an LLC means being surrounded by “people who all specialize in what you learn”, which gives you a great opportunity to help and be helped by the people who live right down the hall.
Additionally, he explained that being in an LLC gave him a community of people as soon as he arrived on the Hill, as there are often events such as visiting Chaney’s Dairy Barn or Monopoly nights that allow the students in the LLC to get to know each other.
Even though Nick has switched from pursuing an accounting degree to the pre-nursing program, he still feels like the LLC experience benefited him greatly and helped him connect with other Hilltoppers.
Photo & interview by WKU student, Isabelle Hannah ('24)
“I have people living with me, who are also in the same classes as me. I’m able to connect with them and practice speaking Chinese with them.”
Taryn Guyer, a member of the Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community, explained that she is more motivated to complete her work when she sees all the people around her completing and collaborating on assignments.
Have you ever been interested in learning a new language? Or in learning more about a culture?
WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program offers students an opportunity to learn Chinese with no previous knowledge of the language, by immersing them in Chinese classes five days a week and giving them an opportunity to engage with native speakers.
Taryn Guyer, a member of the Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community (LLC) explained that being a part of the LLC gave her a unique opportunity to learn more about the language from being surrounded by members of her classes in her residence hall.
“I have people living with me, who are also in the same classes as me. I’m able to connect with them and practice speaking Chinese with them.”
Taryn also explained that being in an LLC is academically beneficial, as she is more motivated to complete her work when she sees all the people around her completing and collaborating on assignments.
“There are people who live in the LLC that are in more advanced classes than me, and I am able to ask them for help.”
The Chinese Flagship LLC offers students in the program a unique opportunity to become even more immersed in learning the Chinese language, as it surrounds them with people who are all learning and practicing the same language.
(270)745-3577
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