Living Learning Communities

Courtyard of Newell Hall

Living Learning Communities are intentional communities within the residence halls that enhance a student's Towson experience by connecting them with faculty, staff, and fellow students with similar academic and personal interests.  LLCs are themed around both academic and co-curricular interests, so that students can find a community that aligns with their goals.  LLCs with an academic focus include one or more linked courses, where students enroll in related courses with others who live in the community. All LLCs include the opportunity to take part in events that facilitate learning and connections outside of the classroom.  LLC students also have additional support, as Residence Life staff collaborate with academic and student affairs partners to deliver unique learning experiences in a smaller environment that promotes individual connections and community.  

 Benefits of Participation 

  • Direct Connection with Multiple University Departments and Resources: LLCs connect students directly with academic departments and campus resources, providing tailored support and opportunities.
  • Students Are Able to Pursue Common Interests and Form Connections: Living with peers who share similar academic or personal interests fosters meaningful relationships and collaboration.
  • Immersive Academic Residential Experience: LLCs integrate academics with daily life, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Increased Engagement in Related Subject Area: Students have more opportunities to engage deeply in their field of study through workshops, events, and hands-on activities.
  • Supportive Environment That Promotes Student Success: LLCs offer a supportive community that helps students stay motivated, manage challenges, and succeed academically.
  • No Extra Costs or Fees: There are no additional fees for living in an LLC, making it an affordable option with extra academic and social benefits. 

How to Apply 

To participate in Towson’s Living Learning Communities, students must live on campus. This residential requirement allows for students to fully immerse themselves in the community, fostering connections and making the most of the LLC experience. 

  • Navigate to Living@TU and submit your housing application.  
  • As part of your housing application, you will be able to select LLC preferences and complete any supplemental questions for up to three of the communities that you’re interested in.  
  • If you have a roommate, please confirm that they’ve completed the housing application and selected LLC preferences in the same communities as you. 
  • Roommate pairs with both individuals having applied to the LLC receive priority in the LLC application process. 

The 2025-2026 Incoming Freshman Housing and LLC Application Process will open on January 31, 2025, at 9:00am EST and will close at 11:59pm EST on May 2, 2025. Students selected for an LLC will receive notification of their placement in July. 

Current LLC students who wish to continue living in their LLC next academic year should reach out to .  

FAQS

To participate in LLCs, students must live on campus. This enables students to immerse themselves in the community, attend exclusive events, and build connections with their peers. Many LLCs have additional eligibility criteria, such as specific major or course requirements. These details can be found on each LLC's respective page.
Each community is supported by a Resident Assistant (RA) who plays a key role in fostering a positive living environment and creating opportunities for learning and engagement. Additionally, Housing & Residence Life aims to staff each community with a Community Mentor—an upper-class student (typically sophomore or beyond) selected to serve as a resource for first-year and other students in the LLC. The Community Mentor helps drive the LLC’s mission through relationship-building and organizing social programming.For academic LLCs, First Year Advisors and faculty partners are also available to assist students in transitioning to college life, offer academic guidance, and help students build meaningful connections. 

In general, yes. The linked courses are a core component of LLCs, and attending classes with those in your community is an essential part of the experience in academic LLCs. Linked courses are selected with the input of faculty and advisors to ensure that they align with either core requirements or the program of study for the associated college or major. 

Exceptions may be made if a student already has credit for a particular course from advanced credits prior to attending TU. 

 

Once you are accepted to an LLC with a linked course, the LLC team will work with first-year advisors to enroll you in the LLC’s linked courses. No action is required on your part.  Please do not remove yourself from any LLC linked courses you are added to. More information about advising for incoming first year students can be found here. 

If your interest or eligibility for an LLC changes prior to the LLC application’s close on May 2, please return to Living@TU to update your application to reflect these changes. 

If your interest or eligibility for an LLC changes after May 2, please contact from your TU student email address to update the LLC team of the change as soon as you can. Where possible, you will be reassigned from the LLC to a different space.  However, depending on when we receive the request and on-campus occupancy levels, it may not be possible to change your housing assignment even if you no longer wish to participate in the LLC courses and programs. 

Housing Accommodation Requests should be made through the Housing Accommodation Request form through the Accessibility & Disability Services Office after students have already signed their housing contract. Please keep in mind that we strive to ensure that all students are provided with equal access to TU’s residence halls on campus but ADA accessible rooms with our LLCs are extremely limited. 

It depends on the housing option. 

  • 9 Month Housing: The only LLC located in a 9-month community is Global Village. Students may still apply for both 9-month housing and an LLC but will only be assigned to one of the two. 

  • Alcohol-Free: Though it is a housing option, the Alcohol-Free Community is similar to an LLC in staffing and is found on the LLC application. Students may apply to the Alcohol-Free Community and up to two other LLCs but can only be placed in either the Alcohol-Free Community or another LLC. 

  • Gender Inclusive Housing: Gender Inclusive Housing is available in all LLCs, though space is limited in some communities due to the layout of certain buildings. A student’s application to GIH will supersede the LLC application if GIH space in the LLC is not available. 

  • Premium Housing: The only LLCs located in premium housing are Honors and the American Sign Language LLC. Students with an interest in both premium housing and LLCs are encouraged to apply to both since the demand for premium housing is generally higher than the number of spaces available. Students who apply to – but are not assigned – premium housing still may be placed in an LLC. 

 
No. Currently, LLCs are considered part of the First-Year Experience. 
Returning students can only live in an LLC as a student leader in the community – as a Resident Assistant, Community Mentor, or Role Model. Generally, students who have previous experience living in an LLC are given priority for these LLC student leader roles. Information about the Resident Assistant role can be found here. Information about the Community Mentor and Role Model roles can be found here. 
No. Since no LLCs are housed in Capstone communities, only students with University Housing contracts may apply to Living Learning Communities. 
While residence halls and accommodation styles will vary based on the community, all LLCs students should expect to share a room and bathroom with at least one other person. Information about where each LLC is located can be found on their respective pages
Any additional questions can be emailed to

 

Contact

Department of Housing & Residence Life

Location
Marshall Hall Suite 50
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252-0001
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone
410-704-2516
Fax
410-704-4228
Email
housing@towson.edu
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