What’s an LLC | Testimonials | About UBCO’s LLCs | FAQs
What’s an LLC?
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are Student Housing programs that allow residents so live in a close-knit community with peers who share similar interests and values.
Each LLC is housed in a residence building, and is supported by a Residence Life staff member who facilitates tailored extra-curricular programs and educational opportunities.
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- Organizing events
- Participating in peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Gaining leadership experience, and
- Building relationships with like-minded peers and partners, on- and off campus
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Creating Connection & Community at UBCO
Leading and being a part of the Innovation and Technology LLC has been an enriching experience. As a woman studying electrical engineering, I believe finding a community of people with similar interests and goals is the keystone to my growth and success. I’m proud of the programs I got to run and the community of young innovators I got to help build. In the future, my hope for the LLC is to see as many different kinds of people as possible find a home where they can share a passion for Innovation and Technology. Being a minority in your degree and career can be pretty isolating. But, inclusive spaces like the Innovation and Technology LLC allow me and others like me to find a sense of belonging, which is all I could ever ask for. – Annie DeBattista, 4th Year Electrical Engineering Student, Perth, Australia
“It’s so much easier to build connections when you go in knowing these people have something in common with you, that you have the same passion. Working on the different projects (with your LLC) allows you to meet so many people, make connections and have the opportunity to see your ideas come to life.” – Taz Johnson, Social Justice and Change LLC Leader
“Being part of an LLC goes beyond living close to each other. It’s about having the opportunity to feel connected to others and achieve things together that makes belonging to that community matter.” – Muizz Yusuf, International and Global Leadership LLC Leader
“I really loved that my LLC brought the Go Global experience to me on campus. I was able to experience and learn about multiple different cultures without having to leave the comfort of UBCO. It gave me a taste of a variety of countries as well unique viewpoints from students my own age that had grown up outside of Canada. In some ways it was almost better than going abroad because you I was able to experience many different cultures by interacting with a variety of students rather than just picking one destination and being there for the semester or the year. I feet like I got more variety by being part of the Studying There and Back Again LLC.” – Gen Walton, Studying There and Back Again LLC Leader
All About Our LLCs
Please note: the residence area you are assigned to is determined based on your LLC
Expressive Arts
Past Events: Our Expressive Arts, Intercultural Leadership & Go Global LLCs partner to host a Multicultural Art Gala which showcases residence student and campus community art.
Building Room Type: Single Traditional
Meal Plan: Yes
Social Justice and Change
If you want to be the change you want to see in the world – and get to know people with a similar mindset – this LLC is for you. The Social Justice & Change LLC brings together residents interested in social justice issues, and intersectionality. Students will connect with campus and community partners to engage in initiatives that promote positive social change, while examining the ways that attitudes and prejudices impact others. Past initiatives have included helping to organize Pride Prom at UBCO.
Past Events: In the spring of 2023, the Social Justice and Change Living Learning Community and the Pride Resource Centre joined forces to create the first campus Pride Prom. Read about other contributions this LLC has made to the community here.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
Outdoor and Adventure
Do you love to get outdoors and into nature? Have you always wanted to explore the outdoors, but haven’t had the chance? Connect with students who have the same passion for and interest in outdoor adventures. Take a hike, spot wildlife, learn outdoors skills, and more. Plus, get out into the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley while learning about environmental advocacy. No previous outdoors experience required!
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
Intercultural Leadership
A place where cultural diversity is apparent, discussed and celebrated. Designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange, and to foster a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. International students and domestic students alike will learn about diversity, develop cultural intelligence, organize programs, and develop their own leadership skills.
Past Events: Our Expressive Arts, Intercultural Leadership & Go Global LLCs partner to host a Multicultural Art Gala which showcases residence student and campus community art.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
Healthy Living
Students in this community are often interested in the seven pillars of wellness (mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and intellectual), in a way that allows them to find their balance. The Healthy Living LLC is an opportunity for students to become involved in a community that is active, engaged and focused on personal development. Through wellness-based activities, campus partnerships, and community involvement, students will take on an active role in enhancing their wellness in a dynamic environment supported by a Residence Advisor who shares a similar interest in a balanced lifestyle.
Past Events: Our Healthy Living LLC gets extraordinarily muddy with their annual Dirty Dash mud run across and around campus that they host for all students.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
Leadership and Community Engagement
This LLC allows students to pursue their passions in volunteering and civic engagement. Guided by an experienced Residence Advisor, members of this community, along with campus partners, spend time volunteering and organizing programs that benefit the greater Kelowna community. Initiatives include tree planting, blood and plasma donation drives, food donation, and projects that help support the city’s unhoused population. Perfect for residents who are interested in citizenship and community leadership.
Past Events: Our Leadership and Community Engagement LLC hosts a dinner titled “A Need to Eat” which is a homestyle meal for raising awareness and learning about food insecurity.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
Sustainability
Explore aspects of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Sustainability is a broad term that encompasses personal, corporate, political, and global behaviours. Students will develop and implement action plans that promote sustainable habits in our day-to-day lives. This is an LLC that can learn together, share knowledge with peers, and make an impact in the community. Students in this LLC will have the freedom to express which aspects of sustainability speak to them most, and create events that fit with their passion. From exploring personal lifestyle changes to raising awareness of policy issues and opportunities for change in the community, this LLC will encourage you to live for the future of our planet!
Past Events: Our Sustainability LLC hosts a clothing exchange called Swap not Shop where students are able to donate their lightly used clothing and exchange their pieces for new wardrobe staples to help raise awareness about fast fashion and consumerism’s impact on our planet. Read about other contributions this LLC has made to the community here.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
“It’s been a wonderful experience to work with the Sustainable Leadership LLC … and watch residents learn and grow through this process. I have seen many residents joining clubs and taking initiative on their own. … Many residents have made connections and developed ideas that I cannot take credit for, but I’m glad the Sustainable Leadership LLC provided them with the space to do this.” – Rekha Marcus, Sustainable Leadership LLC
Innovation and Technology
Calling all out-of-the-box thinkers! This LLC provides an opportunity for students to collaborate and develop their interests in the realms of entrepreneurship, problem solving, technology, and innovative thought. You can expect opportunities for networking and relationship building with campus and community technology and innovation hubs that might just introduce you to something new and exciting. Participants will have the opportunity to share what new technology is most fascinating to them, and will challenge each other to think about how what already exists can be applied in new and inventive ways.
Past Events: Our Innovation and Technology LLC partners with the local innovation sector on interesting tours and entrepreneurship opportunities as well as hosting an Escape Room event. Read about other contributions this LLC has made to the community here.
Building Room Type: Single Connected
Meal Plan: Yes
“Inclusive spaces like the Innovation and Technology LLC allow me and others like me to find a sense of belonging, which is all I could ever ask for.” — Annie DeBattista, Electrical Engineering student and Innovation and Technology LLC leader
Go Global
The Go Global LLC is the perfect home for students who are interested in studying abroad or who are currently enrolled in an exchange program. Whether you are a domestic student looking to explore the world or an international exchange student looking for a supportive community, the Go Global LLC provides a welcoming and inclusive space to create memories with like-minded students. Residents have the opportunity to meet others from across the globe and create connections that will enhance their global endeavours. This LLC is open to all students who have completed at least one year of studies- domestic, international, exchange, and returning from Go Global who have a passion for global learning and cross-cultural exchange.
Past Events: Our Expressive Arts, Intercultural Leadership & Go Global LLCs partner to host a Multicultural Art Gala which showcases residence student and campus community art.
Building Room Type: Four Bedroom Suite
Meal Plan: No/Optional
FAQs
- Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are a unique opportunity to live on campus in a close-knit community with peers who share similar interests and values.
- They support student success by placing residents with similar interests into smaller communities in close proximity with each other – either on the same floor or in the same building community.
- These communities receive special programming, interactions with staff and campus partners, and are part of a web of support. Students must apply and be assigned to a specific LLC, as space is limited. Read below for more descriptions of exciting events and opportunities we’ve seen from our LLC’s in the past.
Research shows participation in an LLC can lead to:
- An increased sense of community; in residence and in the greater campus community
- Increased academic performance
- Successful and steady progress toward degree completion
- Meaningful engagement with other students, Residence Life staff, and campus partners & faculty
- Participation in connected courses and academic experiences
In addition, students involved in Living Learning Communities are retained at higher rates, are more engaged on campus, adjust more quickly to the academic demands of university, get to be part of enriching events, and find a true sense of belonging at UBCO.
- You’ll have the opportunity to connect with Residence Life staff and campus partners, faculty and staff based on the theme of your Living Learning Community.
- You’ll have a dedicated Residence Advisor (RA) that will guide your community and act as a resource and support to you and the other students in your LLC. They will host meetings, lead event planning, and generally host your LLC.
- You’ll be able to help participate in and/or plan legacy events in your LLC.
- You’ll make friends and connections with other like-minded students and foster relationships that will carry through your university experience.
- Each year our application cycle for LLCs is open from early to late May for the upcoming academic year.
- Applications open May 5th
- Yes. Your LLC choice will work towards determining your housing placement. The majority of our LLCs are placed within our typical first year experience buildings.
- In order to be placed in an LLC, you must first receive and accept a valid Housing offer for 2024-2025 (24W).
- You can expect to hear back from us regarding your LLC placement, if your housing application is also successful, in mid-July.
- While each year, the outcomes of the communities are in the hands of its leader and members, some past examples of great events and opportunities include:
- Our Expressive Arts and International & Global Leadership LLCs partner to host a Multicultural Art Gala which showcases residence student and campus community art.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement LLC hosts a dinner titled “A Need to Eat” which is a homestyle meal for raising awareness and learning about food insecurity.
- Our Healthy Living LLC gets extraordinary muddy with their annual Dirty Dash mud run across and around campus that they host for all students.
- Innovation and Technology partner with our local innovation sector on interesting tours and entrepreneurship opportunities as well as hosting an Escape Room event.
- Our Sustainability LLC hosts a clothing exchange called Swap not Shop where students are able to donate their lightly used clothing and exchange their pieces for new wardrobe staples to help raise awareness about fast fashion and consumerism’s impact on our planet.
- Please contact our Residence Life team at residencelife.ok@ubc.ca