Living Learning Communities

• 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.
• To apply for September 2021: APPLY HERE

• 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 2021-2022 (21W).

• 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 Indigenous LLC supports the annual Syilx Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast in Okanagan Falls. Our students travel to Penticton and participate in events and ceremonies alongside Syilx Elders for Salmon Feast with our Aboriginal Programs and Services Office to honor the sacredness of the river and enjoy an incredible meal with the community.
  • 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

Establish outlets for expression through performance or visual arts. Opportunities in the Performing Arts LLC include music and dance, painting, writing, poetry readings, and art expos. All interested residents are welcome to apply, regardless of experience in the art industry.

The dimensions of who we are, history, genealogy, and culture inform the deeper roots of our identity. A sense of community, the concept of place and connection to place, will form the basis of this Indigenous Living Learning Community through the spirit of mutual engagement, respect, trust and ceremony. This is an enriching, intercultural living environment that is co-supportive for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Residents have opportunities to connect with the Okanagan people by participating in Salmon Feasts, learning from Elders and attending traditional Indigenous celebrations.

Do you love to get outdoors and into nature? Have you always wanted to, but haven’t had the chance? This LLC is a great way to connect with students who have the same passion and interest for outdoor adventures. Take a hike, go camping, learn useful outdoors skills, and more! But most of all, get out into the distinct natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley. Plus you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn more about environmental advocacy. No previous outdoors experience required!

The International and Global Leadership LLC is a place where cultural diversity is apparent, discussed and celebrated. The community was created to promote understanding of the increasingly distinct cultures at UBC. International students and domestic students alike spend the academic year learning about diversity, world issues and each other. It is an opportunity for the students who make up the community to explore new cultures and build an understanding of the complex issues facing the world today.

Every student has heard of “the freshman 15” and the rigors of balancing a highly independent lifestyle. 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 has a strong background in the field.

The Leadership and Civic Engagement LLC applies a student centered approach for residents to develop their leadership skills while learning to understand others, and promoting social change. Guided by an experienced Residence Advisor, members of this community, along with campus partners, seek to provide an open, honest and sensitive environment to examine attitudes, prejudices, and actions that exist within all communities. This is a community where opinions are openly discussed and where there is potential to realize real social change.

This living learning community can explore aspects of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Students will focus on raising awareness of the term “sustainability” as well as local and global environmental processes and concerns by creating conversation about the world that we live in. Students will develop and implement programming and action plans that promote sustainable habits in our day-to-day lives. This is an LLC that can learn together, share their knowledge with peers, and make an impact in their community.

This LLC provides an opportunity for students to collaborate and develop their interests in the realms of entrepreneurship, problem solving, technology, and innovative thought. Participants will develop a unique vision and climate for their living and learning experience through encompassing inventive idea generation, advancements in technology, and intentional partnerships. Students will get opportunities for networking, programming, and relationship building with campus and community technology and innovation hubs.

NOTE: The Studying There and Back Again Community LLC is not available for the 2021-2022 year.

This LLC provides an opportunity for students studying abroad to mingle with like-minded domestic students who are hoping to study in another country during their university experience. Together, these students will create joint experiences and memories that will enhance their global endeavours. This LLC is open to all students – domestic, international, exchange, and returning from Go Global who have a passion for global pursuits and international wayfaring.