Living Learning Communities

Become a part of an amazing community!

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are a unique opportunity to live in a close-knit community with peers who share similar interests and values. Plus, each LLC is supported by its very own Residence Life staff member who provides tailored extra-curricular programs and educational opportunities. These communities help bring students together to kick-start your university experience.

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“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

“The LLC program provides you with a wealth of opportunities. Mine has opened doors that I did not know existed.” -Elizabeth, Leadership and Civic Engagement Member

“LLC is a great way to get involved with the community and get out of your comfort zone.” – Ricardo, Indigenous LLC Member

“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

Types of Living Learning Communities

Please note: the residence area you are assigned to is determined based on your LLC.

Expressive Arts LLC
About this LLC: Bring your creativity! Establish outlets for expression through performance or visual arts. Opportunities in the Expressive Arts LLC include music and dance, painting, writing, poetry readings, digital media and art expos. All interested residents are welcome to apply, regardless of experience.

Building Room Type: Single Traditional

Meal Plan: Yes

Indigenous LLC
About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Four Bedroom Suite

Meal Plan: No

Outdoor and Adventure LLC

About this LLC: 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!

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Intercultural Leadership LLC
About this LLC: The Intercultural 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.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Healthy Living LLC
About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Leadership and Civic Engagement LLC
About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Sustainability LLC
About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Innovation and Technology LLC
About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

Go Global LLC

About this LLC: 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.

Building Room Type: Four Bedroom Suite

Meal Plan: No

Social Justice and Change LLC

About this LLC: The Social Justice & Change LLC fosters a community of engagement with the important social challenges on our campus and around the world. Students will have an opportunity to connect with campus and community partners to engage in initiatives that promote positive local and global change. This cohort works collaboratively to identify, advocate and affect social justice issues. If you want to work with others in your community to be the change you want to see in the world, this LLC is for you.

Building Room Type: Single Connected

Meal Plan: Yes

FAQs

What is an LLC?
  • 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.
What are the benefits of being in an LLC?

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.

What can I expect from my LLC experience?
  • 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.
How do I apply to be in an LLC?
  • Each year our application cycle for LLCs is open from early to late May for the upcoming academic year.
  • To apply for September 2022: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Would an LLC placement impact my housing assignment?
  • 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 2022-2023 (22W).
When can I expect to hear back about my LLC application?
  • You can expect to hear back from us regarding your LLC placement, if your housing application is also successful, in mid-July.
What are some examples of past events and experiences from the LLCs?
  • 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.
Who can I talk to if I have questions about LLCs?