LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Living Learning Communities

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are specialized communities located in the residence halls based on enrollment in a specific college or academic program.  LLCs will integrate students’ classroom experience and career aspirations with their experience living in the residence halls.  Students in LLCs will also share some coursework in an effort to further develop membership within their academic college.

When you complete your housing application, you will have the option to select up to three Themed or Living Learning Communities in which you might like to live.  This does not guarantee your placement in any specific community.  When housing assignments become available on July 15, you will receive an email via your university email account if you are accepted into one of our Themed Communities or Living Learning Communities.

Any questions about these communities can be directed to Shane Smith, Assistant Director of Residence Life.

Any questions about the housing application can be directed to Housing Services at 207.581.4580 or by emailing um.housing@maine.edu.

Image of students using computers in science classroom

ANDROSCOGGIN HALL: FLOOR 1

The Computing and Design Living Learning community is exclusively available to first-year Computer Science and New Media students.

This LLC brings together computer science and new media majors in a supportive, academically focused living and learning environment. Students will experience an academically supportive environment, endless opportunities for socializing, and building a strong network for a successful first year at the University of Maine. Join our LLC and explore your interest in Computer Sciences and New Media in real-world applications, supported by our outstanding faculty, staff, and resident assistants who have been specifically selected and trained to provide the resources needed to be successful in this academic discipline. For more information on the New Media program, click here. For more information on Computer Sciences, click here.

CUMBERLAND HALL: (ENTIRE BUILDING)

The College of Education and Human Development LLC is available to first-year students enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development studying Elementary Education, Secondary Education,  Kinesiology and Physical Education, or Child Development. Students participating in the College of Education and Human Development living learning community will have similar schedules with others in their major and will have access to events and activities throughout the academic year designed to help them to get engaged at UMaine. 

Some Residence Life staff working in this community will also be upper-class students within the College of Education and Human Development who can help residents new to the college gain a better understanding of their academic program and learn strategies for academic and personal success. For more information, check out the College of Education and Human Development’s website by clicking here.

SOMERSET HALL: (ENTIRE BUILDING)

The Maine Business School community is exclusively available to first-year business students. This experience will foster community with students pursuing the same degrees, have similar schedules, and create a sense of engagement for first-year students. Students in the Maine Business School Living Learning Community will be invited to participate in events and activities throughout the academic year. They’ll also have the opportunity to study with peer tutors. Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive community where students can make friends and build a home away from home.  For more information about the Maine Business School, click here.

YORK HALL: FLOOR 2

The Support for Science Students Community, or “S^3,” is exclusively reserved for first-year students who have been accepted into the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. Students living in this community often share similar academic goals and some coursework and are encouraged to form a cooperative learning environment, benefit from study groups housed on the floor, and build connections with other students invested in the sciences as an academic discipline. Residential staff assigned to this community are upper-class students who are also enrolled in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences who strive to model for students the skills necessary to be successful in this academic discipline. For more information about the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences, click here.

KNOX HALL: FLOOR 2

The School of Nursing community is exclusively available to first-year nursing students. The community is a living and learning environment that promotes students’ academic, emotional, social, and physical well-being. In partnership with Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Centers, first-year students can experience early immersion into the nursing career through a paid certified nursing assistant training program during winter and May for those living with the nursing LLC. Evidence-based mindfulness-based stress reduction, a mindful eating curriculum designed for students living in a college dorm, and massage therapy support students’ holistic well-being. All students are offered a free FitBit and access to nursing-specific community physical activities. Faculty and staff visit students in the community and provide a welcome-to-campus dinner and an introductory community-building activity to help students meet new friends, such as paddle board and yoga on the beautiful Penobscot river. In addition, the community offers on-site academic advising, support from the Student Success and Wellness Coordinator, and Resident Assistants, upper-class nursing students that provide daily peer support. Students also receive free nursing uniform jackets. Nursing is a rigorous academic program. The Nursing Living Learn Community sets the foundation for solid peer groups, community support, and wellness interventions that build students’ resilience to help them thrive through their four-year journey in the nursing program. For more information about the School of Nursing, click here.

OXFORD HALL: FLOORS 1, 2, 3

The Engineering and Technology community is exclusively reserved for first-year students who have been accepted into the College of Engineering, or who are majoring in Computer Science. Students living in this community will share similar academic goals and coursework and are encouraged to form a cooperative learning environment, benefit from study groups housed on the floor, and build connections with other students with whom they will share classes throughout their academic career at UMaine. Residential staff assigned to this community are upper-class students in the College of Engineering or those who are majoring in Computer Science and strive to model for students the skills necessary to be successful in this academic discipline. For more information, check out the College of Engineering’s website by clicking here. For information about the Computer Science program, click here.

ANDROSCOGGIN HALL: FLOOR 4

The Explorations community is comprised of first-year students who are undecided about their major at the University of Maine. Members of this community will take several general education courses, including College Composition (ENG 101) and Foundations of Leadership (LDR 100), with other residents on their floor. Residence Life staff partners with Academic Advisors and Success Instructors from the Explorations program and Career Counselors from the Career Center to offer specific programs to learn about different majors and career options. This community is exclusively reserved for students who are accepted into the Explorations program within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Students will also be required to take the First-Year Seminar course (FYS 100), which is taught by their assigned Academic Advisor and Success Instructor. For more information on the Explorations program, click here.

BALENTINE, COLVIN, PENOBSCOT, STODDER HALLS

Honors students have the option to live in the Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC) for the duration of their undergraduate experience. The Honors LLC includes four residence halls and is designed to integrate academic and residential life in a shared space. Within the community, students have access to classrooms, study spaces, and offices for Honors faculty and staff, making academic support and collaboration easily accessible. Honors College and Residence Life staff work together to support student growth both inside and outside of the classroom.

At its core, the Honors LLC fosters a welcoming, close-knit community where students feel connected, supported, and engaged with their peers. To learn more about UMaine’s Honors College, click here.