Living Learning Communities

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are specialized living environments that connect students inside- and outside-the-classroom experiences. Each LLC is unique, but all are centered on a distinctive theme or academic interest area. Students who choose to live in an LLC have a direct connection to their classroom experience, access to intentional events and programs, and dedicated staff members who work to make the community a success.

First-Year LLCsUpperclass LLCs

Why should I live in an LLC?

LLCs are an ideal way to make friends with peers who have similar interests. Research shows that students who participate in an LLC have higher academic success rates, higher college graduation rates, higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience, and an easier time connecting with their peers.

How do I choose an LLC?

Here at Pitt, we have more than 20 LLCs. With such a variety, there is surely something that will fit your interests. Check out the individual LLC overviews below to get a sense of which community sparks curiosity, gives you an opportunity to share your knowledge, and allows you to ignite your passion!

How much does an LLC cost?

There is no additional cost for a Living Learning Community. However, some LLCs require students to register for specific classes, class sections, or outside of the classroom activities; please refer to the individual LLC descriptions for additional requirements.

First-Year Living Learning Communities

There are 17 first-year Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that have been intentionally designed to help students transition to the University of Pittsburgh while gaining connections within the campus and Pittsburgh communities.  Whether it’s an academic-based community such as Business or Engineering, or a interest-based community such as Emerging Leaders or Service to Others, our first-year LLCs provide instant connections to like-minded peers and University staff and faculty. 

In addition, first-year students who live in our LLCs have higher average GPAs; attempt and complete more credit hours and; have higher retention than their non-LLC peers!  Check out each of our first-year LLCs below to find out which one is right for you!

Appreciation of the Arts

The Appreciation of the Arts Living Learning Community (LLC) offers a unique residential experience for artists, performers, and those who appreciate the arts. This community, in partnership with the Office of Pitt Arts, allows you to tap into your creativity, to create lasting masterpieces with your peers, and to showcase your strengths. In the Appreciation of the Arts LLC, you’ll be instantly connected with peers who share similar artistic aspirations and interests. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of arts-related programming with your floor mates. The possibilities with this community are limited only by your creativity! 

Past programs have included:

  • A Capella Concerts
  • Artful Wednesdays
  • Theatre Performances
  • Museum Field Trips
  • Architectural Design Tours
  • Visits to Pitt's Center for Creativity 
Casa Cultural 

Immerse yourself in a Living Learning Community (LLC) packed with events, activities and fun all in the Spanish and Portuguese skills. The Casa Cultural LLC, in partnership with the University Center for International Studies and the Center for Latin American Studies, allows students from all walks of life to come together to practice their language skills and learn about the culture, history and social aspects of Latin America and the Caribbean. Students are immersed in these languages through daily spontaneous interaction with their neighbors, as well as through organized activities such as movie nights, dinners, guest lectures, concerts and excursions. 

Past programs have included:

  • Weekly music nights 
  • Conversation tables 
  • Focused current events discussions 
  • Cooking workshops 
  • Opportunities to connect with the Center for Latin American Studies student organizations 
  • Engagement in specific Study Abroad opportunities 
Panther Leadership Academy 

The Panther Leadership Academy Living Learning Community (LLC), in conjunction with the Office of Leadership Development, provides an exemplary opportunity for you to develop, hone, and sharpen your leadership skills and abilities with like-minded students. Today, more than ever, leadership skills are increasingly important in our global society. Employers and internship providers regard leadership skills as crucial. The Panther Leadership Academy LLC allows you to jumpstart your college leadership by living with other students who are interested in being leaders on campus. You will complete the Panther Leadership Academy program, a leadership certificate program, with members of your floor and network with high-profile student leaders on campus. Overall, Panther Leadership Academy provides the opportunity to connect with other ambitious students who share a passion for leadership. 

Students residing in the Panther Leadership Academy Living Learning Community will be required to register for and complete the Panther Leadership Academy during the fall term. This is a ten-week leadership certificate program. Students will complete the course with members of their floors. There will be no cost to complete Emerging Leaders for students residing in this community.

Engineering 

Living in the Engineering Living Learning Community (LLC) gives you the chance to truly live and learn with your classmates. By participating in the Engineering LLC, you’ll have the opportunity to live, study, take classes, and socialize with members of your floor and building. Resident Assistants are sophomore, junior and senior Engineering students who serve as guides and peer mentors. Swanson School of Engineering faculty and staff are highly focused on providing you with resources to make your first year in the Swanson School of Engineering successful. Residence hall programs are tailored to meet the needs and demands of Engineering students. Most important, this experience provides instant connection to and high contact with other Engineering students. 

Past programs have included: 

  • Trip to Fallingwater 
  • Floor Engineering Competitions 
  • Forbes Hacks 
Gender and Sexuality 

In partnership with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) Program, this LLC provides students with gender neutral housing as well as the opportunity to participate in both programming and a one-credit course on LGBTQIA+ communities. Students in this community will share a floor section and bathroom with students of all gender-identities and have a resident assistant (RA) who is focused on supporting an inclusive community. 

During the fall semester of their first year in the LLC, students will be required to enroll in GSWS0002: LGBTQIA+ Communities.  This one-credit course will focus on ways in which LGBTQIA+ communities are and have been constructed. There will be two components: reading and discussion on the history of such communities, mostly in recent US culture, and site visits and guest speakers from Pittsburgh communities. The course will be reserved for students in the Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community and will be graded satisfactory or no credit.  After their first year in the LLC, students choosing to return to the LLC would have the option of enrolling in the course again or serving as peer mentors to new members of the LLC. 

In addition to taking the class, the LLC students will be offered general social, academic, wellness, diversity, etc. programming, but more importantly will be offered programming connected to the focus of the LLC.  Students will connect with the Rainbow Alliance through orientation events and programming throughout the academic year.  Additionally, the RA will work with the resident director (RD), Cross Cultural and Leadership Development (CCLD) staff and GSWS faculty to implement LLC specific programming including, lectures, film screenings, creative projects, colloquia, and reading groups.

Global Village

The Global Village Living Learning Community (LLC), in conjunction with the Inclusion & Belonging and the University Center for International Studies, is a special opportunity for first-year students who have a genuine interest in an international perspective. Living with other like-minded students, you’ll participate in programs that explore critical global issues by blending perspectives from popular culture, historical contexts, and current events. Make friends with students who have similar interests through informal interaction and special programs. The Global Village LLC will expand your Pitt journey and provide you with countless benefits in becoming a globally-educated citizen.

Health Sciences 

The Health Sciences Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with the School of Health Sciences, brings together students who are interested in a variety of health sciences. From pre-medicine to pre-pharmacy and rehabilitation sciences, the Health Sciences LLC enables you to live, study, and socialize with students in health-related fields. In addition to forming close bonds with other students on your floor, you’ll also have the chance to build a relationship with your upperclass Resident Assistant who is also pursuing the health sciences. Participation in this community will leave a lasting imprint on your collegiate experience and help you learn more about igniting your passion for the health sciences. 

Possible programming in the Health Sciences LLC may include: 

  • Medical/Dental Lab Tours 
  • Residence Hall Tutoring 
  • Grad and Professional School Preparation Workshops 
  • Career Development and Placement Assistance Workshops 
Healthy U 

Staying active and healthy is important to many Pitt students. The Healthy U Living Learning Community (LLC) creates the opportunity for you to quickly meet and make friends with other students who are interested in wellness. Experience programs that provide insight into a number of dimensions of healthy living, including physical activity, mental wellness, financial wellness, and spiritual wellness. Opportunities to compete in intramural athletics with members of floor will also be available to you throughout the year. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with several campus resources in partnership with this LLC: 

Possible programming in the Healthy U LLC may include: 

Honors 

As a member of the Honors LLC you will join a diverse group of students who hail from every corner of the globe, represent virtually every major, and have a wide array of interests. These students share a commitment to academic excellence, involvement, and responsible living. This is a student-driven environment, where mature and creative students learn from, and challenge one another.

Music 

Tailored to music majors, but open to all, this LLC taps into your passion for music and exposes you to a dynamic range of musical genres. If you're a music major, you will receive preparation for a productive career as a teacher, performer, composer, scholar, and citizen. Music LLC residents attend musical performances on and off campus and explore local music venues.

Nursing 

The Nursing LLC affords you the opportunity to live in an engaging and supportive academic and social environment. Conveniently located in Lothrop Hall, this LLC is connected to the School of Nursing and adjacent to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Participating in the LLC gives you a chance to be part of a community of peers, faculty and staff who share similar academic interests. By living together in this supportive environment, you can form study groups, share interests, and explore common academic aspirations which will augment the regular academic program and provide enriching experiences not normally found in the conventional classroom or residence hall. 

  • The Resident Assistant (RA), an upperclass Nursing student, is there to help you achieve your potential as you begin your first year of undergraduate academic success! In collaboration with a faculty advisor, students participating in the LLC share input about the activities they want to participate in that will enrich their nursing and living experience. 
  • As a resident of the Nursing LLC, you will participate in Panther Leadership Academy, which has been designed to complement your classroom and student life. There will be no cost to complete the Panther Leadership Academy for students residing in this community. 
  • Possible programming in the Nursing LLC may include: 
  • In-hall tutoring 
  • Academic review sessions 
  • Small group discussions 
  • Field trips 
  • Interactions with nurses 
  • Professional development seminars 
Outdoor Recreation 

Experience the outdoor excitement that the Pittsburgh area has to offer. As an LLC member, you will participate in a variety of outdoor trips through Intramurals and Recreation, such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. In addition, you will have the opportunity to be enrolled in the Pitt Outdoors Club at a reduced membership rate and have the opportunity to participate in their specialized programming.

Pitt Business 

Get a jump on your business education by making keen connections with faculty, staff, fellow students, and successful members of the Pittsburgh business community. This LLC will expose you to area companies and internships, and shed light on how these organizations are working to improve the area. For more information, visit the Pitt Business LLC website.

ROTC 

The ROTC Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with Pitt’s Three Rivers Battalion, provides an opportunity for cadets to live together, train together, and learn together. This unique experience allows you to sharpen your leadership skills through specialized programming and to connect with fellow cadets through bonding events. The ROTC LLC promotes camaraderie among you and your fellow cadets.

Service to Others

Do you have a passion for helping others through community service and philanthropic events? The Service to Others Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with the Office of PittServes, allows you to live with other students who are interested in community service. With members of your floor, you will plan, design, and participate in community service projects in the Pittsburgh area. Form close relationships with members of your floor, as you enjoy activities like movie nights and pizza parties. This community provides you with an ideal opportunity to share your passion for helping others. 

Possible programming in the Service to Others LLC may include: 

  • Pitt Make A Difference Day 
  • Panther Wish List Toy Drive 
  • Children’s Hospital Coloring Book Making 
  • Animal Shelter Volunteering 
Sustainability 

The Sustainability LLC focuses on helping students explore and engage with sustainability across all disciplines through blending perspectives on environment, equity, and economy through monthly discussions, guest speakers, and engagement with other sustainability-related Pitt students and leaders. In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, Student Office of Sustainability, and PittServes, the Sustainability Living Learning Community focuses on helping students explore and engage with sustainability across all disciplines through analysis and execution of the Pitt Sustainability Plan. This LLC will be home to both upper and lowerclassmen students who will learn the best practices for living sustainably and how to model these behaviors for their peers and the Pitt community. Living with other like-minded students, you’ll participate in programs that explore sustainability issues by blending environmental, equitable, and economical perspectives through monthly discussions, guest speakers, and engagement with other sustainability-related Pitt students and leaders. Students can expect to meet friends and mentors through residence life programs,  community service projects, and other special opportunities like taking the Green Resident Survey to become Green Residents and working their way to the Sustainability Distinction. The Sustainability LLC will expand your Pitt journey and provide you with connections to the world of sustainability at Pitt. This LLC will provide a unique experience for upperclassmen and underclassmen to live and learn together along with the other LLCs in Brackenridge Hall including the Multicultural LLC. Upperclassman will have the opportunity to mentor an underclassman on their floor and educate them on Pitt’s Sustainability Plan and encourage them to take steps to achieve Pitt’s Sustainability Goals and Aspirations.

Women Lead 

In partnership with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program, this LLC extends an enlightened view on leadership, activism, and community building. Discuss and examine your experiences, achievements, and position as women in higher education and society. Women in this LLC are required to register for a one-credit seminar in the Fall semester.

Upperclass Living Learning Communities

Whether you were a member of one of our first-year LLCs or are just looking for the added benefits of living in an LLC as an upperclass student, our communities offer the chance to bond with your peers through specialized programs and events. In addition, upperclass LLCs provide unique experiences to connect with faculty, staff, and community leaders, giving you access to research and internship opportunities to prepare you for your future career! 

Explore the individual LLC pages to learn more about each community, the corresponding requirements, and the programs and events you can expect during your time in the LLC. Check out the information below to find out how to apply or connect with Panther Central for general housing application questions.

Engineering 

In partnership with the Swanson School of Engineering, Residence Life provides upper-class Engineering students with the opportunity to join a community of fellow scholars with shared academic passions and career goals. Students selected for this LLC reside in Panther Hall, an upperclass suite-style residence hall. Upperclass Engineering students serve as Resident Assistants who offer guidance, implement events, and foster a supportive and inclusive residential community. In addition to social programming offered to all residential students, LLC members participate in activities and events designed to prepare students academically for success in both the engineering field and graduate level studies. 

Students participating in the Upperclass Engineering LLC have the opportunity to: 

  • Engage in established study groups with fellow LLC members. 
  • Discover co-op and internship opportunities available to Engineering students. 
  • Form life-long relationships with fellow Engineering students. 
  • Explore graduate school opportunities and preparation activities. 
  • Prepare for co-op, internship, and job interviews and networking events. 
  • Establish meaningful relationships with Engineering faculty, professionals, and staff. 
  • Mentor first-year Engineering LLC students. 
  • Past Upperclass Engineering LLC events and activities include: 
  • Pirates baseball game with Engineering faculty members 
  • Alumni networking/communications workshop 
  • Engineering co-op fair and job fair preparation sessions 
  • Graduate school information session 
  • Major-specific study groups 
  • Q&A social event with first-year Engineering LLC students 
Gender and Sexuality 

In partnership with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) Program, this LLC provides students with gender neutral housing as well as the opportunity to participate in both programming and a one-credit course on LGBTQIA+ communities. Students in this community will share a floor section and bathroom with students of all gender-identities and have a resident assistant (RA) who is focused on supporting an inclusive community. 

During the fall semester of their first year in the LLC, students will be required to enroll in GSWS0002: LGBTQIA+ Communities.  This one-credit course will focus on ways in which LGBTQIA+ communities are and have been constructed. There will be two components: reading and discussion on the history of such communities, mostly in recent US culture, and site visits and guest speakers from Pittsburgh communities. The course will be reserved for students in the Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community and will be graded satisfactory or no credit.  After their first year in the LLC, students choosing to return to the LLC would have the option of enrolling in the course again or serving as peer mentors to new members of the LLC. 

In addition to taking the class, the LLC students will be offered general social, academic, wellness, diversity, etc. programming, but more importantly will be offered programming connected to the focus of the LLC.  Students will connect with the Rainbow Alliance through orientation events and programming throughout the academic year.  Additionally, the RA will work with the resident director (RD), Cross Cultural and Leadership Development (CCLD) staff and GSWS faculty to implement LLC specific programming including, lectures, film screenings, creative projects, colloquia, and reading groups.

Health Sciences

The Health Sciences Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with the School of Health Sciences, is available to all upperclass students planning a career in medicine or another health sciences field. Students who live in this community located in Irvis will be provided with enhanced opportunities to make them more competitive in their future medical careers, graduate school applications and medical school applications. 

Students participating in the Health Sciences LLC will have the opportunity to: 

  • Attend training presentations related to their medical fields of interest. 
  • Have access to academic resources that can assist them with their science-related course work. 
  • Learn about medical school opportunities and participate in MCAT test preparation programs. 
  • Learn about possible medical research programs and opportunities. 
Honors 

As a member of the Honors LLC you will join a diverse group of students who hail from every corner of the globe, represent virtually every major, and have a wide array of interests. These students share a commitment to academic excellence, involvement, and responsible living. This is a student-driven environment, where mature and creative students learn from, and challenge one another.

Multicultural 

In partnership with the Office of Leadership Development, Residence Life provides upperclass students with the opportunity to live in an intentional community of people with diverse identities and backgrounds who share an interest in cultural understanding and social justice. Students selected for this LLC reside in the Quad, an upperclass suite-style residence hall. An upperclass student serves as a Resident Assistant who offers guidance, implements events, and fosters a supportive and inclusive residential community. In addition to social programming offered to all residential students, Multicultural LLC members participate in activities and events designed to promote cultural awareness, appreciation, and action. 

Students participating in the Multicultural LLC have the opportunity to: 

  • Explore various components of personal identity, including: socio-economic status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and physical ability. 
  • Examine the impact of social justice leaders and movements on current events. 
  • Discover the traditions and norms of other cultures. 
  • Past Multicultural LLC events and activities have included: 
  • Diversity cupcakes event 
  • Cultural touchstone activity 
  • Discussion of documentary on Venezuelan politics 
  • Ableism obstacle course 
Pitt Business Global Leadership 

The Pitt Business Global Leadership Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with the College of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to expand on the art of leadership in a global context. LLC members will be exposed to local experts and study abroad opportunities to expand their global awareness within leadership. This LLC is currently housed in the Quad in an upperclass suite-style residence hall. 

Students participating in the Pitt Business Global Leadership LLC have the opportunity to: 

  • Partake in corporate site visits relating to leadership in a global context 
  • Hear from leaders in the industry on global competency and career integration 
  • Learn more about on and off campus international opportunities 

Past Pitt Business LLC events and activities have included: 

  • International Foods Dinner 
  • Site visits to companies with a global presence 
  • Events with Pitt Business alumni 
  • International Film Night 
ROTC 

The ROTC Living Learning Community (LLC), in partnership with Pitt’s Three Rivers Battalion, provides an opportunity for cadets to live together, train together, and learn together. This unique experience allows you to sharpen your leadership skills through specialized programming and to connect with fellow cadets through bonding events. The ROTC LLC promotes camaraderie among you and your fellow cadets.

Service to Others 

One of the hallmarks of outstanding leaders is an awareness of the challenges faced by society and our local communities.  Many future employers, as well as many graduate and professional schools, are looking for individuals who have contributed in a meaningful way to their community and who have applied their academic knowledge through service.  Service learning guides the Upperclass Service to Others Living Learning Community (LLC) experience in partnership with Pitt's School of Social Work.  The knowledge and skills gained from co-curricular activities enable students to actively engage in positive community change. This LLC is currently housed in the Quad in an upperclass suite-style residence hall. 

LLC Requirements 

  • Students residing in the Service to Others LLC enroll in a three (3) credit Introduction to Social Work seminar course over their two (2) semesters in residence (students can take this course as variable 1-3 credits each term over two terms for a total of 3 credits, and this course will then count toward a Social Work degree or minor, should they wish to pursue further pre-professional study in Social Work.). This seminar course has generally met on Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Panther Hall. 
  • Specifically, the Service to Others LLC provides students with guided service learning experiences. In addition to the service learning seminar class, residents of this community are required to participate in group and individual community service activities each term in support of critical community service organizations and issues that also provide opportunities to: 
  • Network with knowledgeable nonprofit, social service, business, government, and community leaders to develop and refine leadership skills. 
  • Be mentored by faculty, staff of the residence hall, and community leaders, a process which has been demonstrated to enhance the likelihood of academic and career success; and 
  • Connect with fellow students interested in social justice and community service in a structured service learning community that also allows exploration of skills and careers in Social Work and related helping professions. Residents who are interested will have enhanced opportunities to complete an undergraduate degree or minor in Social Work and apply to the graduate programs in Social Work (MSW and PhD). 
Sustainability 

The Sustainability LLC focuses on helping students explore and engage with sustainability across all disciplines through blending perspectives on environment, equity, and economy through monthly discussions, guest speakers, and engagement with other sustainability-related Pitt students and leaders. Upperclassman will have the opportunity to mentor an underclassman on their floor and educate them on Pitt’s Sustainability Plan and encourage them to take steps to achieve Pitt’s Sustainability Goals and Aspirations. Upperclassmen residing in the Sustainability LLC will have the unique experience of taking on an underclassmen mentee to help navigate Pitt Sustainability and Pitt’s Sustainability Plan. The culture of Sustainability at Pitt is continually growing and one of the most important factors is continuing to grow the Sustainability community through close-knit relationships and communication. The knowledge and skills gained through this experience and other co-curricular activities enable students to actively enhance and improve the culture of sustainability on Pitt’s Campus and beyond.