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! Please note that LLC descriptions are subject to change.
- Appreciation of the Arts
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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! The Appreciation of the Arts LLC is located in Holland Hall.
Past programs have included:
- A Capella Concerts
- Artful Wednesdays
- Theatre Performances
- Museum Field Trips
- Architectural Design Tours
- Visits to Pitt's Center for Creativity
- Education, Leadership & Social Change
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The Education, Leadership, and Social Change LLC empowers students to develop as innovators and change makers on campus and in their future careers. Students will explore themes related to critical leadership; identity development; social justice; community involvement; and equity-informed social change. Students will reflect on their own values to deepen their connections to equity, justice, and innovation and cultivate their own sense of leadership to create social change. In addition to LLC programs, residents in the Education, Leadership, and Social Change LLC will have the opportunity to register for leadership development coursework in the School of Education, complete the Panther Leadership Academy, and access to the School of Education speakers and events.
The Education, Leadership & Social Change LLC is located in Irvis Hall.
- Engineering
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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. The Engineering LLC is located in Forbes Hall.
Past programs have included:
- Trip to Fallingwater
- Floor Engineering Competitions
- Forbes Hacks
- Gender and Sexuality
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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.
The Gender & Sexuality LLC is located in Lothrop Hall.
- The Global Neighborhood
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The Global Neighborhood LLC provides opportunities to build global awareness and connect to global resources with a community-driven emphasis. The Global Neighborhood LLC is located in Tower C.
Residents in the Global Neighborhood LLC will have the opportunity to:
- Build connections between international and domestic students
- Connect to the rich legacy and activity of Pittsburgh’s immigrant communities
- Stay connected to Pitt’s Global network of offices, programs, and resources
- Health Sciences
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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. The Health Sciences LLC is located in Tower A.
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
- Honors
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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.The Honors LLC is located in Sutherland West.
- Music
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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.The Music LLC is located in Nordenberg Hall.
- Nursing
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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 Nursing LLC is located in Lothrop 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
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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.The Outdoor Recreation LLC is located in Sutherland East.
- Pitt Business
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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.The Pitt Business LLC is located in Bruce Hall.
- Service to Others
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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. The Service to Others LLC is located in Tower B.
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
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. Please note that LLC descriptions are subject to change.
- Engineering
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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.
The Engineering LLC is located in Panther Hall.
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
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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.
The Gender & Sexuality LLC is located in Lothrop Hall.
- Health Sciences
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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.
The Health Sciences LLC is located in Panther Hall.
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
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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.
The Honors LLC is located in the Forbes-Craig Apartments.
- Nursing
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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 Nursing LLC is located in Lothrop 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