Living on campus can be an adjustment, but Towson University’s Living Learning Communities are designed to make that transition easier by connecting students with shared interests from day one.

Developed by Housing and Residence Life, Living Learning Communities (LLCs), are intentional communities within residence halls that connect residents to faculty, staff and fellow students with similar academic or personal interests. Throughout the year, there are events, workshops and programs designed around the community’s theme.

“From working with students in LLCs, I’ve seen so many positive things,” says Makenzie Duvall, the Living Learning Community coordinator for Housing and Residence Life. Students often form strong friendships with peers who share their interests, creating a sense of belonging and support.

“The best part is that it doesn’t cost anything extra, but the benefits are huge,” Duvall adds. “Students get an amazing mix of academic support, personal growth and community, and I think that combination really helps them feel more connected and confident on campus.”

Building a community

When Pretty Agana was signing up for housing last summer, she saw that TU had an LLC dedicated to social change.

The Social Change Community, a partnership between Housing and Residence Life and the Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, is committed to developing leaders who have a positive impact on their communities and the world.

TU Freshman Pretty Agana
Pretty Agana

It builds a network of TU community members engaged in social change work through hands-on projects and interactive workshops and shares opportunities for social change work at TU.

For Agana, a freshman biology major from New Carrollton, Maryland, volunteer work is a passion. She volunteered extensively in high school and plans to give back to her home country of Nigeria. On a pre-dental track, she plans to open a practice there once she enters the field.

She says having a community of like-minded people has made her first-year experience even better.

“Having people who care about social change and volunteering made moving to campus easier because we had more to connect over,” Agana says. “We all participate and talk about different issues in the world. It was so nice getting to hear different people’s opinions on different topics.”

Find study partners

TU Freshman Joel Oyedeji
Joel Oyedeji

As a freshman business administration major, Joel Oyedeji signed up to live in the College of Business and Economics Living Learning Community—specifically for students who are earning degrees in the college. It’s one of three colleges with their own LLC, the others being the College of Health Professions and the College of Education.

By living on a floor with students going through the same classes—and sometimes the same challenges—it allows them to learn and grow together.

“It brings you a little peace knowing that you’re not the only one going through it and you have people who can help you,” Oyedeji says. “I know economics is not my strongest subject. My suite mate Nick was able to sit with me and work on some of the stuff I need help with.”

A global experience

When Jaden Stokes visited TU, she discovered the Global Village LLC, a community that connects international and domestic students from different cultures and countries.

Stokes spent the academic year with a student from London. The experience had such an impact that the sophomore graphic design major returned for her second year as a community mentor for the LLC.

TU Sophomore Jade Stokes
Jaden Stokes

“I’m still friends with people I met on the floor—they’ve even asked me to come to their country and visit them,” Stokes laughs. “I love getting to plan events for our international students. We did our Around the World event, where we partnered with [the International Students and Scholars Office] and had international students, faculty and campus organizations share more about their culture.”

“Learning how to budget, interact with the community and mentor students was incredible for my professional development and also helped widen my view of the world.”

More about Living Learning Communities

 To join an LLC at TU, students indicate their interest on the housing application.  All the details on how to apply for housing can be found on their website. 

Available LLCs include:

When deciding which community a student wants to be part of, Duvall recommends they consider whether any of these communities align with their interests, goals or the community they want to surround themselves with.

“LLCs are most rewarding when you’re genuinely excited about the theme or academic focus, whether it’s a specific major, a cultural community or a shared passion like social change,” Duvall says. “Be proactive in exploring your options early, since applying by the deadline is important, and some communities can fill quickly. Once you’re in an LLC, get involved in events and programming, connect with your peers and take advantage of faculty and peer support. These experiences can really enhance both your academic and personal growth.”