Learning Communities
Learning communities come in many shapes and sizes at LMU, often incorporating social and academic activities aimed at helping incoming students transition to life on the bluff. Whether you are looking for a cohort of like-minded peers to live and study with or you are seeking a circle of friends to learn from and grow alongside, LMU offers a variety of learning community options tailored by major, interests, and more!
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are year-long, on-campus residential opportunities that allow students to share and deepen their academic passions through social, educational, and reflective activities. These communities support Loyola Marymount University’s focus on active and collaborative learning by extending discussions beyond the classroom, creating new opportunities for students and faculty to interact, and promoting the value of experiences which occur in residential spaces.
Each semester, students take credit-bearing courses related to their community’s theme, often allowing cohorts to apply course concepts in real-world community settings. By living with other students who share similar interests, students make friends faster and have access to programs specifically designed around their goals.
First to Go Scholars Program: First-Gen Forever
First-Year students whose parent(s) or caregiver(s) did not receive a bachelor’s degree from a university located within the United States.
Students live together and enroll in two core courses (First Year Seminar and Rhetorical Arts) and a one-year, one-unit seminar on the first- generation experience together. Students in this LLC are also part of the First To Go Scholars Program.
How to Apply: Select "First-Gen Forever LLC" in the LLC section of your Housing application.
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Honors Living Learning Community
First-Year Students from any major who are accepted, registered members of the University Honors Program.
Students who have been accepted to the University Honors Program can select “Honors” in the LLC section of the housing application to apply to join this community.
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Seaver College Living Learning Community (SCLLC)
2024 Program: In-person activities on August 20 and 21
The Seaver College Living Learning Community (SC-LLC) is a program for first-year STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering aimed at promoting an inclusive, diverse, and supportive STEM community. Students enroll in a one-unit seminar together in the fall semester of their first year of study at LMU. In addition to taking the seminar, students live in the same dormitory and participate in co-curricular experiences together. Examples of co-curricular programs include community dinners, field trips around Los Angeles County, and science-oriented activities.
How to Apply: Select “SC-LLC” in the LLC section of your housing application
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Collaboration in Media
First-Year students enrolled in majors or disciplines from the School of Film and Television
Community members take two courses together: Storytelling for the Screen in the fall and Media Collaboration in the spring. The LLC fosters relationships that lead to successful collaborations on later projects.
How to Apply: Select “Collaboration in Media” on your housing application
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Transfer Living Learning Community (TRLLC)
Incoming Transfer Students
In this year-long program, community members become integrated into the leadership culture of LMU. Students take a 1-unit leadership course through the Ignatian Leadership Institute and offers mentorship from professional staff.
How to Apply: Select “Transfer Living Learning Community” on your housing application
Learn MoreTheme Housing
Theme Communities create a place for intentional programs surrounding a particular theme. Our first-year theme communities create programs to get new students acquainted with the diverse experiences and opportunities available to you in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Experience (LAX)
Incoming First-Year Students
Location: Whelan Hall
Residents will have the opportunity to attend local concerts and sporting events, visit museums and historical sites, and learn about the diverse people and cultures that make up the City of Angels.
How to Apply: Select “Los Angeles Experience” on your housing application
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Leadership, Empowerment and Achievement in Doheny (LEAD)
Incoming Female First-Year Students
Location: Doheny Hall
This community is designed to heighten leadership experiences found within LMU by creating a shared living environment committed to personal growth and development of female leaders.
How to Apply: Select “Leadership, Empowerment and Achievement in Doheny” on your housing application
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Recreation and Outdoor Adventure in Rosecrans (ROAR)
Incoming First-Year Students
Location: Rosecrans Hall
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this community’s programs and activities are designed to take residents off campus and enjoy the many recreational opportunities unique to Southern California.
How to Apply: Select “Recreation and Outdoor Adventure in Rosecrans” on your housing application
Learn MoreLearning Communities
Learning communities are small groups or cohorts of students who share academic goals and work collaboratively. Together, students take courses that are “linked” thematically. Participation ensures learning alongside like-minded peers and networking with faculty who are at the forefront of their fields.
Economics Linked-Learning Community
First-Year Economics Majors
This community allows students to connect and form relationships with their peers in their major, as well as with faculty in the Economics department. Students take an economics course together each term in their first year along with a 1-unit learning community course. There is no residential component to this community.
No application is necessary. Admitted Economics majors can join the program on a first-come, first-served basis during the fall registration process.
Political Science
First-Year Political Science and International Relations Majors
A year-long program designed to create a cohort of first-year students who share their passion for politics and world affairs. Students take two classes together each semester in addition to a one-unit learning community course.
No application is necessary. Admitted Political Science and International Relations majors can join the program on a first-come, first-served basis during the fall registration process.
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Transfer Scholars
Transfer Students whose parent(s) or caregiver(s) did not receive a bachelor’s degree from a university located within the United States.
The Transfer Scholars Program is a year-long academic program that aims to help incoming first-generation transfer students maximize their LMU experience.
How to Apply: Apply via the Transfer Scholars Program Webpage
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The Department of Chicana/o & Latina/o Studies (CLST) Learning Community
LMU students, regardless of major, are eligible to join this tight-knit learning community of 40 students that focuses on the Latina/o/e student experience and cultivates a sense of community, identity exploration, and critical awareness. This supportive cohort of engaged scholars study and move together toward graduation. Vamos Leones!
No application is necessary. Students can join the program on a first-come, first-served basis during the fall registration process.
Summer Opportunities for Incoming Students
Summer opportunities provide incoming first-year students early insight into the LMU experience through online or residential programming. Check each program page for full details. Residential programs invite participating students to move into their fall housing assignments early as part of the summer program experience.
A Community Committed to Excellence in Scientific Scholarship (ACCESS)
2024 Program: Online, various dates July - August. In-person activities begin on August 20 and 21.
Students who are 1) the first in their family to pursue a 4-year degree, 2) PELL-eligible, or 3) commuter students are strongly encouraged to apply.
ACCESS participants arrive to campus one day early - on August 20, 2024 - to engage in community-building activities with fellow students and build connections with faculty and staff. Several virtual workshops will be held in July and August to guide students in preparing for the start of their collegiate career.
How to Apply: Complete the online interest form to be considered for the ACCESS program. Students must be committed for Fall 2024 to access this form. Log in using your FutureLions credentials.
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LMU Seaver CSSI
2024 Program: July 29-August 16 (online), with on-campus, in-person activities on August 20 and 21.
First-Year students studying in any major within the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering may apply to join LMU Seaver CSSI.
This program is designed for students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree or are PELL-eligible.
How to Apply: Complete the online interest form to be considered for the CSSI program. Students must be committed for Fall 2024 to access this form. Log in using your FutureLions credentials.
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The Learning Community (TLC)
TLC is a community that celebrates Black identity and excellence. Participants will expand their cultural awareness, engage with campus resources that promote academic success, and gain a deeper understanding of the mission and traditions of LMU
How to Apply: Complete the online application by May 19, 2024.
Learn More about TLCSummer Session Courses
All incoming first-year and transfer students are invited to get an early start on their coursework by taking Summer Session courses at LMU. Students are encouraged to focus on taking online courses in LMU's second summer session occurring June 24 - August 2, 2024.
Summer courses are offered at $1,802 per unit, with the majority of classes at 3- or 4-units. Students who enroll for summer 2024 will automatically receive a one-time scholarship based on the number of units enrolled - $700, $1,400, $2,100, and $2,800 scholarships for 1-unit, 2-unit, 3-unit, and 4-unit courses, respectively. Review the summer tuition and fees chart.
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How to Enroll: Complete a 2024 Summer Enrollment Form. Additional details are available on the Summer Programs website.
Next Steps
Your journey to the bluff begins now. Complete your housing application by May 17, begin your fall registration requirements, or request enrollment in LMU's Summer Session using the links below.