Living-Learning Communities

GW is a community of scholars, and Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) take critical thinking and reflection beyond the classroom and into the residential experience. LLCs bring students together under a shared interest or academic program where they discover new passion areas. Through intentional opportunities for involved learning, students engage meaningfully with faculty members and peers around the LLC theme. Research shows that students who participate in LLCs have a smoother transition to college both academically and socially, higher engagement with their campus community, and higher levels of academic self-confidence and persistence. Working closely with faculty and staff, our programs combine passion areas with on-campus living, resulting in a greater sense of purpose and belonging for our students.

There are two types of LLCs: Admitted-into programs, which you must apply to when you are initially applying to GW, and Opt-in programs, which you can apply to later on in your time at GW. 

Admitted-Into Living-Learning Communities

Civic House – Clark Hall (Mount Vernon Campus)

The Civic House Community is a highly-selective first-year program for students interested in becoming active citizens engaged in their communities.  The three core values of Civic House are live, learn, and serve. The program challenges students to learn about the unique culture, strengths, and needs of communities in Washington, D.C. and to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and community-based organizations to meet those needs through service.

Elizabeth Somers Women’s Leadership Program – Somers Hall (Mount Vernon Campus)

The Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is a selective, year-long, living and learning program for first-year women of any school at the George Washington University. Offered exclusively at the Mount Vernon Campus, WLP students have the benefit of small classes, close contact with faculty and women in leadership roles, and strong community ties within the Program. The dynamic curriculum emphasizes exploration and development of women's leadership through academic courses and weekly symposia. WLP symposia offer special lectures, workshops and experiences that draw on the unique resources of Washington, D.C., to bring students together with women of achievement and leadership from many professional fields. Students live together in Somers Hall with a graduate teaching assistant who serves as a mentor and academic resource.

Politics and Values Community – Hensley Hall (Mount Vernon Campus)

In the Politics & Values community, a select group of students will explore societal politics while living and studying together in an intensive year-long course.

University Honors Program – West Hall (Mount Vernon Campus)

The George Washington University (GW) Honors Program helps students hone their analytical and expressive powers, deepen their understanding of complex issues and questions, and broaden their perspectives. Built upon an interdisciplinary honors experience, the program is fully aligned with the highest academic aspirations of GW’s schools and departments. 

To be eligible for these programs, students apply and are admitted to the program by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Opt-In Living Learning Communities

Corcoran Arts + Design Community – Mitchell Hall (Foggy Bottom Campus)

The Arts + Design Community gives first-year Corcoran students the option to participate in a creative, intellectual living environment that raises awareness of the power of the arts and design in our daily lives, the impact it has on our community, and inspires students to action. Priority placement will be given to Corcoran Scholars students, however, the LLC is composed of students from across Corcoran programs, so we strongly encourage majors and minors to apply.

Milken Community Health – Lafayette Hall (Foggy Bottom Campus)

The Milken Community Health Living-Learning Community (LLC) provides first-year students the opportunity to join an immersive, intellectual living environment where they will explore topics surrounding Public Health and the impact it has on our community. Students will engage with the curriculum in and out of the classroom through coursework, formal and informal dialogues, and opportunities in the residence hall and the greater DC community. Incoming first-year students in The Milken Institute School of Public Health are encouraged to apply.

Blaze the Tra1l: First-Generation LLC – Guthridge Hall (Foggy Bottom Campus)

The GW First-Generation Living-Learning Community is a residential experience developed to support our first-generation college students and assist them with their transition from high school into college life at GW.  An enhanced sense of belonging and academic success is promoted through connected events throughout the campus, connecting students with relevant campus resources, increased faculty and staff interaction, and intentional programming efforts that include cultural enrichment experiences, social interactions, and educational activities. First-Generation First-Year Students are encouraged to apply through the housing application.