Living-Learning Communities

gwllcgwu [dot] edu

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.

Benefits of LLCs

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. Students who participate in a LLC:

feel a strong sense of belonging in their new home
live alongside peers who share similar interests and identities
create a supportive community that promotes lasting connections
access mentorship and peer study groups, resources that are statistically linked to higher GPAs, increased retention, and academic success

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.

Application Processes

GW hosts two types of LLCs. Some require essays to be submitted during a student's initial application to GW in the fall. Others are selected by admitted students on their housing application in the spring.

Pre-Admission to GW

If you are interested in applying to the following LLCs, you must do so at the same time that you apply for admission at GW.

Civic House
Women’s Leadership
University Honors Program
Politics & Values

Learn more about GW's special interest programs and applying to GW.

Post-Admission to GW

You may apply for one of the following LLCs after you have been admitted to GW as a first-year student:

Arts & Design
Blaze the Trail
GW Public Health
Sustainability

You can submit your application to one of these LLCs online, or find the application in your GW housing portal. The application for these LLCs will close on Friday, May 22, 2026. You will be notified of your LLC placement status before housing assignments are announced in June.

We are currently accepting applications for the following LLCs: Arts & Design, Blaze the Tra1l, GW Public Health, and Sustainability. The application deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026.

Apply for a LLC

Mount Vernon Campus

Blaze the Tra1l

Building friendships, exploring identities, and growing academically as first-generation college students.

Civic House

Learn about the unique culture and needs of communities in Washington, D.C.

Politics & Values

Exploring societal politics, developing leadership skills, and becoming familiar with the foundational areas of political science.

Sustainability

Contributing to planetary well-being while forging new friendships and meaningful networks.

University Honors

Honing analytical powers, deepening understanding of complex issues, and broadening perspectives.

Women's Leadership

Emphasizing the exploration and development of women's leadership.

Foggy Bottom

Arts & Design

Raising awareness of the power of the arts and design in our daily lives while inspiring students into creative action.

GW Public Health

Exploring topics surrounding public health and its impacts on our community in an immersive, intellectual living environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does being in an LLC mean I have to take a specific class?

Yes.

One of the benefits of being in an LLC is the community built around shared academic interests. Students will join their respective cohort in a class during the fall and/or spring semester. These courses are designed to directly connect to your LLC's theme.

How do I select a roommate if I’m in an LLC?

If you are selected for an LLC, you will be housed in a residence hall with other students in your cohort. Because these communities are built on shared academic and social experiences, your roommate (s) must be a member of the same program.

If you know another student who has already been accepted into your LLC, you can request them as a roommate through your GW housing portal. Otherwise, our Campus Living team will match you with another student in your LLC based on your responses to the housing survey to find the most compatible match.

Are LLCs for first-year students?

Yes, LLCs are for first-year students only.

What is the difference between LLCs and Affinity Housing?

LLCs include shared academic, social, and housing components. Affinity Housing is hosted in District House for upperclass students who are interested in a shared topic or identity.

If I'm selected for an LLC, what are the participation expectations of being in an LLC?

Selection criteria and participation requirements vary for each LLC depending on focus, size, and goals. In addition to required classes, LLC members are expected to engage meaningfully in community-specific programming and actively connect with their peers. This might include attending courses and workshops, participating in faculty-led discussions, or joining group outings.

How are students chosen for an LLC?

To ensure a cohesive environment, students are typically chosen based on their demonstrated interest in the community’s theme and their commitment to contributing to the group. For detailed information on the specific requirements and selection process for a particular program, please review each program's website.

How many LLCs can I apply for?

Students are encouraged to apply to the one LLC that aligns most with their academic interests and goals. Each LLC will have different requirements and a unique focus, so while you may explore multiple options, you may only participate in one LLC.

Where will I live if I’m in an LLC?

Your LLC determines where you live.

Mount Vernon Campus LLCs:

Blaze the Tra1l
Civic House
Politics & Values
Sustainability
University Honors Program
Women's Leadership Program

Foggy Bottom LLCs:

Arts & Design
GW Public Health