Boosting student success through Living Learning Communities

Universities have long known living on campus improves students’ GPA and graduation rates. But the University of Northern Iowa has discovered even greater benefits when residents are paired with those who share a common interest or major. That’s why UNI offers 11 different Living Learning Communities.

Business and finance majors often choose to live in Rider Hall, while biology majors cluster in Noehren Hall. Living Learning Communities allow students to self-select into environments with others Panthers who share similar academic goals or interests.

Tucker Olson, a resident assistant and senior global studies and Spanish major from Estherville, says these communities give students a built-in support system that can lead to better study habits and greater participation in campus activities.

“The ability to live among peers with similar interests fosters a much stronger community and helps residence life staff focus their efforts toward these interests,” said Olson.

Not all of the Living Learning Communities are focused on an academic major; some are designed to appeal to transfer students, upperclassmen or students who prefer a substance free option. Whichever environment students choose, they benefit from convenient locations, improved personal safety, and some of the lowest residence hall and dining rates among universities in the Missouri Valley Conference.

List of UNI Living Learning Communities:

Business (Rider Hall)
Elementary/Early Childhood Education (Lawther Hall)
Music (Noehren Hall)
Biology (Noehren Hall)
Exploring Major (Bender Hall)
Springboard (Campbell, Dancer, Hagemann, Lawther, and Noehren Halls)
Wellness (Bender Hall)
Substance Free Option (Bender, Campbell, Dancer, and Rider Halls)
Second-Year Experience Community/Sophomore Transformation Experience Program (Hagemann Hall)
Transfer (Shull Hall) 
Upperclass (ROTH, Panther Village, and Shull Hall)