A Living and Learning Community (LLC) is a residential community dedicated to a specific academic college, major or theme. Research shows that students who participate in LLCs are more likely to succeed in the transition to college life—they have higher retention rates, demonstrate stronger critical thinking, and benefit from increased access to faculty and student mentors.

Benefits of LLCs

• Live, learn, study, and get to know others who share your academic or other interests.
• Build strong friendships with your peers.
• Learn academic success skills and strategies.
• Gain an increased knowledge about your major and career options.
• Form study groups and share learning experiences.
• Participate in fun and educational in-house programming/events.
• Get support from a dedicated Resident Academic Mentor (RAM), a fellow student who serves as a live-in resource and plans a variety of social activities and out-of-classroom learning events.

In addition, LLC participation offers students opportunities that promote self-confidence, a deeper connection to the University community, and strong relationships with their peers.

There are many options

Given the benefits of LLC’s, URI provides many opportunities for resident students. Many students are automatically eligible for assignment to an LLC that corresponds to their academic college, major, or program. If you’re unsure which LLC is the best fit for your major or area of interest, Housing & Residential Life (HRL) and academic support staff can help you identify it.

If you live in a different residence hall, or if even if you live off-campus, you can still take advantage of LLC staff, resources, and programming. LLC programs are open and available to all first-year students in majors affiliated with an LLC.  Learn more about Living and Learning Community housing assignments.

Your Success Network

Resident Academic Mentors (RAMs) are trained students (sophomores and above) who live alongside first-year students in our LLC residence hall communities. They are actively engaged academic leaders who help first-year students succeed. RAMs keep regular office hours, organize study sessions, schedule group activities, and build a sense of community.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are undergraduate student residents who serve as a resource to help resident students navigate the campus and be successful, in and out of the classroom. RAs also work with residents to create a respectful, inclusive community within the residence halls by facilitating social and educational programming efforts, assisting students in resolving conflicts, and serving as community role models.

Hall Directors and Graduate Hall Directors are full-time university employees or full-time graduate students who are responsible for the management and daily operations of 2-5 residence halls. HDs and GHDs directly supervise the RAs and RAMs, oversee the community building and programming efforts, and offer support to students.

Academic Partners are dedicated faculty or staff members who serve as LLC leaders. An Academic Partner is skilled at interacting with students outside the classroom and dedicates time to facilitating LLC programs and events, meeting with students, and collaborating with the housing staff on LLC-related activities.

LLCs for First-Year Residents (2024-2025)

* These LLCs will be located in halls with triple rooms. Students can choose a roommate(s) of any major. Students can select one or two roommates. If the student selects just one roommate, the Assignments Team will use the housing software to match another student.