The University of Idaho provides many different experiences for on-campus living. One of these experiences takes the form of specialized communities, which are designed so you can live with other students who are pursuing similar majors. Such communities are found in the Theophilus Tower, the LLCs and the Wallace Residence Center.
Programs with specialized communities are Art and Architecture, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Natural Resources Living Learning Community, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, Engineering, Honors and Women in Idaho Science and Engineering.
There are also many other LLCs aside from CNR, ranging from Scholars communities to Engineering communities. There are eight LLCs in total, with many offering housing to sophomores and beyond. The CNR LLC and the Upham LLC both offer first-year housing to students who meet the communities’ major requirements.
Like many housing opportunities on campus, events take place so these communities can let loose and grow connections with other people living in the community.
“It’s a really fun community because there are always community events going on and there’s always somebody in the building who’s down to hang out,” said Ripley Schultz, a first-year student living in the CNR LLC.
The specialized communities on campus provide a way for students to become part of a community that’s focused on their passions and interests. Students often find friendships, mentors and resources that help make their academic and social experiences `that much better.
“[It’s] pretty cool because we’re all CNR students so we see each other in classes and are working toward similar goals and applying for similar jobs, internships and scholarships,” Ripley said. “A lot of people do their homework together and we’re able to help each other with classes we’re in or have taken in the past.”
Specialized communities aren’t just living spaces, they are resources to help make your UI journey the best it can be. With students from all stages of pursuing a degree, there is a never-ending pool of information, experience and aid for you to pull from as a student in these communities.
“Go to the community events because they’re usually really fun and you can get a lot of free snacks,” Ripley said, offering advice to new members. “Overall, just make the most out of being in the [specialized communities] because it’s a pretty good set up and there are a lot of ways to participate and make friends.”
Mackenzie Davidson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @mackenzie_films