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About the Halls and Apartments
Faculty, Staff and Guest Housing
Housing & Residential Life
Comstock Hall East
210 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
housing@umn.edu
(612) 624-2994
Living Learning Communities
Many academic departments and colleges partner with Housing & Residential Life to offer incoming first-year freshmen and, in some cases, Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) students the opportunity to experience a Living Learning Community (LLC).
- Specifically designed to deliver a variety of educational, social, and developmental programs and services to support students with their transition to the University.
- Maximize students' retention and their academic success and provide positive experiences at the University.
- Offer eligible students the option to live in a "house" with residents who share similar academic interests.
Each program has a limit on the number of participants. When you consider applying to be part of a Living Learning Community, please keep these considerations in mind.
It is important to apply early for housing. Many programs use the date that the application has been received by our department to create a priority order for consideration.
Some programs may fill well before the March 1st priority date.
Many programs admit any first year student who has an interest in the focus of the LLC.
Some programs that do allow non-LLC roommates. These programs are noted in the following descriptions. When you complete your housing application, complete the questions regarding which choice is more important to you-having your roommate or being considered for a Living Learning Community. That information will be used only when necessary to provide you with the best fit for your priorities.
Students may apply for housing and for a Living Learning Community before the outcome of the admission application to the University of Minnesota is known.
What is Honors housing? Honors housing is a place of connecting and community building featuring co-curricular activities for Honors students. It is a hub of social and intellectual events with talks by esteemed professors, authors, artists, and distinguished campus visitors. Here you will find on-site tutors and community assistants who are part of the Honors program. Informal study groups, an endless variety of spontaneous activities including Ultimate Frisbee, soccer and chess games, and engrossing conversations with Honors peers are part of daily life in Honors housing.
Honors students share a passion for learning, discovering, and contributing to their community. The University Honors Program is designed to help students realize each of these goals. Living in Middlebrook Hall, students of diverse backgrounds and interests exchange ideas and learn from one another. Honors students develop friendships and make connections that benefit them in all aspects of their present and future lives. By far, the best part of Honors housing is living with other Honors students from across all colleges at the U of M.
Every student admitted to the University Honors Program is eligible for Honors housing. You are encouraged to apply for housing and indicate your preference for housing at any time. You do not need to be admitted prior to submitting your housing application. Those students not admitted to UHP will be assigned to their next available housing preference. The University Honors Program strongly encourages Honors students to reside in Honors housing.
For further information about the University Honors Program, please call 612-624-5522 or e-mail honors@umn.edu. The UHP website address is www.honors.umn.edu.
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American Indian Cultural House
The American Indian Cultural House is a co-ed community open to all-incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO students. Participants may include students across all colleges who are interested in past and contemporary American Indian issues and intercultural learning.
The goal of the American Indian Cultural House Living Learning Community is to provide a supportive community where the academic experiences of students will be nurtured and enriched as well as help in making friends, and finding their niche on campus. Participants will have the opportunity to live and study together and participate in curricular activities together. The house provides opportunities for students to explore their own identity as well as provide opportunities to those students who want to reach beyond their own cultural background and learn about the experiences of others.
Participants live together in one wing of one residence hall with a Community Advisor (CA) who has an interest in and understands American Indian issues. The CA will work with the American Indian Studies faculty and staff to plan social events such as dinners with professionals, faculty, and student organizations. Field trips, study groups, research presentations by faculty and students as well as film showings will also be offered. In addition, the CA will inform participants of special lectures and seminars that will be offered on campus. Students who remain with the program after the first year may become peer mentors and initiate tutoring networks.
Participants also have the opportunity to work with various American Indian student organizations on campus and assist them in special events such as pow-wows, traditional storytelling evenings, and bringing special speakers to campus. In addition, students have direct access to student support services on campus such as the Circle of Indigenous Peoples Center.
All occupants of the house will be enrolled together in two courses: the 3-credit course AmIn 1001, Indians in Minnesota, and the 2-credit Mastering Skills for College Success 1001. This will foster a supportive learning environment where students can learn from one another and enhance their success in the classroom.
Contact: Jillian Rowan, 612-626-0733 e-mail berkl002@umn.edu
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Biology House
For incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO students interested in the biological sciences, with priority given to students in the College of Biological Sciences. Participants may include students who are interested in biology or the health sciences.
The goal of the Biology House Living Learning Community is to assist students in achieving success in their coursework and in exploring the many different fields encompassed in biology.
The program offers social events, lab tours and field trips (including the possibility of weekend excursions), study groups, on-site advising, faculty and student research presentations, and career exploration. There are also special lectures and seminars on campus. Students who remain with the program after the first year may become peer mentors and initiate tutoring networks.
Biology House is located in Frontier Hall and houses approximately 50 students.
Contact: For additional information, contact the College of Biological Sciences office at 612-624-9717, e-mail cbs-advisor@cbs.umn.edu, or check out their Web site at www.cbs.umn.edu.
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Carlson Leadership House
For incoming first-year freshmen in the Carlson School of Management.
Carlson Leadership House is designed to promote active involvement in the University community and to provide opportunities for students to build upon leadership skills developed in high school. Carlson Leadership House encourages students to participate in leadership development programs offered by the University. Students are also kept apprised of leadership opportunities open to incoming students.
This Living Learning Community is located in Territorial Hall and houses approximately 100 students. Contact: For further information, contact the Carlson School of Management at 612-624-1517 or visit their Web site at www.csom.umn.edu.
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Casa Sol
Casa Sol is a co-ed Living Learning Community open to incoming first year students. The foundation of Casa Sol grounds itself in the Chicana/o and Latino/a lived experience. Participants may be from any college within the University of Minnesota.
The goal of Casa Sol is to provide opportunities for personal and academic growth in a supportive and affirming atmosphere. Students will have the opportunity to explore issues of ethnicity, identity and community advocacy, while receiving vital academic support and actively participating in and contributing to campus student life. As a group, we will attend various cultural events and activities in the Twin Cities, often with the staff and faculty of the Chicano Studies Department, General College, MCAE (Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence) and others. Students will have many opportunities to connect with other student leaders at La Raza Student Cultural Center.
Participants in Casa Sol will live together as a cluster in Sanford Hall on the East Bank. There will also be a Peer Mentor to act as a resource person and assist students with acclimating to campus life. Students who participate as a first year student in Casa Sol may then apply to be a Peer Mentor in the future.
Everyone in Casa Sol will take a Chicano Studies class together in the fall and spring semesters. Leadership development is an important part of the Casa Sol experience.
Contact: Lisa Sass Zaragoza 612-624-3834 or sassz001@umn.edu
http://cla.umn.edu/chicano/
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CLA Career Explorations
For all incoming freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students in the College of Liberal Arts who are interested in learning more about the career exploration process and how to gain relevant experience through on-campus or off-campus involvement opportunities. Those who will benefit most from this program are those who would like to learn more about the career they are considering or those who are undecided about a major or career path.
Students will be enrolled together in ID 1201, a 2-credit career exploration course, while living in the same community. This will foster a supportive learning environment where students will also learn from each other.
Through in-class and out-of-class experiences, students will work toward the goal of finding a career option that suits their unique values, interests, abilities, and personalities. Students will also become familiar with career-related resources available to them and will gain an understanding of the process of career management in the twenty-first century.
Residents will meet professionals in a variety of career areas who will help them better understand various occupations and industries.
Located in Territorial Hall with space for 60 students.
Contact: For additional information, contact the Career and Community Learning Center at 612-624-7577 or e-mail cclc@class.cla.umn.edu
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Design House
Open to incoming first-year freshmen that have been admitted to one of the design majors in the Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel.
The Design House Living Learning Community provides students with the opportunity to build a design community through shared classroom and living experiences. Its goal is to provide a way for design students to become better acquainted and learn from one another.
Students in Design House have the opportunity to plan group activities that involve design practitioners and faculty. In addition, Design House provides a Community Advisor (CA), who is generally an upper-division design student, to assist residents with any questions and concerns and to share their experience as a student in a design major.
Program participants live on the same floor in a wing of Bailey Hall, just across the street from McNeal Hall, where their design courses are located.
Contact: For more information, contact Lori Gilbertson, Admissions Officer, College of Design at 624-6250 or email lgilbert@umn.edu.
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Environment House
Environment House is a living, learning community for students majoring in:
- Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
- Forest Resources
- Bio-Based Products
- Fisheries and Wildlife
- Recreation and Resource Management
- Urban and Community Forestry
- Environmental Horticulture
The community provides opportunities for students to engage in group activities designed to build friendships, facilitate academic success, and educate students about issues and opportunities in environmental and natural resource sciences. Environment House is located in Bailey Hall on the beautiful St. Paul Campus.
Programs associated with Environment House include:
- Evening advising session and assistance with course registration either individually or in groups.
- Opportunities to learn about careers in environmental and natural resource sciences.
- Social events, such as barbeques and canoe trips, to foster community and friendship building among faculty and students.
- Evening presentations and discussions led by professionals working in various fields of environmental and natural resource science.
- Lab and facility tours of the St. Paul campus and possible visits to off campus sites of interest.
- Organization of study groups, tutoring, and study skills sessions.
- Opportunities to participate in environmentally related service activities on the St. Paul Campus and the surrounding community.
- Organization of coeducational, intramural sport teams.
German, Scandinavian, and Dutch House
"GSD” House is for incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students across all colleges and of all heritages who have a background in German, a Scandinavian language, or Dutch and are interested in maintaining and improving their language skills by living in an environment where priority is given to communicating in the languages of Northern Europe.
The program creates a GSD community for a diverse set of students who wish to incorporate German, Scandinavian, or Dutch into their personal, academic, and professional development.
GSD House provides opportunities for social events, study groups, and various venues for interaction with instructors from the Department of German, Scandinavian, & Dutch program. There will be close interaction with the Department, the German Club, the Scandinavian Club, and the Finnlanders Club.
Participants in the program live in Sanford Hall. The Community Advisor (CA) or U-Crew peer mentor will be able to speak German, a Scandinavian language or Dutch and will possibly be able to speak more than one of these languages of Northern Europe.
Contact: The Department of German, Scandinavian, and Dutch sponsors the program. For further information, please contact Monika Zagar at 612-625-4898 or e-mail zagar001@umn.edu
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Global Studies House
Global Studies House is open to incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students in any college interested in international and global studies. Often some international students are a part of Global Studies House.
The Global Studies Living Learning Community provides students with opportunities to pursue international and global studies interests outside of regular coursework through interaction with one another and with faculty. In addition, Global Studies House activities may include co-programming with other Living Learning Communities.
Activities include faculty/student dinners and discussions, film series, special lectures and seminars, on-site advising, a one-credit course, and social events aimed at creating an atmosphere of immersion in a global community. Global Studies House is located in Comstock Hall and has approximately 20 spaces.
Contact: The Institute for Global Studies (IGS) in the College of Liberal Arts sponsors Global Studies House. IGS is the home of the interdisciplinary undergraduate major in global studies and serves as a center of activity for faculty and students interested in international and global issues The phone number for IGS is 612-624-9007, email igs@umn.edu or visit the web at www.igs.cla.umn.edu.
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Institute of Technology . IT Explorations
in Engineering and Sciences
For first-year freshman and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) IT students interested in any area of science and/or engineering, including:
- Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
- Astrophysics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
The IT Explorations House is an exciting residential learning environment that is popular with the freshman class. The program creates a smaller living-learning environment in which students can learn from others who have similar academic and career interests in science and/or engineering.
Students participating in the IT Explorations House will find support by making new friends that can enhance their success in the classroom and on campus. Faculty and staff advisors from the Institute of Technology will provide guidance during students’ first year on campus as well as on-site academic advising and access to information on career options. In addition, there are various social activities such as dinner with professionals, faculty, and student organizations. Because of the popularity of this program, students interested in applying must be willing to attend a few activities planned and sponsored by the college throughout the year.
All occupants in this house are strongly encouraged to register for the Institute of Technology course 1312, “Exploring Careers in Science and Engineering” and/or IT Course 1311 “Intro to Engineering”. This course can be used as a Freshman Seminar.
IT Explorations is a co-ed community in Frontier Hall with space for 100 students.
Contact: The Institute of Technology Student Affairs office sponsors this program. For further information, call 612-624-8010 or email with questions.
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La Casa De Espanol
La Casa de Espanol is open to incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students. The program houses students (including native Spanish speakers) across all colleges who have a background in and would like to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills by living in an environment where priority is given to communicating in Spanish.
The program creates a Spanish-speaking community for a diverse set of students who wish to incorporate Spanish into their academic, personal, and professional development. The program provides opportunities for social events and study groups, and various venues for interaction with faculty throughout the year, all conducted in Spanish. La Casa de Espanol is located in Sanford Hall with a Spanish-speaking Community Advisor (CA) or U-Crew peer mentor.
Contact: The Department of Spanish and Portuguese sponsors the program. For further information, call the department at 612-625-5858 or e-mail spanport@lists.cla.umn.edu.
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La Casa Italiana
Open to incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students enrolled in an Italian language course or who have an interest in Italian culture, language, arts, or film.
This Living Learning Community fosters an understanding of past and contemporary Italian culture. The program creates a friendly and supportive Italian-speaking community for students who wish to incorporate Italian into their academic, social, personal, and professional development. La Casa Italiana is committed to creating a residence environment for students interested in understanding Italian cultures and language and the Italian-American experience. The program provides opportunities for social events and study groups, and interaction with faculty throughout the year. Participants in La Casa Italiana will live in Sanford Hall with an Italian-speaking Community Advisor (CA) or U-Crew peer mentor.
Contact: The Department of French and Italian sponsors the program. For further information, call the department at 612-624-4308 or e-mail frit@umn.edu.
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La Maison Francaise
La Maison Francaise, "French House," is open to incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students (including students whose native language is French) who have a background in French and would like to maintain and improve their language skills by living in an environment where priority is given to communicating in French.
The program creates a supportive French-speaking community for a diverse set of students who wish to incorporate French into their academic, personal, and professional development. The program provides opportunities for social events, study groups, and interaction with faculty throughout the year, all conducted in French. La Maison Francaise will be located in Sanford Hall with a French-speaking Community Advisor (CA) or U-Crew peer mentor.
Contact: The Department of French and Italian sponsors the program. For further information call the department at 612-624-4308 or e-mail frit@umn.edu.
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Lavender House
Lavender House is open to any and all students who are interested in issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. In this community, students can explore and express who they are in a safe and affirming environment.
Students learn about the history and culture of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied communities, and are encouraged to participate in programs and classes offered by the Department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies and the GLBTA Programs Office. Students will also connect with the larger Twin Cities GLBT and allied community through social events, service opportunities and guest speakers.
Lavender House, a Living Learning Community within Comstock Hall, would be ideal for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students, friends of GLBT students, students from GLBT families, and students who are queer, gender queer, or questioning.
Website: www.umn.edu/glbta
E-mail: glbt@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-0537
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Pre-Veterinary Science House
Pre-Veterinary Medicine House is a Living Learning Community comprised of students interested in animals and becoming veterinarians. Located in Bailey Hall on the beautiful St. Paul campus, the community strives to build friendships among students while facilitating their academic success.
Vet Med House offers an array of social and professional programs geared toward helping students learn more about animal-related careers and educational opportunities. Programs associated with the community include:
-Organization of study groups, tutoring, and study skill sessions
Opportunities to participate in animal-related service activities
Off-campus visits to sites of interest
Presentations and discussions led by professionals in animal-related fields, including faculty and veterinarians
Social activities – including involvement in on-campus student groups such as the Pre-Vet club.
Website: www.ansci.umn.edu
E-mail: seyko001@umn.edu
Phone : 612-624-2722
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ROTC House
For incoming freshmen interested in the Army, Navy/Marine, or Air Force ROTC. Although the house is open to all students interested in the study of military leadership, preference is given to those who have registered for one of the ROTC programs at the University.
The ROTC House provides on-site advising, a meeting room in the residence hall, study groups, and tutoring/mentoring by upper class ROTC cadets/midshipmen.
The goal of the departments of Military Science, Naval Science, and Aerospace Studies is to commission world-class military officers educated at a premier research university. The program provides cadets and midshipmen with the opportunity to learn more about each other and each service through routine social contact in a non-classroom atmosphere.
ROTC House is located in Centennial Hall with space for 31 students.
For additional information, contact the appropriate department listed below:
| Department of Military Science (Army ROTC) | |
| Phone Web site |
612-624-1584 http://www1.umn.edu/AROTC army.rotc@umn.edu |
| Department of Naval Science (Navy/Marine Corps ROTC) | |
| Phone Web site |
612-625-6677 http://www1.umn.edu/NROTC nrotc@umn.edu |
| Department of Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC) | |
| Phone Website |
612-624-2884 http://www1.umn.edu/AFROTC afrotc@umn.edu |
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St. Paul Leaders and Scholars Housing
St. Paul Leaders and Scholars Housing is open to incoming first-year students in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) who receive a scholarship or are selected to participate in the Dean’s Engaged Leadership Program. Located in Bailey Residence Hall on the St. Paul campus, the house provides an opportunity for students to experience a diverse community that lives, studies, and shares extracurricular experiences together. Students who chose to live in St. Paul Leaders and Scholars Housing are committed to developing their potential to enhance our civic spaces through leadership and a commitment to diversity in its broadest sense.
Special activities include speakers, off-campus field trips, and opportunities to form close relationships with faculty and community leaders. For more information please contact Caitrin Mullan (cmullan@umn.edu or 612-626-3975).
Please note: This community is an integral part of CFANS Dean’s Engaged Leadership Program, and program participants are strongly encouraged to select this housing option for a more immersive experience.
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The Second Year Experience program seeks to assist second year residential students in further transitioning into positive connections with the University. Students will be exposed to programmatic and experiential opportunities to ensure their retention and developmental progress both personally and academically.
Visit the Second Year Experience website here.
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Substance Free Houses
The residents who choose to live in one of Housing’s substance-free communities agree to refrain from the misuse of prescription drugs and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs while living in this community. They also agree that they will not return to their community while under the influence of alcohol.
In addition to the benefits of living with other students who have chosen this lifestyle, students will have the opportunity to participate in numerous social and educational programs presented by the Community Advisor of their community and the staff of Boynton Health Services. Students will also work together to plan activities for the community.
All students, regardless of academic program or academic class standing, may apply to live in the substance free living learning community. Applicants will be asked to complete additional essay questions that will be used to select students for the community. Students selected for the Substance Free Living Learning Program will have the opportunity to live in these space-limited communities by signing an additional contract stating that they commit to refrain from consuming alcohol or other drugs, in addition to using tobacco products.
The Substance Free communities will be located in 2 locations – one in Middlebrook Hall on the Minneapolis West Bank Campus and one in Pioneer Hall on the Minneapolis East Bank Campus. Applicants will need to rank first the location they would prefer to live in or if either would be acceptable.
For more information, contact: housing@umn.edu
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West Bank Arts House
Open to incoming first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students who have an interest in all aspects of the arts, specifically theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. Priority is given to students in those departments. Participants may also include freshmen who are interested in participating in the arts on campus, but do not wish to declare it as a major.
The West Bank Arts Living Learning Community provides a supportive atmosphere for students who share a love of the arts and who see the value of interdisciplinary access and collaboration. The community helps students in achieving success in their coursework, exploring the many different disciplines encompassed in performing and visual arts, and finding ways to generate collaborative projects.
The program includes many social opportunities and events such as tours of studios, galleries, and performance venues; study groups; group attendance at guest artists, performance, and studio events; and career exploration. Invitations to guest lectures, symposiums, and seminars are offered as well. Students who remain connected to the program after the first year may apply to become peer advisers or may initiate tutoring networks.
The West Bank Arts House is located in Middlebrook Hall and houses approximately 125 students.
Contact: For additional information regarding the West Bank Arts House campus involvement, contact Sherry Wagner-Henry in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at swh@umn.edu
Sponsored by the Depts. of Art, Music and Theatre Arts and Dance
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Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House
For female first-year freshmen and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) students interested in any area of science or engineering, including:
Agriculture (e.g., Animal Science, Food Science, and Nutrition)
Architecture
Computer Science
Math or Science Education
Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical)
Health Sciences (e.g., Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine)
History and Philosophy of Science
Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Neuroscience)
The WISE House creates a smaller Living Learning environment in which women interested in the sciences or engineering can learn from others (peers, faculty, graduate students, professionals) who have similar academic and career interests. Participants in the WISE House will find support that will enhance their success in the classroom and in making friends, finding their niche on campus, and exploring their academic, career, and personal interests. The Community Advisor works with the faculty and staff of WISE to provide various social activities such as lab tours, dinners with faculty, and study groups.
Located in Frontier Hall, the WISE House has 30 spaces. Contact: The Office for University Women and Institute of Technology Student Affairs sponsor the program. For further information email wise@umn.edu visit their Web site at www1.umn.edu/women/wise.htm
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