Living Learning Communities
Live with students who share similar academic or social interests.
- The Winter Break Housing Application is available on the WKU Housing Portal via my.wku.edu. Learn More
- The residence halls will close for Thanksgiving Break on Wednesday, November 27 at 10 AM, except PFT, Meredith, & Zacharias Halls. Learn More
- The residence halls will close for Winter Break on Friday, December 6 at 6 PM, except PFT, Meredith & Zacharias Halls. Learn More
WKU Living Learning Communities
In a WKU Living Learning Community (LLC), students with similar academic or social interests live together on a residence hall floor and participate in activities tailored to their specific majors or interests.
LLCs are designed to help you connect socially, succeed academically, engage with WKU faculty, staff, and administrators, and chart your course at WKU.
WKU faculty share about WKU Living Learning Communities
Although each LLC has unique opportunities, they all share the same vital purpose and goal: nurturing and developing a prosperous Hilltopper student to become engaged with other students and faculty throughout campus.
*There is no additional cost for a Living Learning Community. However, some LLCs require
students to register for specific classes; please refer to the individual LLC descriptions
for additional requirements.
WKU student attributes collegiate success to involvement in Living Learning Community
“The LLC was the biggest thing that contributed to my success within the Gordon Ford College of Business itself, not only as a person, but also as a college student...”
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No Additional Cost.
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Academic Living Learning Communities may include enrollment in two linked courses that count toward your major and/or General Education requirements.
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Priority housing - you will receive your housing assignment in early April.
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Priority course registration for LLC courses.
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Opportunity to form deeper connections with faculty and staff members.
- Opportunity to connect with people similar to yourself and create lasting relationships through your college career and beyond. You will build your support system early, preparing you as you progress through your coursework and into the career field.
“Joining the LLC allowed me to be in one of the most encouraging environments I’ve ever experienced...I had a group of 25 peers around me that I had three classes a day with, and we all lived on the same floor too. We were instant friends, and we knew so much about each other quickly. They were my first friends on campus, and we didn’t have to go through that ‘I don’t know anyone in this class’ phase. It just made it feel like home.”
Academic Living Learning Communities
The Agriculture Living Learning Community provides a residential environment that fosters peer networking and academic success for freshman who are majoring in Agriculture at WKU.
Majors include:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Technology & Mgt
In the Agriculture LLC, you will:
- Live with other freshman Agriculture majors on the same floor in a residence hall,
- Take agriculture major courses together, and
- Participate in events throughout your freshman year that will help you to learn more about your area of study and the opportunities available in your discipline.
Participating in the Agriculture LLC is a great way to get to know other students, faculty, and staff in your program.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
AGRO 110: Introduction to Plant Science
Normal Halls is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU Department of Agriculture and Food Science
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Business Living Learning Communityis specifically designed for first-year business-minded students to receive enhanced learning programs outside of the classroom. This community provides support toward a successful academic and eventual business career.
I am thankful for all of the friends that I have made and all of the academic benefits [the Business] LLC has to offer!
The Business Living Learning Community provides students with opportunities to connect and engage with fellow business-minded classmates, faculty, peer mentors, and business executives.
Students will benefit from programming designed to focus on community engagement, leadership, and personal development.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in business workshops, networking events with faculty, and business-related excursions. Events business LLC students can expect to attend are the Annual Hot Rods Game, Game Nights, Podsgiving, and Bowling.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Eligible Majors Include:
- Accounting
- Analytics and Information Systems
- Economics - Economics, Business Economics, Mathematical Economics
- Finance - Business Finance and Personal Financial Planning
- Management - Business Admin, HR, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship, Global Business Concentrations
- Marketing - Sales, Strategic, and Social Media
"I am thankful for the immediate connections that we all made in the first couple of weeks of school."
WKU Gordon Ford College of Business
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Living Learning Community is for students who are majoring in a CHHS program.
Students will live together in a common "pod" and will participate in activities that will promote a smooth transition academically, socially, and personally to college life.
The CHHS LLC will provide opportunities to interact and meet with the CHHS Student Wellness Navigators.
Each student in the CHHS LLC will enroll in a common course. This course will facilitate networking within the college and with professionals in the community. Additional courses may be guided based on major of interest. Students will discover how professionals interact and collaborate.
Department of Applied Human Sciences
- Child and Family Services
- Hospitality Management and Dietetics
- Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Communication Disorders
School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport
- Physical Education
- Recreation, Park, and Non-profit Administration
- Sport Management
School of Nursing and Allied Health
- Dental Hygiene
Department of Public Health
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science
- Health Care Administration
- Health Information Management
- Health Sciences
- Public Health
Department of Social Work
- Social Work
Pre-Professional Programs
The CHHS majors listed above are often selected by students interested in pre-professional programs, such as pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-dentistry, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-optometry, and pre-pharmacy. Students with these pre-professional program interests and a major in the College of Health and Human Services may be considered for the CHHS LLC.
Note, students interested in the major of Exercise Science should apply to the Exercise Science LLC.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Find your inspiration in the Creative Arts Living Learning Community.
Join future artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, composers, actors, designers, technicians, dancers, and creative arts educators in this interdisciplinary community designed to cultivate creativity. Live, study, create and collaborate with fellow students studying the arts. Students in the Creative Arts LLC have access to residence hall music practice rooms and studio space.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Eligible Majors Include:
- Art History
- English (Creative Writing)
- Dance
- Film
- Film Production
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Visual Studies
WKU Potter College of Arts & Letters
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Criminology Living Learning Community is focused on engaging first-year students interested in the professions of criminology (i.e., law enforcement, courts, corrections, victim advocacy, and juvenile justice), and believe their transition to college would be enhanced by receiving extra support from faculty, peer mentors, alumni, and community partners working in justice careers.
Together, participants will live on the same residence hall floor while engaging in shared classroom experiences and programming designed to deepen awareness of and appreciation for the field of criminology.
LLC participants will benefit from a close relationship with faculty and peer mentors in the criminology program, learning from them the techniques of college success.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
I am beyond thankful for the relationships I’ve made in my pod, as well as my phenomenal pod leader and RA. They are the ones that has helped me transition into my new life here on campus.
WKU Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) LLC is a community designed for first-year majors in environmental, geographic, geological, meteorological, emergency management/disaster, and sustainability sciences.
Although students may major in these distinctively different fields, the disciplines are highly interconnected, with the broad topics complementing and building upon each other. Students will receive enhanced learning programs outside of the classroom to support a successful academic and eventual geoscience career.
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GEOG 226 - Our Dangerous Planet
Depending on their major, students will take one of the following:
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GEOL 112 - The Earth
- GEOL 114 - Earth's Past and Future
- GEOG 380 - Global Sustainability
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METR 122 - Aviation Meterology
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village
WKU Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences
Contact: llc@wku.edu
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Maintain a 3.0 GPA
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Major in one of the following:
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Environmental, Sustainability, & Geographic Studies;
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Geological Sciences;
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Meteorology
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Students in the LLC will take either GEOG 280, GEOL 111, or METR 121, determined by their major. All students will take GEOG 175.
- Students who are transferring in AP credit for any of the above listed courses will work with the LLC faculty mentor to identify a suitable alternative for progression in the major.
The EducationLiving Learning Community is for first-year students enrolled in the WKU School of Teacher Education.
All students majoring in education are welcome: elementary, special education, middle grades, secondary, all "specials" (music, art, physical education, etc.), and interdisciplinary early childhood education.
This LLC provides a learning community for future teachers to share their passion, learn together, and interact in professional growth activities that develop fellowship and professionalism.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
WKU School of Teacher Education
Contact: llc@wku.edu
I’m thankful for my LLC because I have learned a lot from those who live around me. They have taught me what it’s like to be in a community and have people around me that you can talk to at any point about whatever you need. Being around people that have the same interest as you is a great opportunity to learn from one another! I have made friends for life here and for that I’ll always be thankful!
The Exercise Science Living Learning Community is designed for first-year students in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport who are majoring in Exercise Science.
Each semester, LLC members will enroll in two courses together that are required for the Exercise Science major. Students will also live on the same floor of a residence hall with other Exercise Science students and will benefit from peer engagement, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities.
Members of the LLC will have opportunities to engage with each other, with faculty members, and with other students in the Exercise Science program. Examples of engagement and educational activities include:
- Guest speakers and discussions on topics in Exercise Science
- Educational exercise sessions
- Pre-registration group advising session
- Peer mentoring
- Faculty meet and greets
Satisfies major and general education requirements
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village
I am thankful for the opportunity to meet lots of friends, and having neighborhood style living within my pod.
To be eligible to join the EXS LLC, students must:
- Be a first-year student
- Major in Exercise Science
- Express interest in the EXS LLC on their housing application and answer the required questions.
Applicants will be chosen based on GPA and stated interest in the program. Members of the LLC are expected to enroll in the designated foundational courses (two per semester) with their cohort.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The F1RST Gen Living Learning Communityis for first-year first-generation college students. If neither of your parents/guardians have a Bachelor’s (four-year) degree from an American college or university, you are a first-generation college student. You are not alone! About 30% of WKU students are first-gen and there are many faculty, staff, and alumni who are first-gen graduates.
This LLC will create an opportunity for you to learn how to be a great college student and maximize your college experience. Students will take courses together and learn more about major/career path options, campus resources, how to access high impact learning experiences, and laying a foundation for future academic and career success. This LLC is open to any first-generation student who does not already have credit for the linked courses and is best suited for exploratory students who are not sure of their major/career path.
Satisfies general education requirements
FALL
- COMM 145:Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication
- IDST 199: University Learning (for First Gen students)
SPRING
- (Optional) FIN 161: Personal Finance
Pearce Ford Tower is a community style residence halls located in the First Year Village.
LLC participants will be on adjacent floors of PFT. Female residents on one floor and male residents on another floor.
LLC participants will have access to a common lounge area in their residential space.
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Opportunities to develop an academic/professional network that includes current students and faculty, including mentorship
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Career coaching and exploratory advisement in partnership with the Academic Career and Development Center (ACDC)
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Success strategies programming including study skills, financial literacy, time management, and more
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Shared learning experience that includes two courses in the fall semester and at least one course in the spring semester
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Phase 1 of the Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI).
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Group social activities and opportunities to gain leadership skills and experience
F1rst Gen LLC students will be encouraged to participate in F1rst Gen on the Hill programming, which is open to all students at WKU.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Media & Communication Living Learning Community is designed to bring together and engage first-year students who are majoring in a Media and Communication program, and to provide shared experiences across those disciplines.
Students in this LLC will form strong, interpersonal connections to their classmates and faculty in the School of Media and Communication, and will have increased and enhanced opportunities to study, discuss and experience the core material from their Freshman classes.
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Advertising
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Broadcasting
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Communication Studies
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Corporate and Organizational Communication
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Journalism
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Public Relations
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Visual Journalism and Photography
Satisfies general education requirements.
Fall
Students who are majoring in Broadcasting, Journalism, and Photojournalism:
Spring
- PS 110 - American National Government
Students who are majoring in Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations:
Fall
Spring
- PS 110 - American National Government
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Nursing Living Learning Community provides a residential community for peer networking, selective tutoring, mentoring and strategic programming for students who plan to enter the nursing program at WKU.
This LLC is limited to students with a Pre-Nursing major designation.
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village
Satisfies major and general education requirements
I’m thankful for my faculty fellows that are super kind and always willing to help us!
WKU School of Nursing and Allied Health
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Ogden Sciences Living Learning Community provides a residential environment that fosters peer networking and academic success for first-year students who are interested in majoring in a science through the Ogden College of Science and Engineering. This LLC includes thematic academic programming where LLC members take two courses together each semester. The courses, the LLC, and the LLC activities are geared toward exploring science and its social impact on the lives of others.
Students who are eligible for the Ogden College LLC are first-time first-year students who would like to major in an Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) major or who are undecided but affiliated with OCSE.
Priority will be given to OCSE students who are not eligible for OCSE’s other Living Learning Communities.
To be eligible, a student must:
• Be able to take one of these MATH courses in their fall semester: MATH 116 College Algebra, MATH 117 Trigonometry, or MATH 136 Calculus 1;
• Be prepared to take ENG 200 Introduction to Literature in the spring term by completing the ENG 100 requirement by the end of the fall term
Student commits to taking two courses each term with LLC members in their first-year.
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Middle Grades Mathematics
- Middle School Science Education
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Physics
- Psychological Science
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) Living Learning Community (LLC) will offer a dynamic and immersive experience for first-year students pursuing majors in English, Political Science, Modern Languages, and Exploratory studies.
Rooted in PCAL’s mission to foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication through the visual and performing arts, humanities, media, and social sciences, this LLC aims to cultivate a supportive, interdisciplinary learning environment that emphasizes academic engagement, social belonging, and professional development.
Satisfies general education requirements
PCAL 175 - Potter College of Arts & Letters University Experience
Pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village.
- English (Creative Writing, Literature, Professional Writing, TESL)
- Political Science (International Affairs, Legal Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, Professional Legal Studies)
- Modern Languages (Chinese, Spanish)
- History (Asian Studies, Legal Studies, Religious Studies, History, Social Studies)
WKU Potter College of Arts & Letters
Contact: llc@wku.edu
PSYCH - Psychology Students Yearning to Climb Higher
The PSYCH LLC is designed is to:
- Help students learn the ins and outs of the psychology major,
- Broaden students' knowledge about career options in psychology,
- Develop transferable skills relevant to the field of psychology and beyond,
- Improve academic success,
- Promote positive social involvement with both peers and faculty, and
- Improve overall wellness.
Satisfies general education requirements
Fall
- PSY220 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology
- TBD Colonnade course
Spring
- PSY210/211
- PHIL 102 - Enduring Questions: The Good and the Beautiful
Regents Hall is a pod-style residence hall located in the First Year Village
- Declared Psychology Major
- Eligibility for MATH 183
I am thankful for my LLC because I have made genuine close connects to people that I can now call my closest friends. I have also been able to be more connected to my major in psychology and have learned ways to advance toward my future career. I have also had many activities that have gotten me more connected on campus. I wouldn’t change this opportunity for anything else.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) Living Learning Community provides a residential environment for first-year students that fosters peer networking and academic success for students who are majoring in any of the nine undergraduate programs in SEAS through the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.
In the SEAS LLC, you will live with other students majoring in a SEAS discipline on the same floor in Regents Hall, take at least two courses together, and participate in SEAS LLC events throughout your freshmen year to learn about your major, grow professionally, and make academic and social connections.
Participating in the SEAS LLC is a great way to get to know other students, faculty, and staff in your discipline.
I am thankful for having the given experiences and being able to make friends with the ones in similar fields and who live on the same floor.
Fall
Spring
For Architectural Science, Civil Engineering, and Construction Management Majors:
For Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Majors:
- will take next major course in their sequence together
Normal Hall is a pod-style residence halls located in the First Year Village
WKU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Eligible Majors Include:
- Architectural Science
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Computer Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
Interest-Based Living Learning Communities
The Intercultural Student Engagement Center (ISEC) Academy Living Learning Community is for any student who identifies as a student of color (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, and Multiracial) and/or is a first-generation college student, Pell eligible, and has some need with their transition, persistence, and graduation from WKU.Please note that living in the LLC is not a requirement to be a part of ISEC but is encouraged.
LLC participants may be enrolled in up to two courses including:
- IDST 199: University Learning
- COM 145:Fund Speaking/Communication
- FIN 161: Personal Finance
- ENG 200: Introduction to Literature
This LLC is for first-year and second-year students only.
[I am thankful for] the family away from home that is has provided me, it’s a priceless support system, filled with love and black excellence that keeps me on my path and lifts me up when I fall.
Minton Hall is a community-style residence hall located in the middle of campus across from Downing Student Union, which houses the main ISEC offices.
Munday Hall is a hotel-style residence hall located in the Centennial Village.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The WKU Mahurin Honors College Living Learning Community is designed specifically for scholars in The Mahurin Honors College (MHC). The MHC has worked with driven and gifted scholars for decades, and we have crafted an environment inside of Minton Hall that focuses on your unique social, cultural, and intellectual needs.
Our inclusive interdisciplinary LLC focuses on maximizing your success through a host of specialized programs as you ascend towards excellence in the MHC. The MHC LLC in Minton Hall is a residence hall full of high energy eclectic scholars just like you.
Students must be admitted to the Mahurin Honors College
I have made friends who share the same values as me. This has helped me enjoy college while also putting my academic requirements first. My friends have encouraged me to keep pushing through homework and even getting up for class sometimes. I am truly so thankful for the lifelong friends that the LLC has brought me.
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Army ROTC Living Learning Community is for students who:
- Are enrolling in the ROTC program and a Military Science course
- Want to live in the same residence hall and form connections with other Army ROTC students
- Want to participate in extracurricular activities that connect learning in and out of the classroom
Army ROTC partners with Western Kentucky University to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire ROTC Cadets in order to commission officers of character for the Total Army.
The Army ROTC Living Learning Community consists of a diverse group of first-year students who are engaged in the Army ROTC program, and a variety of co-curricular activities. The living learning community will create camaraderie and team building among ROTC students, ensure each ROTC student is persistent in their academics and connect ROTC students with faculty/staff to track student success through mentorship opportunities. Students in the living learning community will have access to many different opportunities to enhance their abilities and prepare them for their future careers.
Pearce Ford Tower is a community style residence hall located in the First Year Village. PFT offers extended living (does not close during Thanksgiving break, winter break, or spring break).
Contact: llc@wku.edu
The Stonewall Suites (LGBTQ+) Living Learning Community is for students who strive to promote social integration and change for all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations.
This LLC is open to any student interested in participating. Students interested in this LLC will go through an interview process before being selected into the community.
Satisfies major and general education requirements
Meredith Hall is a suite style hall located in the First Year Village
I'm incredibly thankful for the friends I've made since coming here and hearing all of their incredibly stories. I've really learned so much from them and I'm so grateful to have met everyone in Stonewall Suites!
Contact: llc@wku.edu
Read More:
WKU Spirit Magazine: Living Learning Communities - Important Piece of WKU Freshman Experience
Living Learning Community options and locations may be subject to change.
Apply for a Living Learning Community through your WKU Housing Application.
Depending on the LLC, you may be asked to submit more information.
If you need to update your application to choose a different LLC, contact llc@wku.edu and provide your WKU ID number. Selecting a new LLC from the drop-down menu on the housing application will not update your LLC Application.
Beginning mid-February, LLC admission decisions will be shared via email and in the WKU Housing Portal.
Students who apply for an LLC after February 15th can expect to receive an email decision by March 31st.
Receiving a Placement Offer
- Students must accept or decline the offer in the WKU Housing Portal.
- To accept, follow the instructions in the WKU Housing Portal and confirm the LLC Learning Contract.
- If the student chooses to deny the offer, the student can apply for a different LLC in their WKU Housing application.
- If you accept, you will be assigned to the building/floor housing the LLC.
Receiving a Waitlist Offer
- The student will be added to the LLC if a placement becomes available.
- If the student does not want to be added to the waitlist for the LLC, they can deny the waitlist offer and apply for a new LLC in their WKU Housing Application.
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is WKU's transition program for all new undergraduate students and is designed to help you transition to your new life as a Hilltopper.
During M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, LLC participants will have special programming and events, meet with their LLC faculty/staff fellow, and start to form those special LLC bonds with one another.
All first year Living Learning Community students are required to attend M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan
“Living in an LLC makes it easier for us to access our teachers.”
Danielle Williams, a member of the Criminology Living Learning Community (LLC) at WKU, has found life in an LLC beneficial for starting her academic journey.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through the Business LLC.”
Nick Herdegen, a member of the Business Living Learning Community, says that being a part of the Business LLC helped him transition into WKU both academically and socially.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through the Business LLC.”
Nick Herdegen, a member of the Business Living Learning Community, says that being a part of the Business LLC helped him transition into WKU both academically and socially.
“It’s great because we’re all in the same classes and I have people I can bond with.” He explained that being in an LLC means being surrounded by “people who all specialize in what you learn”, which gives you a great opportunity to help and be helped by the people who live right down the hall.
Additionally, he explained that being in an LLC gave him a community of people as soon as he arrived on the Hill, as there are often events such as visiting Chaney’s Dairy Barn or Monopoly nights that allow the students in the LLC to get to know each other.
Even though Nick has switched from pursuing an accounting degree to the pre-nursing program, he still feels like the LLC experience benefited him greatly and helped him connect with other Hilltoppers.
Photo & interview by WKU student, Isabelle Hannah ('24)
“I have people living with me, who are also in the same classes as me. I’m able to connect with them and practice speaking Chinese with them.”
Taryn Guyer, a member of the Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community, explained that she is more motivated to complete her work when she sees all the people around her completing and collaborating on assignments.
Have you ever been interested in learning a new language? Or in learning more about a culture?
WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program offers students an opportunity to learn Chinese with no previous knowledge of the language, by immersing them in Chinese classes five days a week and giving them an opportunity to engage with native speakers.
Taryn Guyer, a member of the Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community (LLC) explained that being a part of the LLC gave her a unique opportunity to learn more about the language from being surrounded by members of her classes in her residence hall.
“I have people living with me, who are also in the same classes as me. I’m able to connect with them and practice speaking Chinese with them.”
Taryn also explained that being in an LLC is academically beneficial, as she is more motivated to complete her work when she sees all the people around her completing and collaborating on assignments.
“There are people who live in the LLC that are in more advanced classes than me, and I am able to ask them for help.”
The Chinese Flagship LLC offers students in the program a unique opportunity to become even more immersed in learning the Chinese language, as it surrounds them with people who are all learning and practicing the same language.
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