Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are intentional residential environments centered on shared academic, cultural, or identity-based interests. Students in LLCs live, learn, and connect alongside peers who are committed to personal growth, community engagement, and shared learning goals. LLCs are open to all students who are eager to contribute to and support the community’s purpose. If you would like to join an LLC, indicate your preference on your housing application.
The LLC program exists to:
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Foster community through shared goals, interests, and lived experiences.
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Encourage exploration of personal and social development in a supportive setting.
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Promote mutual respect, dialogue, and cross-cultural learning.
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Enhance holistic support and wellness through resource connections.
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Create a strong sense of belonging that supports students’ connection, engagement, and persistence within the residential community.
APIDA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American)
Join a vibrant community celebrating the rich diversity of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) experience. Open to all, the community offers engaging discussions, cultural celebrations, and fun social events. Connect with campus organizations, explore APIDA identities, and build lasting friendships.
Location: Anacapa Residence Hall, Santa Ynez Apartments
Black Scholars
The Black Scholars Community is open to all students interested in celebrating and supporting Black/African American experiences. Through cultural events, academic resources, and connections with faculty, staff, and peers, we foster an inclusive environment where students thrive, build community, and grow as leaders.
Location: Manzanita Village, San Joaquin Villages
Chicanx/Latinx Scholars
¡Bienvenido! Open to all students, the Chicanx/Latinx Scholars Communities celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and identities of the Latine community. Through cultural events, social activities, and meaningful connections, we create a welcoming familia where students can learn, grow, and belong.
Location: Santa Cruz Residence Hall, San Joaquin Villages
College of Creative Studies Community (CCS)
This LLC is located right next to the College of Creative Studies! CCS attracts students who pursue an accelerated course of study. This LLC often enjoys faculty meals, study groups, advising sessions, and social events that make this community uniquely supportive and engaging. Join us and be part of this exceptional UCSB experience!
Location: Anacapa Residence Hall
First-Generation Scholars
This Living Learning Community offers extra support and mentorship focused on first-generation college experiences. Connect with peers, access helpful resources, and join programs that guide you through college life—from financial aid to choosing a major—while building lasting friendships.
Location: Santa Catalina Residence Hall
First Year Residential Experience (FYRE)
FYRE offers a supportive first-year community with access to advisors, faculty, and staff dedicated to your success. Experience a vibrant living-learning environment that combines academic support and social connection to help you thrive at UCSB.
Location: Santa Cruz Residence Hall
Lavender Living
Lavender Living offers a welcoming and supportive apartment-style housing option for all students—whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally. Designed primarily for upper-division students and transfers, Lavender Living provides space to build connections while navigating later stages of the college journey. On move-in day, the environment is kept neutral to protect the privacy of students not yet “out” to family or friends. This community offers opportunities to explore identity, connect with resources, and build meaningful friendship.
Location: Santa Ynez Apartments
Rainbow House
Rainbow House, the residence hall counterpart to Lavender Living, is designed primarily for first and second year students seeking a welcoming and supportive housing option—whether as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or as an ally. While geared toward first and second year students, the community remains open to upper-division residents who are interested in a more traditional residence hall experience. On move-in day, the environment is kept neutral to protect the privacy of students not yet “out” to family or friends. This community offers opportunities to explore identity, connect with resources, and build meaningful friendships.
Location: Manzanita Village
Sex and Gender Expansive (SAGE)
The Sex and Gender Expansive (SAGE) Community is open to all students who want to live in a space that supports gender diversity. While the community is designed to affirm students with gender identities beyond the traditional binary, it also welcomes allies committed to gender equity and inclusion.
Location: San Nicolas Residence Hall
Women in STEM
Our Women in STEM LLC is a community focused on supporting the success and empowerment of women in fields like math, physics, life sciences, chemistry, and engineering. Open to all students interested in fostering community and connection, we partner with faculty, campus groups, and local organizations to help students thrive academically and socially.
Location: Manzanita Village
Supportive Housing Options
Gauchos for Recovery
Gauchos for Recovery is taking applications for a Sober Living Apartment community for the academic year. Gauchos for Recovery is a peer-driven UCSB program that aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for students in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. We support students engaging in any recovery pathway they choose. Additionally, we support students who have been directly or indirectly affected by the substance use of friends or loved ones, and we work to create a recovery-ready campus community. Please send inquiries to Michael Takahara: takahara-m@ucsb.edu.
Location: Santa Ynez Apartments
Did you know?
1,323
Students
The number of students that applied to be in LLCs this academic year.
220
Applicants
Our Chicanx/Latinx Scholars LLC in Santa Cruz Hall received the most applications for the upcoming year. UCSB is a Hispanic Serving Institution and over 20% of our students identify as Latine.
Do I have to be a first year to live in an LLC?
No! We have apartment LLCs that continuing students and transfer students can select in the housing application.
Do I have to live on an LLC to participate in them?
No! Feel free to come and participate in any LLC and its events.
What type of events do LLCs have?
LLCs host a wide range of events from social and fun activities to educational programs. They also offer culturally-based events that foster connection and build community.
14
LLCs
UCSB has 14 LLCs in our Residence Halls and Apartments for students to build community and enjoy!