Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are groups of students who share a common academic major or interest and live together in residential communities or apartments. LLCs are a fantastic way to get connected on campus because they provide social and educational opportunities to support student success.
There is no extra cost to live in an LLC, but the benefits are huge! Nationally, students who live in LLCs are more satisfied with their college experience and are proven to have better academic outcomes.
Some LLC require students to take common courses, which means built-in study groups and neighbors who are also classmates. If you’re a member of an LLC, you will have a seat reserved for you in the common course section.
I believe that pairing us with people with the same major allows us to help those who are in need of help. The living learning community was helpful for me since there were times where I could ask those around me for help in assignments, classes and other things.
Living in the Sankofa LLC has been a great opportunity. The LLC provided me with a great number of friends who have turned into a lasting family. The question is, will I be living in the LLC again? And the answer is yes.
I thought living in the Science and Health LLC was great! Being around students who were taking the same classes made it super easy to find someone to study with and to make friends too.
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
Beyond Courage
Business
CAMP
Computer Science and Technology
Criminal Justice
Education
Engineering
Fine Arts
Growing Together
Honors
Jumpstart
Nursing
Professional Golf Management (PGM)
Sankofa Black Culture LLC
Science and Health
Social Sciences
Sports in Society
Trailblazers
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? ACES 1120
Who lives here? First-year students in any major within the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
What makes this community special? According to our students, the best part about the ACES LLC is that it is so large and so diverse. There are many different types of majors and different students to connect with. “I like that there are many activities to be a part of and that we get placed into rooms and sections with people studying similar degrees.” And “I enjoyed being around people who had the same interests as me; I was able to create several good friends that I now share much of my time with.”
What are some of the activities the community has done? Meat Processing Tour, Ropin’ Rodeo, Brand Yourself (leather and wood branding), ACES Garden.
Beyond Courage
Where is it? Piñon
What classes do we take together? MLSL 1110
Who lives here? Students of any major who are involved in ROTC
What makes this community special? Living near other ROTC Cadets fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds between students who share similar schedules, ensuring a synchronized routine, making it easier to balance academics physical training, and personal time. Students in this LLC will build leadership and teamwork skills while deepening their understanding of military service and the values it instills.
What are some of the activities this community has done? This is a brand new LLC! Examples of programs this community might offer Junior Field Training Exercises, Bataan Memorial Death March, Ranger Challenge, and numerous on-campus opportunities.
Business
Where is it? Piñon
What classes do we take together? BUSA 1110
Who lives here? First-year students in any major within the College of Business, as well as Ag Econ, Ag Business, CTFM (Clothing, Textile, and Fashion Merchandising), and HRTM (Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
What makes this community special? Students in the Business LLC build strong friendships because of shared classes and similar career goals. Events and activities are tailored to the interests of students in Business majors and there is excellent involvement from caring, knowledgeable faculty.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Piñon Hall Shark Tank, Ethics Certification, Human Monopoly.
CAMP
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? FYEX 1131 and FYEX 1132
Who lives here? First-year students who have been accepted to the College Assistance Migrant Program
What makes this community special? The CAMP LLC is a place for students to find a home away from home and bond over shared experiences. Events and activities promote student success and awareness of opportunities available on campus.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Loteria Night, Ofrenda decorating, Scholarship and Pizza, Latinx Film Night, Elotes and Bites.
Computer Science and Technology
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? C S 1720, CSCI 1110, or CSCI 1115, depending on major and math placement exam score
Who lives here? First-year students majoring in Computer Science, Pre-CMI, Cybersecurity, Information and Communication Technology, and students who are interested in computers or technology.
What makes this community special? Technology is critical to every career field and central to our everyday lives. In this LLC, students will explore how technology and art are interconnected, discover majors and careers related to technology, and feel at home with tech-savvy neighbors.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Computer & Tech game show, Files and Organize Grand Prix, De-Coding Life.
Criminal Justice
Where is it? Garcia East
What classes do we take together? CJUS 1110G and CJUS 1120
Who lives here? First-year Criminal Justice majors
What makes this community special? Residents of the Criminal Justice LLC have opportunities for hands-on learning while connecting with peers who are in the same classes. Students study together and work closely with passionate faculty to see all the opportunities their major has to offer. Also, students get to take an exclusive class only offered to residents of the LLC!
What are some of the activities the community has done? Murder Mystery Night, Pepper Spray Training, Prison Tour field trip.
Education
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? COMM 1115
Who lives here? First-year students majoring in teacher education
What makes this community special? According to our students, the best part of the Education LLC is the diversity of the majors and the variety of perspectives this brings. Residents build relationships over common courses and experiences in the College of Education while enjoying a wide variety of activities to cater to the broad range of interests in the LLC.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Classroom science experiments, Fireside read-aloud with professor, Music Education Showcase.
Engineering
Where is it? Garcia East
What classes do we take together? ENGR 190
Who lives here? First-year students in any major within the College of Engineering
What makes this community special? In the words of our students: “I feel one of the best parts of the Engineering LLC is the camaraderie and friendships built as the students pioneer throughout rigorous semesters. The Engineering LLC creates a sense of home and belonging among the students, and it encourages them to try new things and to socialize with the diverse peers within the community.” “I think the best part of the engineering LLC is that it allows the residents to feel more included in their living community. The residents here all know each other due to common classes. This sense of commonality allows for better personal connections and they can rely on each other to help one another with the class work.” And, “I feel living in the LLC was a great help academically and socially to my transition from high school to NM State.”
What are some of the activities the community has done? Egg drop competition, Building a marshmallow launcher, Study nights, Pizza with Engineering Professors, LEGO competitions.
Fine Arts
Where is it? Garcia East
What classes do we take together? COMM 1115G
Who lives here? First-year students in any major who have an interest in fine arts, as well as those majoring in Music, Theatre, Dance, Journalism, English, Studio Art, Art History, or CMI.
What makes this community special? The Fine Arts LLC is a place where creativity flows. The community is home to different types of artist such as actors, animators, writers, musicians, film makers, and more. The LLC sets students up for success by pairing the community with a creative Faculty Fellow and keeping residents’ artistic interest in mind when planning events. The best part is that making friends is easy because students already have things in common.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Talent Showcase, No Stops Film Challenge, Paint and Sip, Improv night.
Growing Together
Where is it? Piñon Hall
What classes do we take together? HORT 1115G
Who lives here? First-year plant enthusiasts and gardening hobbyists of any major
What makes this community special? The Growing Together community is a place where gardening hobbyists are encouraged to beautify their rooms with indoor plants and to maintain a seasonal community garden throughout the year.
What are some of the activities this community has done? This is a brand new LLC! Activities will focus on plant care, uses for edible and medicinal plants, soil management, and other topics of interest to plant enthusiasts.
Honors
Where is it? Garcia East with an upper-level experience in Chamisa
What classes do we take together? HNRS 1115 (first-year LLC only)
Who lives here? Crimson Scholars in any major
What makes this community special?
Living in the Honors LLC provides an academically-focused living space where students from diverse majors live together and share a common goal of scholastic achievement. Students can look forward to personalized interactions with Honors College staff as well as social programs where they can get to know other students from a variety of backgrounds and majors.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Murder Mystery Night, Academic Success Night (applying for scholarships and internships), Sexy Bingo, Coffee Night with Time Management and Campus Resources, Honors College picnic.
Nursing
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? NURS 1112
Who lives here? First-year Pre-Nursing majors
What makes this community special? According to students, the best part of the Nursing LLC is that it allows residents to build social and academic connections with people who are also Pre-Nursing majors. One said, “It was a great way to meet new people and connect with one another, especially since you all major in the same things.” Meeting and living with people who are also pursuing a nursing degree helps students build confidence and prepare for applying for the Nursing program. It allows residents to make connections with people they can create study groups with during their prerequisite courses and ultimately their Nursing courses. Plus, residents in this LLC get to take an exclusive course with Nursing faculty in their first semester!
What are some of the activities the community has done? HESI Bingo, How to Save a Life CPR crash course, Lemon-AID First Aid Cases.
Professional Golf Management (PGM)
Where is it? Piñon Hall
What classes do we take together? MKTG 1111
Who lives here? First-year PGA Golf Management majors
What makes this community special? Residents of the PGM LLC spend time together in class, at tournaments, studying, and socializing. They have a high level of involvement from their program faculty and support each other in the classroom and on the course. From a student: “It has been really exciting being part of such a small community where everyone shares the same goal that they can all work and build each other up to achieve.”
What are some of the activities the community has done? Putting Contest, Tee Time on Wii, Peaceful Problem Solving.
Sankofa Black Culture LLC
Where is it? Garcia East
What classes do we take together? FYEX 1131
Who lives here? First year students in any major, from any ethnic and cultural background who have an interest in Black culture
What makes this community special? The Sankofa Black Culture Living Learning Community (LLC) is a supportive environment where students who share interest in exploring, celebrating, and being deeply connected with Black culture can live together and participate in programs that promote their academic, social, and personal development. The Sankofa LLC is designed to enhance residents’ sense of belonging at NMSU while also examining local, national, and global issues relevant to Black culture. Learn more about this Living Learning Community.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Black Programs Homecoming tailgate, Movie night exploring representation of Black characters in horror films, Self-care workshop.
Science and Health
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? BIOL 2610 or BIOL 2110G (lecture, lab, and workshop), depending on major
Who lives here? First-year students majoring in Biology, Microbiology, Kinesiology, Nutrition Education, Dietetics, Athletic Training, Ag Bio, Communication Disorders, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, or Biotechnology.
What makes this community special? Because the range of majors in this LLC are broad, yet interconnected, residents bring a variety of interests and perspectives to the community. Residents connect over meals, through study groups, and by attending class together.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Science and Health Jeopardy, Battle of the Majors, “A” Mountain hike, Science Rocks, Celle-a-Brate Science, Food for Thought: Nutrition Quiz.
Social Sciences
Where is it? Garcia West
What classes do we take together? COMM 1115
Who lives here? First-year students majoring in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography (Human-Environment Relationships Concentration), FCS, Criminal Justice, Public Health, Social Work, Counseling and Community Psychology, or Government.
What makes this community special? The social sciences are a remarkably interdependent group of majors and the community gives residents no shortage of chances to embrace that. Students study together and share what they’ve learned in their interrelated majors.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Social Sciences trivia night, Book swap, Social Sciences buildings scavenger hunt.
Sports in Society
Where is it? Piñon Hall
What classes do we take together? SPMD 1310
Who lives here? First-year students majoring in kinesiology, student athletes of any major, and any student with an interest in sports or athletics.
What makes this community special? Sports have a significant role in culture and often reflect our values as a society. In the Sports in Society LLC, students who are interested in athletics – either as a player or fan – will be part of a community where they are surrounded by others who enjoy watching, participating in, and discussing sports as well as students who want to pursue sport-related careers and majors.
What are some of the activities the community has done? Skills Combine Mania, Jersey Making, Stretching for Sleep, and attending sporting events on campus.
Trailblazers
Where is it? Juniper Hall
What classes do we take together? FYEX 1132
Who lives here? First-year students of any major interested in developing their leadership skills in college.
What makes this community special? Trailblazers are students seeking student leadership opportunities on campus (Resident Assistant, student government, student organization executive boards) as well as students looking to enhance their resumes for future opportunities, such as internships and career development. Students in this LLC will participate in activities and discussions that will challenge them to enhance communication, courage, advocacy, and other leadership skills. Students of all majors are welcome to select this LLC.
What are some of the activities the community has done? This is a brand new LLC! Examples of possible programs include strategic challenges, creativity-building exercises, communication activities, and guest speakers.
For additional information regarding Living Learning Communities, please contact the Department of Housing & Residential Life at (575) 646-3202. Living Learning Community offerings and qualifications are subject to change.