First-Year Themed Living Communities

Welcome to Cornell!  Over the course of your first year living on campus, you will have opportunities to connect with a diverse group of students and experience programs and events that help connect you to the college.  Whether participating in a service project, attending a campus event, exploring career interests or attending a diversity training workshop, you will gain a better understanding of what it means to be a student, a Cornellian, and a global citizen.

Why themed living communities?

As you consider your housing options for the fall, Residence Life encourages you to look into one of the Themed Living Communities (TLC).  Themed Living Communities offer a unique environment for first-year students.  Students selected to live in a Themed Living Community will benefit from building close relationships with a group of students who share a common interest. Students will also have opportunities to live, learn, and grow through active participation in programs and events based on a thematic approach. Whether you're an expert in the field or have a desire to learn and engage more around that topic, we would love for you to apply.

Current communities

The following communities have been approved for the upcoming academic year:

Gender Inclusive

The Gender Inclusive community invites students seeking neighbors who are members of or advocates for individuals relating to topics such as gender, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA, and other identities. The community is open to first-year students of all genders. Students on this floor work together to foster a welcoming and supportive space for their neighbors and guests. Related student organizations, such as Alliance or Gender Safe Space, may have a noticeable presence on this floor due to increased membership among the residents. Leadership within these topics will be encouraged and resources at the college will be shared with all residents.

Arts

The Arts community invites students who want to explore the role of the arts in their academic careers and how it defines their personal identities. The community is open to first-year students of all genders. Those involved in band, choir, or theatre, or are seriously interested in drawing or photography are encouraged to consider this community. This list of arts is not exhaustive and other forms of art are welcome. Leadership within these topics will be encouraged and resources at the college will be shared with all residents.

STEM

The STEM community invites students interested in enrolling in a STEM major. The community is open to first-year students of all genders. The goals of the community are to support students in achieving academic and personal success. Residents can reach out collectively to participate in a variety of academic, personal development, civic engagement, and career exploration programs from faculty and staff intended to build a sense of community and increase understanding of STEM disciplines. Leadership within these topics will be encouraged and resources at the college will be shared with all residents. STEM majors include:

• Biology

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Engineering 

• Geology

• Mathematics & Statistics

• Physics 

Transfer

Students transferring institutions or wishing to consider more independent living environments other than residence halls may consider transfer student housing. This community invites students who are older than 21, have lived three or more years already in college housing, or are seeking a housing experience more independent than the residence halls.