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Forget the typical student housing assignment where you choose a Dorm based upon which has the biggest closet or the best view. Nowadays, Colleges and Universities offer a wide range of housing options that are more focused on building a student community. Whether you're grouped with students who have similar interests, majors, or ethnic backgrounds, colleges are finding that these communities can help you not only survive, but thrive!

Home-Sweet-Home for Global Enthusiasts
For SUNY-Oswego students in Oswego, New York, international studies extend far beyond classroom walls, thanks to the special Global Living and Learning Center that inhabits Hart Hall. Transforming dorm life into a learning experience, this residence hall has an international theme that requires residents to attend weekly floor meetings and take a one-credit course on international studies each semester.

"Students can attend anything with a global theme, whether it's an art exhibit, lecture on campus, or theatre production," explains associate provost Dr. Rhonda Mandel.

Students must also perform 10 hours of community service and write six short papers per semester that are graded by graduate students. To be admitted, students must submit an essay explaining why they want to live in the building. Though some residents have extensive global and travel experience, the majority is merely curious about other cultures, and feels that living amongst others is a perfect way to broaden their ethnic horizons.

Since students vie to live in these houses rather than be selected for dorms, the environment is more serious. You'll find students studying in the lounge or in the study rooms on every floor.

"This has been extremely successful for us," notes Dr. Mandel. "As we renovate buildings on campus, we're looking for new options, at least one more Living and Learning Center."

At Tufts University (Medford, MA) a similar special interest group housing deal offers undergraduates a chance to live with students who share cultural or academic interests. Among one of the 14 small group units on campus is the Latino Culture Unit. Also known as "La Casa," the unit provides a support system for the Latino community as well as programming to the Tufts community.

"You feel good about going home," notes Jennifer Berrios, the house manager. "It's not just an impersonal dormitory, it's a home and a family."

As a manager, Jennifer is responsible for making sure everyone in the house gets along, and organizes activities for which all are welcome, not just Latino student-residents.

"It's for students interested in culture, so it attracts all types of students," says Ruben Salinsa-Stern, the faculty advisor and director of the Latino Center of Tufts. "If students don't feel comfortable with their living situation, it impacts their academic and social lives. It's important to be comfortable at home."

Last year, 40 students applied to the Latino Culture Unit, and since there are only 12 spots, students were selected based on an application and interview process. Although students aren't eligible as freshmen, they can still attend events -- one of which, says Jennifer, is a party where the meringue and salsa were taught.

"There's No Place Like Home" for This New Trend
As the number of theme houses on campus increases, so does students' interest. Just ask Josh Nolan, the assistant director of residential life at Allegheny College (Meadville, PA). He indicates there is an influx of special interest houses on campus.

"Upperclassmen really like the idea of programming," explains Josh. "Students get to become leaders and develop working relationships with their faculty advisors."

Among the theme houses on Allegheny's campus are the Meditation and Mindfulness House (better known to students as M&M), Jazz House, Writer's House, and Arts House. Most have about four to seven occupants, and are located in a residential neighborhood near campus. Each residence has a house coordinator, who is a veteran R.A. (resident assistant).

According to Josh, the theme houses give students adult responsibilities they wouldn't necessarily have in a typical dormitory. "It teaches students to manage themselves. They hold each other accountable and learn to deal with Stress as it arises."

Learning Outside the Classroom
Not only do such houses foster adult responsibilities in the eyes of administrators, they also bolster enthusiasm.

"Oh my gosh! It's the best decision I have ever made in college!" proclaims college junior, Melissa McCrimmon, who chose to live in the Arts House at Allegheny. Although only four students live with her, all are involved with different arts on campus. One is focused on music and film, another is learning about vocal music and theatre, so their interests meld together.

As Melissa points out, their house is about providing students and the community with artistic experiences. "It gives you the freedom to live in your own house, and housemates talk about different aspects of their major and how it relates to the arts."

Amy Cavanaugh, a senior at Drew University (Madison, NJ) agrees that being a theme-house resident outweighs the benefits living in a residence hall. "It's so much better than a dorm," states the Drew Womyn's Concerns resident. "We're a family."

Amy's house is dedicated to raising awareness of feminist issues on campus, in the United States, and all over the world. As a bio major, she notes she doesn't have enough time to take women's studies classes, but since it's a passion of hers, she participates in the weekly reading assignments of the house and related discussions.

"I'm getting so much more out of my college education," Amy explains. "We hold weekly meetings that revolve around a topic chosen by a member. Different members facilitate each week's informal discussion and everyone attending is encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a safe, respectful environment."

Like most theme houses, Drew's Womyn's Concerns sponsors events and lectures, such as Rape Awareness Week with the "Take Back the Night" March and Men's Vigil. One recent lecture -- given by a mechanic -- was called "Fixing Cars with a Woman Auto Mechanic: A Hands-On Workshop."

My House is Your House
Whether the theme is Latin culture, women's studies or jazz music, variety in student housing is becoming the rage on campus. The houses interact with one another and on campus so even non-residents can take advantage of the academic and social opportunities the houses offer. That's what we call "livin' and learnin'!"


http://www.vickisalemi.com
Vicki Salemi is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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