Living/Learning Communities

Where each facet of your college EXPERIENCE enriches the other

Students who take several classes together make friends more quickly, form study groups, and generally have an easier time adjusting to college life.

But some students want more. They'd like a stronger connection between their academic goals and their extracurricular activities. They hope college will introduce them to other students who share their passion for a subject and will challenge them in new and exciting ways.

"Because of the First-Year Connections program I have been able to meet a lot of people who are interested in many of the same things as I am, and the program has helped me make some real good friends." - Clifford Chapin, Class of 2010

Borrowing from the thematic learning and close-knit classroom settings that are hallmarks of the First-Year Connections program, Hofstra has also created special opportunities for a first-year residence experience.

Three thematic "living/learning communities" are associated with several first-year clusters and seminars, giving students the opportunity to live with many of the same students they are in class with, as well as students who share the same passion for political and civic issues, health science issues, or the arts.

Students who choose a living/learning community reside together in the Netherlands Complex in a house with 55 other first-year residential students. These students enjoy class-based activities as well as events within their living/learning community.

Commuting students who register for the following First-Year Connections clusters and seminars may also participate in the activities associated with these living/learning communities.

The HEALTH SCIENCE COMMUNITY is home to students who have an interest in the arts. Activities to experience include trips to New York hospitals and related organizations and discussions of ethical issues. (Connected to "Pre-Health Sciences" clusters.)

The ARTS COMMUNITY is home to students who have an interest in the arts. Events to experience for this house include trips to museums, art shows and dinners. (Connected to "Modern Dance" and "Drama/Art History" clusters.)

The CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY is home to students who share a passion for political and social issues on a local, regional and national level. Students in this house are involved in community service events and special leadership training, and receive mentoring from upper-class students at Hofstra. (Connected to "Politics and Civic Engagement" and "Science and Civic Engagement" clusters.)

The learning experience is not limited to the four walls of the classroom, or even to the borders of the campus. Through these energetic living/learning communities, Hofstra students are exposed to environments that are intellectually stimulating, supportive and conducive to building lasting friendships and a memorable first-year college experience.