Students relaxing under a tree at McMaster University

Living Learning Communities

What is a Living Learning Community?

Living Learning Communities, also known as LLCs, are made up of a group of students who have a common interest or are part of the same Faculty, and who live together in campus housing. We currently offer five different LLCs that are housed in a variety of residence buildings.

LLCs aim to positively impact your first-year experience by fostering an immediate sense of community and belonging, supporting your academic engagement, and by encouraging personal growth and development. By participating in a Living Learning Community, you will have the opportunity to make friends who share a common interest, and be invited to events, workshops and networking opportunities related to your LLC.

Why Join a Living Learning Community?

Through focus groups, surveys, and a study of existing literature, students in our Living Learning Communities feel that LLCs positively impact them by providing: 

Sense of Belonging and Built-In Community

Supports for Transition to University

Opportunities for Engagement and Learning Outside of the Classroom

How To Apply

Prospective students can apply to live in a Living Learning Community when submitting their Residence Application, that opens each spring.

If you are offered a spot in an LLC, your choice of room will be limited to that LLC’s designated location.

Learn More

Visit us on Instagram

Learn more about LLC programming and get key information updates by following the LLC program on Instagram!

Visit @mcmaster_llcs

Learn More about McMaster’s Living Learning Communities

Entrepreneurs in Residence Learn More

Located in McKay Hall, join this community of students who aspire to be builders and change makers. This community fosters (co)founders and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.

Health & Wellness Learn More

Explore all facets of health and discover what a healthy, balanced lifestyle means to you, all within McKay Hall.

Leaders & Influencers Learn More

As a member of this community in McKay Hall, you will have the opportunities to develop strong leadership skills in the areas of communication, teamwork, problem solving, and more.

Wilson College Learn More

Located in the Peter George Center for Living and Learning, students from the Leadership & Civic Studies I program will come together to develop themselves as leaders and work to create meaningful change.

Women in Leadership Learn More

From paint nights and tie dye parties to speaker panels and an amazing mentorship program, there’s something for everyone in the Women in Leadership LLC found in Wallingford Hall.

Open Learning Communities Learn More

Open Learning Communities (OLCs) bring together groups of first-year students who share common interests and want to build meaningful connections on campus. Designed to foster community, belonging, and personal growth, OLCs are open to all first-year students living in residence with no application required.

Meet the LLC Team

The LLC Team consists of Community Advisors, Project Assistants, and the Living Learning Coordinator.

  • LLC Community Advisors (CAs) are upper year mentors that live in residence with students.
    They support our students by creating a safe and welcoming living experience and bring their community together
    through the theme of the LLC.
  • LLC Project Assistants (PAs) are student staff who support the development and execution
    of LLC events, programming, and initiatives.
  • The Living Learning Coordinator is a full-time professional staff member who oversees all the
    LLCs and student staff. They design the framework, implementation, and facilitation of LLC programs, and
    coordinate communications with campus and community partners.

Interested in joining the team? View all available positions with Housing & Conference Services by following the link below.

Student and Staff Job Opportunities
Kristin Taylor Emma MacDonald
Living Learning Coordinator Living Learning Coordinator
Email Kristin Email Emma