Living-Learning Communities

For students who want a more engaged and intentional educational environment, our living-learning and themed communities are a great opportunity for merging personal interests and passions with both academic learning and out-of-the-classroom education. In the years of research conducted on the living-learning community model in colleges across the nation, living-learning communities have consistently been shown to improve a student’s educational experience at the institution as a whole. Earlham College offers several different living-learning and themed community options for student involvement.

First-year communities

All first-year students live in a community with an intentionally designed first-year experience program focused on assisting students in making a successful academic and social transition to Earlham College. Structured programs, initiatives and supplemental staffing help to achieve this goal. 

Those interested in living in more focused communities have the chance to live in a First-Year Experience community organized around one of the areas below.

Health and wellness

The health & wellness community is a First-Year Experience community located on the third floor of Barrett Hall. This community is committed to learning about and living a total wellness lifestyle. Focused programming and initiatives, connections to staff in the Wellness Programs and a commitment to a substance-free lifestyle are hallmarks of this community. 

Students who are interested in living in a similar community beyond their first-year are encouraged to check out the wellness community on the second floor of Earlham Hall for second-year students and above.

Culture and languages

The culture & languages community is a First-Year Experience community located on the second floor of Bundy Hall. This community is interested in learning about the languages, cultures and customs of communities from around the world.

Students who are interested in living in a similar community beyond their first-year are encouraged to check-out the language and cultural theme houses.

Upper-level student communities

During your second, third and fourth years at Earlham College, there are multiple options for living-learning communities that help to expand your Earlham experience outside the classroom and foster lifelong relationships. Learn more about our offerings below.

Students gathered around a dinner table with pizza at French House

More information and resources

The Office of Residence Life supports and encourages students by providing guidance in contemplative inquiry, opportunities for dialogue, sponsoring celebratory communal events, and supporting opportunities that enable students to put their most cherished beliefs into daily practice.

EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.
EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.