Faculty-Led Living-Learning Communities
Gamecocks, your USC experience extends far beyond the classroom! While academic pursuits are crucial, your living environment and social connections play equally vital roles in shaping your college journey. Faculty-Led Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are home to students with shared interests (academic and/or personal) who typically reside on the same floor(s), engage in common activities, and form an inclusive, often family-like community. Recent research suggests that LLC residents achieve higher grades, graduation rates, sense of belonging, and overall happiness.
USC takes great pride in supporting seven faculty-led LLCs, each offering features such as:
- Faculty Director (to promote student success)
- Dynamic student community
- Student-led clubs
- Staff and student support team
- Weekly events
- Exclusive community space
- LLC-specific “linked” courses
- Networking opportunities
- LLC-only travel and research grants
- Experiential learning
- Undergraduate research support
- Education abroad support
- Exclusive community space
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Capstone Scholars
This is an invitation-only community for top academic students looking to focus on their leadership skills.
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Engineering and Computing
Students who are studying engineering or computer sciences and are interested in expanding their skills outside the classroom join this community.
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First Generation
Students from any major who are first gen (neither parent has a 4-year degree) and interested in opportunities to increase their college success.
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Galen Health Fellows
Students who are pursuing careers in allied health professions and are interested in hands-on learning opportunities join this community.
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Global Fellows
Students who want to live in a diverse community to learn about world cultures and languages, and want to promote better international understanding join this community.
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IDEA Community
Students interested in one of our themes of Impact (positive changemaking), Design (visual creation), Entrepreneurship (business pursuits), or Arts (performance and production).
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Preston Residential College for Leadership
Students focused on advancing their service and leadership skills through unique academic, community building and travel opportunities join this community.
Special Interest Housing
We also offer affinity groups that bring together student residents with common interests.
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Honors Community
Students in the Honors College belong to a close-knit community where members support each other intellectually and academically.
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Music Community
First-year students in the School of Music are part of the Music Community, which gives them opportunities to connect with professors and peers outside the classroom.
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Q Sphere Community
This community is devoted to strengthening the USC experience for LGBTQ+ students through academic, social, and programmatic resources.
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ROTC Community
The ROTC community provides cadets and midshipmen with the opportunity to support and learn from each other through an integrated residential atmosphere.
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Sustainability Community
Sustainability-minded students wanting to connect both their daily routines and academic careers to green practices join this community.
“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.” Helen Keller