Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) at Appalachian State University provide students with a unique housing opportunity.  Ranked as a 2010 Best College for Learning Communities according to U.S. News & World Report, Appalachian RLCs offer great experiences for all students who choose to be a member of a particular community.  We offer over 17 options for students to choose from including those focused on particular majors and others with a focus on a particular student interest.

RLCs afford students an academic learning experience outside of the classroom in a fun and educational setting.  Students participating in a residential learning community live together on the same floor of a residence hall and often are required to enroll in one or more linked courses  which emphasize the theme of each specific community.  In addition, research shows that students who participate in a residential learning community have a higher GPA and enjoy a better college experience.  One of the best ways to develop strong friendships and succeed in college is to join a residential learning community.

How to join an RLC                     RLC Brochure                    RLC Magazine 

Student-Initiated Residential Learning Communities Program     
 

Do you enjoy being active? Are you committed to living a healthy lifestyle? The Active Living RLC fosters an environment that encourages a well-rounded balance of mind, body and spirit in order to achieve personal and academic success. Residents in the Active Living community share common interests in fitness...
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Do you enjoy art?  Have you considered majoring in a specific area of performing or visual arts?  Boone, North Carolina has a wonderful art community that is ideal for any art student.  This community is designed to be a living-learning environment for students interested in all areas of art including theatre, dance, art history...
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Are you excited to be a Mountaineer?  Do you consider yourself a super-fan?  This community is for those with school spirit and Appalachian pride!  Students in this community may attend Appalachian State University sporting and other competitive events, participate in Homecoming activities, learn about...
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Do you wonder why people do the things they do?  Have you ever thought about how your brain works?  Do you sometimes find yourself "people-watching?"  If so, then the Brain Matters residential learning community could be for you.  Brain Matters was created for students who want to know more about why people act...
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Do you plan to major in business?  Are you interested in exploring accounting, marketing, international business, computer information systems, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, or management?  Business Exploration is a new community that was created to provide a living-learning experience for students... More

This learning community is for students who are preparing for a career in education and wish to live in a community with other future educators.  Students will enroll in a course related to this theme and have the opportunity to connect with faculty and current students in the Reich College of Education (RCOE).  Students will also...
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The Honors College is an excellent choice for those students with plans that include international fellowships, graduate education, and careers that will shape the future. Requires an additional application process through the corresponding program.
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The Language & Culture Community is for students who want to practice and expand their knowledge of the global community.  Both American and International students who know and enjoy learning foreign languages and who enjoy experiencing the customs and cultures of countries from around the...
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The Living Free Community is designed for students who choose to live substance free and who have made a commitment to themselves and their neighbors to not use alcohol or other drugs.  Students living in the community voluntarily agree not to have or use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other controlled substances and agree...
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This learning community is for students who are interested in environmental protection and sustainability and wish to support that cause by living in an environmentally responsible community.  Students will enroll in a special section of the First Year Seminar related to this theme and have the opportunity to live...
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The Outdoor Community is designed for students who are interested in developing and refining outdoor leadership skills, exploring career opportunities in outdoor recreation, and want to be part of an interactive and fun-filled community.  No previous experience required, only a desire to participate, learn, and grow!
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The Appalachian State University (ASU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Residential Learning Community (RLC) offers students a chance to further develop their scholastics, athletics, and leadership, through an active and well-rounded lifestyle. Participation in this RLC will provide...
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Do you have a heart for service and want to develop leadership skills?  Are you interested in making friends with others who share your focus on community service and servant leadership?  The Service & Leadership Community is for students who want to fully explore what it takes to leave a legacy...
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Are you a female interested in living among other college student women?  Are you interested in building close relationships with other college student women?  The Sisterhood Experience is a new community of women living together in one building to provide the opportunity to focus on self-awareness and current issues...
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Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) is a unique community offered to second-year students only.  The community is equipped for students who are still examining various academic major and career-related options.  SYE students are required to enroll in a special section of a Life & Career Planning course where...
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Are you a male student interested in living among other college student men?  Are you interested in building close relationships with other college student men?  The Ultimate Man is a community of men living together in one building to create a support system built on brotherhood.  Through activities and events, students...
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University Housing is pleased to offer an exciting living-learing opportunity for our transfer students.  Participation in this RLC will provide opportunities for building university connections as you transition into this new experience, developing your leadership potential as an upperclassman, and shaping your academic...
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Are you a transfer student preparing to be an educator?  This learning community is designed to assist transfer teacher education students in smoothly integrating into the Appalachian community.  Members will receive academic and community support services often underutilized by transfer students.  In addition, there will...
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Watauga Global Community
Do you love to learn, especially when it challenges what you already know? Do you often find yourself in trouble because of your creativity and intelligence? Are you curious about other people, who they are, what they believe and why they believe it? Are you interested in exploring local and global issues, understanding issues and proposing solutions for a better world? Do you want to be part of a diverse, international community, surrounded by the language and food of many cultures? Are you willing to work hard in order to discover all that you are capable of doing?

If you can answer Yes to any one of the preceding questions, you should explore Watauga Global Community furtherit might be the right program for you.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT RLCS?

If you have questions concerning RLCs or the application process, please contact the Residence Life & Learning Communities Coordinator at (828)262-8656.