Residential Learning Communities
Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) at Appalachian State University provide students with a unique housing opportunity. One of the best ways to develop strong friendships and succeed in college is to join a learning community! RLCs are linked to a course and sponsored by a specific college or academic department. Being a part of an RLC community provides students with an academic learning experience outside of the classroom in a fun, educational setting. After being placed in an RLC community, students will be profiled for enrollment in the RLC-designated course.
Applying to a Residential Learning Community (RLC) Tutorial
Applying for a Residential Learning Community
Find everything you need to know about applying for a Residential Learning Community, including application steps, community options, and roommate requirements.
Apply for a Residential Learning Community
Please keep in mind that, as you apply, Appalachian offers several Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) that provide students with unique housing opportunities. Although optional, applying to an RLC is a part of the overall housing application process. If you are interested in applying for the Active Living, Exploring Autism and Neurodiversity, Living Green, and/or R.O.T.C. RLC(s), you may do so by following the steps listed below:
- Log in to the University Housing portal
- You MUST begin your standard housing application prior to beginning your RLC Application
- Click on the RLC Application link
- Select up to three communities in order of preference
- Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your responses
- Submit the application as soon as possible
- Check your @appstate.edu email regularly for an application decision
When responding to the essay questions on the RLC application, be sure to provide thoughtful answers. RLC decisions are based upon the strength of responses only. The selection committees cannot see your admissions application materials. The Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES), the Honors College, and the Watauga Residential College, all have independent application processes, which are available on your MyMountaineer Portal. Please learn more by clicking on the community listed below. The Transfer and Early College Residential Communities are available to incoming students based on their profile as a Transfer or Early College student, and are not application-based.
Regarding RLC Roommates
If you are accepted into an RLC, your roommate must also need to be accepted into the RLC. If you have already requested a roommate who will not be in this community, then you must either opt into the RLC and not live with your preferred roommate, or opt out of the RLC to have the option to live with your preferred roommate in another hall on campus.
Learning Community Options
Review each community description carefully, as application questions may vary by Residential Learning Community.
RLCs are only available to students living on campus for the full academic year. Students entering in the spring semester, including transfers, are not eligible due to limited space.
Learning Communities FAQ
How do I join a Residential Learning Community (RLC)?
All freshmen students may apply for any RLC after they submit their online housing application. After a student submits their housing application on the University Housing Portal, they will see a new option pop up on their home screen, titled 'Apply for an RLC'. Students applying to RLCs will have the option to choose and rank up to three community preferences. We will do our best to honor students’ first choice whenever possible.
When do I need to apply?
Students are admitted to RLCs based upon both the quality of their RLC application and the date of submission. Spaces are limited, so students are urged to complete their housing applications as soon as possible! Those students with an earlier application date will be given priority. The RLC application will close in early May.
How do I choose my roommate?
Students applying for RLCs are generally paired as roommates with other students in that same RLC. Students applying to RLC's who have a roommate preference need to make sure that their requested roommate has also applied to the same RLCs.
When will I know if I’m accepted?
Review of applications will begin during the first week in April and continue through June or until all available spaces are filled. It is important that students check their Appalachian State University email account regularly since acceptance notifications will be sent to that account as soon as they are accepted into a community.