Living Communities at DU act as dynamic platforms for students and their families, fostering a collective dedication to enriching the college experience. They are intentionally crafted to support smooth academic and social transitions during the college journey. Aligned with DU Impact 2025 and Housing & Residential Education’s Core Values, our vision is for these vibrant communities to play a crucial role in student success. By promoting educational equity through increased student learning, persistence, retention, and degree attainment, we aim to create an environment that aligns with the aspirations of both students and their families.
Living Communities provides a unique opportunity for college students to live together, bonding over shared cultural, organizational, or personal identities. There's no required linked academic course or curriculum, allowing students the freedom to shape their experience. The focus is on fostering a strong sense of belonging within a co-created community. This housing option is perfect for students who want to contribute to or immerse themselves in a living experience centered around a specific interest. Families, take note: participation in certain campus programs may also lead your student to be assigned to Affinity Housing!
The E-STEM Community helps students thrive from day one with a supportive community and a lasting network of mentors, peers, faculty, and advisors. E-STEM helps students transition to DU and develop their STEM identity! Through personalized advising, students explore STEM research and internship opportunities, strengthen their resume, and meet employers at career fairs and networking events. Students will also collaborate and sharpen their STEM study skills through E-STEM's Calculus course and weekly Academic Excellence Workshops. By their second year, students have the chance to mentor the next cohort and continue a tradition of leadership, community, and impact.
The First-Gen Experience Community offers a welcoming residential community for first-generation college students and their allies. Living in this community means joining a supportive network that celebrates the first-gen journey, fosters peer connections, and builds belonging across campus. Students will have opportunities to engage in quarterly community dinners and other FIRST@DU programs designed to strengthen success and connection. Open to all interested students, the floor provides a space to thrive academically, socially, and personally while being part of a community that values equity and inclusion.
Be a part of a community that will support your wellness journey! The Foundations of Well-being Community is designed for students to develop the skills and strategies to make well-being an integral component of their DU experience. Living in our community will provide students with:
Workshops and experiences focused on nutrition, personal finances, healthy relationships, outdoor experiences, and more.
Access to a Wellness Coach or Peer Health Educator to help students develop strategies to support their well-being goals.
Discounted or free access to wellness resources, including outdoor experiences, gear rentals, and other campus offerings.
First-year Honors students who want to share academic and social experiences beyond the classroom may choose to live together in the Honors Community. The Honors Community is a great housing option for students who want to build closer ties to the Honors community and live with academically focused peers. Honors students residing on campus are required to either live on the Honors Floor or participate in another living community during their first year at DU.
2nd Year Community
The second-year Honors Community is a place for students to live with their Honors friends and to continue building community within the Honors Program. This is a great option both for students who lived in the Honors Community during their first year and wish to live with that friend group and for those who previous lived outside the community and are looking to experience the residential element of the Honors experience.
PLP at DU is a unique Living Community combined with an academic minor that emphasizes leadership ignited by community, curiosity, courage, and action. PLP is a transformational learning experience that combines course work, a residential community, civic engagement, and professional networks to equip 21st century citizen leaders. Through the study and practice of leadership, students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become an effective, collaborative leader in whatever field you choose.
