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!
Be part of a community that supports your wellness journey from day one. The Foundations of Well-Being Community is designed to help you build the skills, habits, and strategies that make well-being a meaningful part of your DU experience. By living in this community, you’ll receive free or discounted access to campus wellness resources, personalized support from a dedicated Wellness Coach to help you set and achieve your goals, and opportunities to participate in engaging workshops on topics such as nutrition, personal finances, healthy relationships, and more.
The First-Gen Experience Floor is built around the shared identity and experiences of first-generation college students and their allies, creating a supportive residential community that celebrates first-gen achievement, fosters meaningful peer connections, and encourages engagement with community-building and student-success programs offered through FIRST@DU in the Dean of Students Office.
First-year Honors students who want to extend their academic and social experiences beyond the classroom are invited to live together on the Honors Floor. This community offers an engaging environment where students can build close connections within the Honors Program while living alongside academically focused peers. Honors students who reside on campus during their first year are required to either live on the Honors Floor or participate in another living community at DU.
The Second-Year Honors Floor offers returning students the opportunity to continue building community with their Honors peers in a supportive residential setting. It is an ideal option for students who lived on the Honors Floor during their first year and wish to stay connected with that community, as well as for those who previously lived outside the community and want to experience the residential side of the Honors Program.
PLP at DU is a unique Living and Learning 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, you will acquire the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to become an effective, collaborative leader in whatever field you choose.
The Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (E-STEM) Program is designed to help students thrive from day one through a supportive community and a lasting network of mentors, peers, faculty, and advisors. Students move onto campus early to become familiar with their new home and begin building meaningful connections while developing their STEM identity. Through personalized advising, participants explore research and internship opportunities, strengthen their résumés, and engage with employers at career fairs and networking events. Students also build strong academic foundations through E-STEM’s Calculus course and weekly Academic Excellence Workshops. By their second year, participants have the opportunity to mentor the next cohort and continue a tradition of leadership, community, and impact.
