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Specialty Housing Communities

American University offers a number of Specialty Housing Communites available to students across their residential experence. These include thematic communities and Living Learning Communities (LLCs). LLCs are cohorts of students who live and explore a common interest or academic pursuit together. Some LLCs include required courses that students must take. Admittance to each community is based on individual requirements.

Sophomore

Have you enjoyed your Honors living-learning community? Rising sophomores who are currently enrolled in Honors are invited to live on the Honors and Scholars floor. You will continue to live in a strong community with all the benefits of peer support and programming designed to enhance your second year. For more information about this opportunity, please contact honors@american.edu

AU Compass is a Living-Learning Community for sophomore students to both engage with and explore their academic pathway at AU. AU Compass gives students more time for focused exploration, alongside a supportive network of peers, faculty, and staff. Students will participate in guest lectures, off-campus trips, self-inventories, and so much more, helping shape their journey as an Eagle and beyond. 

For more information about this opportunity, please visit the AU Compass Webpage, email aucompass@american.edu, and/or follow this community on Instagram (@aucompass).  

Are you passionate about social justice? Do you want to be part of a tight-knit community of peers committed to improving the world?

DC Impact Scholars is a program for social-justice minded students who want to learn how to work directly with the community to effect positive social change. In addition to the strong research skills you will develop, you will get to experience Washington, DC, in a deeper way, beyond the monuments and museums, to the rich diversity of neighborhoods, cultures, and people. Even better, you get to do all this with an amazing, supportive community of peers as you live, learn, and serve together.

Rising sophomores who have applied and been admitted to the DC Impact Scholars program for fall 2025 will live on the Honors and Scholars floor. Members of the current cohort who would like to continue living in the community may also opt to live on the sophomore Honors and Scholars floor. For more information about this opportunity, please contact cbrs@american.edu

The G.L.O.B.E. LLC stands for Global Learning Opportunities and Beyond Borders Exploration! This is a brand new program designed to provide a vibrant residential community with transformative experiences through global learning, cultural exploration, language development and international engagement. By immersing participants in diverse cultural environments, the program encourages exploration beyond the classroom and empowers students to develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our world. This program is designed to enhance your linguistic skills in another language, promote engagement with international organizations and cultural offerings in DC, and provide a pathway for students to become informed and engaged global citizens.

Partipcants in this program must be involved in The World Language Department through an intermediate or advanced level language course, a linguistics minor, or in the linguistics club and will live amongst each other in a residence hall.  

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at aowens@american.edu!

All Students

The Black Affinity Housing community is located in Roper Hall and provides an intentional residential community dedicated to celebrating, exploring, and affirming black student experiences at AU and beyond. The live-in experience encourages dialogue and community building that is mindful of the diverse social, cultural, and academic needs of Black and multicultural students. Black Affinity Housing will enrich all of campus life by promoting solidarity among students of all backgrounds and identities. Learn more on our Affinity Housing webpage.

The First Gen Floor is more than just a place to live; it's a supportive community that equips you with the resources, connections, and guidance you need to thrive. From academic support to peer mentorship, we’re here to make sure you have everything you need to succeed. This affinity community will welcome it's inaugural cohort in Fall 2025 in Leonard Hall. Learn more on our Affinity Housing webpage.

The LGBTQIA+ Affinity Floor offers a welcoming and inclusive home for students within the LGBTQIA+ community. This vibrant, community-driven environment celebrates diverse identities and provides a supportive space for all students to grow, connect, and thrive. From engaging programming and community engagement opportunities to building lasting relationships, this affinity floor is more than just a place to live—it’s a place where you belong. This affinity community will welcome it's inaugural cohort in Fall 2025 in McDowell Hall. Learn more on our Affinity Housing webpage.