Living learning communities (LLC) are residential environments that build connections between a student's experiences both within and beyond the classroom. All of the LLCs available to Berklee students are focused on a particular topic or course and are overseen by dedicated staff and faculty. Students who participate in LLCs often have higher rates of academic success, graduate at higher rates, and have an easier time building connections with their peers.
LENS Living Learning Community
Students in this LLC take the same first-semester Engaging Seminar (LENS) class as others on their floor and acclimate to life at Berklee through the support of a resident assistant (RA) and student academic mentor (SAM). LENS classes are an opportunity for students to investigate ideas through the lens of a focused topic that is selected by a faculty member. Complementing their coursework, students engage in a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom that are designed to connect them to the Berklee community and help them thrive academically, artistically, and socially. Residents interact with their classmates and professors over meals in the dining hall or though special programming in the residence halls.
Core Music Living Learning Community
Students in the Core Music LLC reside within the 160 Massachusetts Avenue residence hall and are enrolled in an Ear Training I course for the fall semester, which they take with their floormates. In addition to an RA on each floor to assist the students in their transition to college and to act as a support and resource, there are two Core Music tutors (CMTs) assigned to work with the LLC. These CMTs provide approximately 30 hours of one-on-one and group tutoring within the community each week to help students reach their potential.
Substance-Free Living Learning Community
The Substance-Free LLC will be housed at 270 Commonwealth Avenue and was created to support students who are committed to living in a substance-free environment. Students who choose to join this community agree to abstain from alcohol, the use of illicit drugs, and the abuse of prescription medication, and not to introduce any harmful substances into the living environment. They will sign a pledge of agreement, and students violating this agreement will be relocated to a different community. A staff member from Health and Wellness as well as a committed faculty member will be working with this community.
Social Justice Living Learning Community
The Social Justice LLC will be housed at 270 Commonwealth Avenue and comprises a group of students interested in learning more about topics such as privilege and power, identity, systems of oppression, and social change. Participating residents will have the opportunity to learn through mediums such as film showings, performance attendance, service projects, guest speakers, article discussions, workshops, and more. They will also engage in dialogue with staff, faculty, and Boston community members in order to gain tools for change both within and beyond the Berklee community. A staff member from the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as a committed faculty member will be working with this community.
First Generation Student Living Learning Community (New for Fall 2022)
The First Gen LLC is open to any student whose parent(s), guardian(s), or immediate caregiver(s) have not attended or graduated from a four-year higher education institution. This living learning community will provide first generation students with resources, events, and support systems designed to help navigate the Berklee experience with greater ease, allowing students to focus more on their academic and artistic pursuits. A staff member from Student Advising and Success will work closely with this group to make sure they are connected to the resources they need most.