Then-freshman Nathan Smith was placed in the Communications Learning Community as a second semester transfer student. His housing assignment came by surprise, but Smith was optimistic about living with that community.
Located in Sloan, the closest residence hall in relation to McEwen School of Communications and McEwen Dining Hall, the CLC is in a prime location for communications majors like Smith.
Smith chose to stay housed in the CLC for two years partly because of its prime location. But the support system he gained by living there was another key factor in his decision to stay.
Learning communities fill a void that may go unnoticed in other on-campus housing. On move-in day, bonds are instantly formed among residents because each holds at least one common interest — a passion for the specific topic toward which each learning community is geared. Additionally, residents may share similar professional and personal goals, like aspirations to produce movies or meeting others who share similar backgrounds.
On Elon’s campus, there are more than 20 learning communities. Each has a different focus and a faculty member who supervises semester goals and related events.
For Smith, living in a learning community his freshman year was the best decision he made. He created lasting friendships with the other CLC residents and began to view the learning community as his home.
When Smith’s roommate began dating in his sophomore year, Smith’s experience took a turn. He began feeling anxious and nervous, and he dreaded spending time in his room.
Then, his relationships began to struggle. Friends who used to hang out in his dorm stopped coming over.
Learning communities lend students a network similar to an extended family because some residents will be your worst nightmare and others will be your favorite people around.
Growth happens in college. Personally, physically and emotionally, learning communities facilitate internal change and give students a reason to do what they love and make indispensable friends along the way.