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In addition to the traditional housing choices offered, we provide several special housing and learning community options. Preference for any of these options should be noted in the housing application or indicated at Returning Students Room Selection signup.

First Year Learning Communities

Global Learning: Do you enjoy trying foods from around the world, seeing international films, or viewing culturally-themed art shows? If you answered “yes,” then the Global Learning Community may be for you. This community of students (a mix of international and domestic students) comes together to learn about diverse cultures by getting to know each other and taking part in fun events designed to take advantage of New York City’s great cultural and artistic opportunities.

In the Global Learning Community, residents have a unique experience that pairs their Freshmen Humanities class (HMS 101) with the special interest housing theme. The Humanities class incorporates global issues and receives special funding to attend a course-related performance in the city. Learning communities make it easier to seek out study partners, ask homework questions, and share insights and information with classmates who are also your neighbors. This Global Learning Freshmen Humanities collaboration allows students to interact more with their Humanities faculty and partake in some exceptional activities.

Community Service: Do you like to engage actively in your community? Do you enjoy spending time with other people while volunteering? Would you like to strengthen neighboring Pratt and New York City communities through various service opportunities? If so, please join the Community Service floor. The community’s mission is to explore service initiatives that improve the quality of life for others around them. Possibilities include: art murals, park beautification, food and clothing drives, and promoting issue awareness. Students on the floor will choose projects and topics of interest to address.

On the Community Service floor, residents have a unique experience that pairs their Freshmen Humanities class with the special interest housing theme. The Humanities class incorporates social justice issues and receives special funding to attend a course-related performance in the city. Learning communities make it easier to seek out study partners, ask homework questions, and share insights and information with classmates who are also your neighbors. This Community Service Freshmen Humanities collaboration allows students to interact more with their Humanities faculty and partake in some exceptional activities.


Art History: Art History learning communities are available in all first-year residence halls. Students from one hall make up an entire Themes in Art and Culture survey section (the course required for all Schools of Art and Design students). The Learning Communities emphasize engagement and discussion and receive special funding to attend a course-related performance or tour. Learning communities make it easier to seek out study partners, ask homework questions, and share insights and information with classmates who are also your neighbors. This living option allows students to interact more with their Art History faculty and partake in some exceptional activities.