Community Life

Within your community, you will have the opportunity to live with people from a number of different countries and a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles. The diversity of our community enriches our classes, activities, programs and everyday interactions. Getting to know others in your community may be one of the most rewarding aspects of your college experience. We encourage you to become well acquainted with the people in your community and to make new and lasting friendships. Let others get to know you as well. Your active involvement and participation are essential for the community to grow and for positive relationships to develop.

The residential community at Willamette University consists of every member of every residence on campus. That community begins to develop from the day residences open in August. The direction your community takes depends largely on your involvement. Interaction is the largest factor in creating a supportive living environment — one that offers you support in achieving academic excellence, social maturity, self-reliance and an increased understanding of yourself and others.

Residential Communities

Immerse yourself in our unique living environments known as Themed Communities, where shared passions become the foundation for meaningful connections. These communities bring together individuals who share a common interest, whether it's sustainability, service learning, or any other passion. Here, you'll find more than just a residence; you'll discover a home where your hobbies and interests are celebrated, where collaboration thrives, and where lifelong friendships are forged. Dive into a space where your living experience aligns perfectly with your passions. We have two residential communities:

• Environmental Stewardship and Experiential Learning (Terra Community)

  In Terra, we strive to cultivate a vibrant community committed to environmental stewardship and outdoor learning. Our mission is to provide a transformative living experience that fosters a holistic sense of belonging, environmental awareness, and social responsibility among residents. Through engaging events, experiential learning opportunities, and a supportive community, we aim to foster a deep appreciation for the natural world and inspire lifelong sustainable practices. We promote innovative solutions, collaborative partnerships, and inclusive educational experiences that empower residents to explore and implement sustainable initiatives. We believe that by immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can cultivate resilience, leadership skills, and a deep sense of purpose. Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability and outdoor learning are at the forefront of personal growth and community engagement.

• Empowering Communities through Service Learning (Westwood Community)

  In Service Living, we are committed to building bridges between our campus and the surrounding community to effect positive and lasting change. Our mission is to empower students to become active and compassionate contributors to society through practices that address community needs. We strive to create a supportive living environment that integrates academic learning with community service, while providing opportunities for personal growth, civic responsibility, and social justice advocacy. Through intentional events, partnerships with local organizations, and reflective practices, we aim to cultivate a lifelong commitment to service and equip residents with the skills, knowledge, and empathy to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. We believe that by engaging in reciprocal relationships with diverse communities, we can create sustainable solutions, address systemic challenges, and foster an inclusive and more just society.

Living Learning Communities

Welcome to our Living Learning Communities, where education extends beyond the classroom walls. These communities are tailored to your academic journey, providing an integrated environment that supports your studies and personal growth. Engage with like-minded peers who share your field of study, and embrace opportunities for collaborative learning, joint projects, and mentorship from experienced faculty members. In a Living Learning Community, your residence hall becomes a hub of intellectual exploration, where your academic and social lives seamlessly blend, enriching your overall university experience. We currently have one living learning community:

• STEM Fellows Program (Kaneko A Wing Community)

  Our STEM Fellows Living Learning Community Residence Hall is designed to ignite your curiosity, foster collaboration, and empower you on your journey to become a STEM leader.You will live alongside like-minded peers who are just as enthusiastic about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as you are. Imagine having a supportive network of fellow STEM enthusiasts right outside your door, ready to study together, exchange ideas, and take on exciting challenges. With co-enrollment in first-year science courses and exclusive access to science-focused sections of our College Colloquium seminar, you'll experience high-level collaboration and academic support like never before. Our team of dedicated STEM-focused resident assistant and faculty will be there to guide and inspire you every step of the way.