Living Learning Community (LLC)

The WiSTEM Living Learning Community (LLC) is an immersive, year-long program where up to 152 first-year STEM undergraduate students live together in a tight-knit, interdisciplinary residential community with peer coach and resident assistant support. Participants have opportunities to form study groups, participate in tutoring, and attend programs and social events designed to help them adjust to college life and STEM studies.

Why should I consider the WiSTEM LLC? What are some benefits?

• Community Connection: Live with other first-year STEM students, attend social gatherings, and form lasting friendships.
• Guidance and Support: Weekly chats with Peer Coaches and mentoring from student Peer Coaches.
• Collaboration: Participate in small cohorts and form study groups to excel in first-year classes.
• Belonging and Confidence: Enhance your sense of belonging to STEM and boost your confidence and people skills.

This unique experience will empower you as a STEM college student and help you thrive in your academic journey!

What happens in the WiSTEM Living Learning Community?

• Living Arrangement: You’ll share a room in the Kinsolving Residence Hall with another first-year WiSTEM LLC student.
• Community Building: Develop friendships and peer groups within a supportive community of peers and mentors.
• Academic Support: Form study groups and participate in regularly scheduled study sessions.
• Events and Meetings: Attend fall and spring welcome events, mandatory weekly meetings, and peer-led social events and outings.
• Year-End Celebration: Join the end-of-year celebration in at the end of the spring semester.
• Guidelines: Adhere to community guidelines and standards.

Can I do other first-year programs?

Students may only join one Living Learning Community. Otherwise, YES, you can participate in any other first-year program offered by your college or another university-wide program and join the WiSTEM LLC. There are no course requirements for the WiSTEM LLC.

Other first-year programs include, but are not limited to:

• First-Year Interest Groups (FIGS)
• Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
• Freshman Research Initiative (FRI)
• UT for Me- Powered by Dell Scholars
• TIP Scholars
• University Leadership Network (ULN)
• Biology Scholars Program (BSP)
• Ramshorn Scholars Program (RSP)
• Any college of school honors or scholars programs

Eligibility Information:

To be eligible for a spot in the LLC, you must be awarded a UT Austin Housing contract. You should apply for on-campus housing AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and no later than April 1st. Housing contracts are awarded based on the submission date of application. WiSTEM LLC students must:

• Be a first-year/first-time in college* admitted student to UT Austin in a STEM major**.
• Have completed a University Housing & Dining (UHD) application on or before April 1***.
• Receive and accept (within 10 days) your UHD Contract and select Kinsolving Residence Hall as your first choice.
• Submit a WiSTEM LLC program application by the May 1 deadline.
• Commit to abiding by the community and residential expectations and policies.

*Students who have already participated in a semester or year-long college campus residential experience, such as the TAMS program, are not well suited for this experience.

**Students pursuing any B.S. (Bachelor of Science) qualify as a STEM Major.

***UHD contracts are awarded in the order of application; students who apply after April 1 are unlikely to receive a UHD contract.

Program Fee

A one-time $500 annual program fee per student covers direct program costs. All interested students should apply regardless of financial situation. Scholarships are available.

Application Timeline

February 1: LLC applications open, and rolling application review and acceptance begins*
May 1: University Admissions Enrollment deposit deadline
May 1: WiSTEM LLC Application deadline
May 2 to May 5: WiSTEM LLC Application review
May 8: WiSTEM LLC applicant acceptance, waitlist, and scholarship notifications sent; roommate selection process begins (see below for details)
May 15: WiSTEM LLC program fee payment and acceptance confirmation deadline; roommate selections due to WiSTEM for Housing placement (instructions included in acceptance message)
June 1: University Housing & Dining (UHD) room assignments finalized

*Applications for the WiSTEM LLC are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applications will be 1) verified with UHD to ensure that students will receive a housing contract and 2) verified with Admissions to ensure that students have been admitted into a STEM major at UT Austin. ALL room assignments will be managed by UHD. Students must accept and confirm their WiSTEM LLC spot with WiSTEM no later than May 15. Confirmation instructions will be included in the acceptance notification. Students who are not initially accepted into the LLC will be placed on a waiting list, which will be filled on a rolling basis.

Roommate Selection

As a resident, you will live with another WiSTEM LLC student. To help you find that perfect match, WiSTEM hosts two Roommate Networking Nights on Zoom. Peer Coaches will lead with breakout rooms to help you meet other students, find common interests, and discuss compatibility. Zoom links will be included in the acceptance message.

WiSTEM encourages residents to connect and plan to meet up at New Student Orientation over the summer.

What is the difference between WiSTEM and WINS?

Women in STEM (WiSTEM) is a university-wide program open to any UT Austin student. WiSTEM programming includes the WiSTEM LLC for first-year students in STEM majors.

The Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program at the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) creates a network of CNS women to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. The program includes FRI acceptance, reserved courses, advising, and mentorship for first-year students in certain CNS majors, as well as other opportunities for scholarship, travel, and support extending through graduation.

WINS students can and do participate in WiSTEM events with other STEM students across campus. WINS first-year students can apply for and participate in the WiSTEM LLC in Kinsolving Residence Hall. WINS does not offer its own Living Learning Community. WiSTEM LLC participation has no impact on WINS applications.