BUILDING COMMUNITIES: EXAMINING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS IN LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND RESIDENTIAL-OPTIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The purpose of this study was to better understand the living-learning community (LLC) experience and the residential-optional learning community (ROLC) experience, specifically the aspects that had the most influence on college transition and involvement according to students. The LLC model specifically has become common practice within higher education, but there is very limited research available for other learning community models that may more effectively meet student needs. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with students who participated in a living-learning community or residential-optional learning community during the 2021-2022 academic year at a large, PWI, urban research institute. Four major themes were identified: (1) Multiple Factors Affected the Decision-making Process related to Housing Choice, and It Emerged that Residential-Optional LCs Offered the Best Choice For Many Students, (2) Living the Unexpected: COVID-19 Had A Significant Impact On Learning Community Decision-Making and Institutional Operations, (3) The Importance of Finding Community: The Loss of Normalcy During COVID-19 Impacted Student Motivation To Find Connection In Learning Communities, and (4) Students Were Looking For Support and Growth Entering College and They Found Them Within the LC. The findings of this study indicated strong outcomes related to the ROLC experience and challenges related to the lack of housing flexibility in the LLC experience that provides additional considerations for higher education leaders who are seeking to provide high-impact practices that will support first-year students.