Special Interest Communities

A themed living community is a group of people living together in a common housing area who share common academic goals and interests. These living arrangements create unique opportunities to engage and build community with students who share similar interests and/or lifestyles. Residents in these communities participate in academically and intellectually engaging learning activities designed specifically for them. Different communities are available for students living in the apartments and South Village.

Communities for South Village 

Halisi Scholars Living Learning Community

The Halisi Scholars Living Learning Community is designed to enhance the residential experience for students who are a part of the Pan African Community, or any student interested in enhancing the Black student experience at Cal State LA. The Halisi LLC also focuses on understanding current events that affect the Black community and offers the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and peers by engaging in programming that focuses on academic success, cultural awareness, and civic engagement.

Emerging Student Leaders

The Emerging Student Leader Community aims to focus on students who are passionate about obtaining leadership opportunities during their academic journey while at Cal State LA. Students in this community will participate in ongoing programming initiatives and leadership opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills. Residents in this community will also establish connections with incoming first-year students to help them acclimate to the transition of living and adapting to college life by fostering new connections. It’s these ongoing experiences that prepare students for life beyond college.

Do Not Disturb (DND) Quiet Community

Communal living isn’t always easy; sometimes noise is the most difficult thing to adjust to headphones only drown out so much. Put your Housing & Residence Life experience on DND Mode and take some of the worry out. Whether you are a member of our neurodivergent community and prone to sensitive hearing and overstimulation or you just prefer an extra quiet study space, DND has you covered. 

STEM

Build your future world in the Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology Community! This community is committed to the development of highly qualified and responsible technology professionals. Residents in this community will engage with various engineering, computing and technology disciplines through field trips, peer study groups, guest speakers and more. Test your innovative mindset and problem-solving skills right where you live!

Business Community

Considering a career in business? Join other first-year business majors to engage in a common living community and an opportunity to study and learn from each other. As a resident, explore the world of business in a growing global economy with chances to engage and connect with a variety of business majors and programs designed just for the community!

LatinX

The Chicanx/Latinx interest will focus on developing a community that embraces and celebrates Chicanx/Latinx cultures while addressing academic success as Cal State LA students. This interest community is intended to gain a deeper understanding of current issues and events affecting Chicanx/Latinx communities and specifically Cal State LA students who hold those identities. We invite those who identify with the Chicanx/Latinx communities or those who are interested in understanding and uplifting Chicanx/Latinx identities and cultures.

Transfer Students

The Transfer Community brings together students who arrive at Cal State LA with valuable college and life experiences. In this program, first-year transfer students build on the strength and resilience from these experiences and come together as a supportive community. Participants will benefit from a wide range of campus resources, connections with staff, workshops on self-authorship, and a built-in peer network. The program helps students translate their previous college experiences into academic success at Cal State LA.

Health Professions and Psychology

The Health Professions Community provides opportunities for first-year students, Cal State LA Exploring Health Professions and Nursing majors to fully explore their chosen career path, develop as leaders in their field and successfully transition to the college environment. Health Professions residents will engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities and learn from fellow health profession students. Considering a career in psychology? Join other first-year psychology majors to engage in a common living community and an opportunity to study and learn from each other with programs designed just for the community!

Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH)

Transgender, genderqueer, agender and gender-nonconforming residents are valued members of our Cal State LA Community. GIH is an environment where students may choose to share a room with any other student regardless of sex, biological gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. GIH will also offer exciting cultural, educational, and social programming that celebrates and affirms the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students and allies.

Communities for the Apartments

Do Not Disturb (DND) Quiet Community

Communal living isn’t always easy and sometimes noise is the most difficult thing to adjust to -- headphones only drown out so much. Put your Housing & Residence Life experience on DND Mode and take some of the worry out. Whether you are a member of our neurodivergent community and prone to sensitive hearing and overstimulation, or you just prefer an extra quiet study space, DND has you covered. 

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Themed Community is designed for students of all majors who desire to participate in meaningful, intentional and brave discussions, programs and events about social change. This community is designed to celebrate and bring more understanding to historically marginalized communities such as, but not limited to, African American/Black Communities, American Indigenous Communities, Asian and Pacific Islander Communities, DESI Communities, Gender and Women, Latinx Communities, LGBTQIA+ Communities, Middle Eastern Communities and students who are differently-abled.

Transfer Students

The Transfer Community brings together students who arrive at Cal State LA with valuable college and life experiences. In this program, first-year transfer students build on the strength and resilience from these experiences and come together as a supportive community. Participants will benefit from a wide range of campus resources, connections with staff, workshops on self-authorship and a built-in peer network. The program helps students translate their previous college experiences into academic success at Cal State LA.

California Conservation: Urban Gardening & Sustainability

Do you have a green thumb? Even a green heart? Join our Garden Community. This community, in collaboration with the Nutritional Science Program and the Edible Garden Club, offers residents an opportunity to engage with peers and faculty about sustainable practices while addressing basic needs around food insecurity. Residents, alongside faculty, staff and community partners, will work hands-on to maintain the garden located in University Apartments, as well as learn more about the role gardening plays in physical health and mental health.