A student who resides in a Living Learning Community (LLC), formally known as Special Living Options (SLOs), has the opportunity to live and learn with classmates who share similar interests but bring many different personalities and traits to the environment. The student will live with other members of the LLC in a close-knit community (or "house") located in University housing. LLC members will have the opportunity to participate in field trips, group dinners, and other social and educational activities. Students build strong relationships with fellow residents—and with the faculty and staff members affiliated with LLC. In Penn State's LLCs, learning isn't just encouraged—it's celebrated!
Earth and Mineral Sciences House
Earth and Mineral Sciences House, housed in Irvin Hall, is the main LLC for the students in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Residents can develop close relationships with faculty from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Students live, study, and socialize with others who share their love of earth sciences, earth science policy, energy, business and finance, energy and sustainability policy, energy engineering, geobiology, geography, geosciences, materials science and engineering, meteorology and atmospheric science, mining engineering, and petroleum and natural gas engineering. Field trips, house dinners, guest lectures, lunches with faculty, community service, and intramural sports are just a few of the educational, service, and social opportunities available to members. Residents also enjoy access to a computing lab, kitchen, and study lounges.
- Visit Earth and Mineral Sciences House (Irvin Hall) website
- Visit Penn State's Living Learning Communities (LLCs) website
Additional LLCs
First-Year in Science and Engineering House (FISE) - Ritner Hall, Pollock Halls
First-year students in the Eberly College of Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences may choose to reside in the First-Year in Science and Engineering (FISE). FISE offers a residential experience for first-year students seeking to live in a diverse and inclusive STEM-focused living and learning community. Designed to support first-year students in their transition to college, FISE offers excellent academic resources and programs throughout the year. FISE students leave well prepared to succeed in their future academic work and STEM.
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House
WISE House is designed to actively promote an equitable and inclusive Living Learning Community for residents pursuing undergraduate degrees in science and engineering. Members of WISE House will benefit from community programming and academic support while living and learning with others pursuing similar academic course loads and fields of study