Living and Learning Villages
Find your place. Find your pack!
What is a Living and Learning Village?
Living and Learning Villages (LLVs) are residential communities where students, staff and faculty learn side-by-side. You can choose to live with other students based on a common interest, skill or academic focus. Village members develop personally and professionally in a tight-knit social atmosphere.
Living and Learning Villages are High-Impact Experiences
LLVs are recognized as a high-impact experience (HIE) They are immersive communities designed to help residents find their pack and their purpose from day one. By opting into a village, residents are connecting what they learn in the classroom to real-world hands-on programs. Between intentional community building and our layered mentoring, residents gain the confidence to align their passions with their future career. It is more than just a place to live! It is a high-impact way to make a big campus feel like home while residents work toward their career goals.
Peer Mentorship
At the heart of every LLV are Village Mentors. This is an experiences student who has already walked in your shoes. We believe peer mentorship is the ultimate high-impact way to master college life. Village mentors are not just a leader; they are a relatable role model there to help students find their pack, navigate campus like a pro and dive into the LLV specific theme. Whether residents are looking for a way to sharpen their skills or just need a friendly face to help make this big campus feel small, village mentors are the go-to for building community.
Program and eligibility requirements are included below for all LLVs. Please ensure you review all requirements for the LLVs you are interested in before submitting your application.
Academic College Programs
These programs focus on specific disciplines or majors by intentionally connecting students’ residential experience with academic enrichment, faculty and peer engagement, and structured support that strengthens academic success and professional identity.
Centennial Engineering Village
Centennial Engineering Village is designed specifically for second-year and transfer students in the College of Engineering. As coursework becomes more demanding, this community supports students in building confidence, maintaining wellness, and connecting academic learning to professional experiences aligned with their specific engineering major. Centennial Engineering Village offers a balanced approach, helping students prepare for what’s next while staying supported where they are.
In this community, you will…
- Engage in major-specific professional experiences, including connections with industry partners, alumni, and campus resources that support internships, co-ops, research, and career exploration.
- Receive intentional support for upper-level coursework, with access to in-hall academic resources, peer connections within your major, and strategies for managing increased academic expectations.
- Prioritize student wellness and balance through programs focused on stress management, resilience, and navigating the academic and personal demands of the second year and transfer transition.
- Build a strong community of peers in the College of Engineering, creating connections with students who share similar academic paths, challenges, and professional goals.
Student Eligibility: Second-year students who lived in the Engineering Village for their first year and new transfer students in an academic program in the College of Engineering or an academic program associated with the College of Engineering.
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Valley Hall, Wolf Ridge Apartments
Program Partnership(s): College of Engineering
Engineering Village
The Engineering Village is designed to support students as they transition into the rigor and possibilities of college-level engineering. This community helps students explore what it means to be an engineer, identify pathways within the College of Engineering, and build the academic and wellness habits needed for long-term success. Grounded in the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenges, the village connects first-year coursework to real-world impact from the very start.
In this community, you will…
- Explore engineering pathways and majors within the College of Engineering, helping you identify what type of engineer you want to become through exposure to disciplines, projects, and professionals.
- Engage with the NAE Grand Challenges through hands-on learning and discussion that connect first-year engineering coursework to real-world problems and global impact.
- Learn and create in an exclusive in-community makerspace and engineering lab, available only to village residents, with access to tools, projects, and support that reinforce course concepts and build practical skills.
- Receive intentional academic and wellness support, including in-hall tutoring, study resources, and programs focused on balance, resilience, and a successful transition to college engineering life.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen who are in an academic program in the College of Engineering or an academic program associated with the College of Engineering
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Sullivan Hall
Program Partnership(s): College of Engineering
Exploratory Studies Village
Exploratory Studies Village (ESV) provides students a year of guided inquiry and exploration, coupled with intentional alignment with academic advising and co-curricular learning, that helps move students through the career planning and decision-making process. Through structured peer interactions, students also build a community grounded in mutual support, academic curiosity, and identity development. ESV fosters a climate of belonging where students connect with peers navigating similar questions of purpose, values, and future direction.
In this community, you will…
- Explore majors, careers, and interests through intentional programming to help you make confident decisions about your future
- Engage in cocurricular experiences that complement your coursework and help you connect learning beyond the classroom.
- Build relationships with other like-minded peers who share similar interests and are navigating similar experiences in the major and career exploration
- Develop a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and confidence as you learn to make decisions aligned with who you are and who you want to become.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen students who are in the Exploratory Studies Program.
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Owen Hall
Program Partnership(s): Exploratory Studies Program
Honors Village
The Honors Village enhances the intellectual exploration and personal development of its residents. Villagers are provide opportunities for personal growth, to advance their academic excellence, get involved with their community and have fun in the process.
In this community, you will…
- Begin their Honors journey early through Rooted in Raleigh, a move-in-early experience that builds community, explores campus and Raleigh, and introduces undergraduate research through a 1-credit fall course.
- Take part in the Metaskills Challenge, earning Honors HIE credit by developing a new skill through a 20-hour, semester-long experience.
- Engage in a semester-long interdisciplinary event series featuring faculty speakers, cultural experiences, book clubs, films, and day trips.
- Receive priority access to Honors opportunities, including select travel experiences, in-hall Honors seminars, and close connection to Honors staff and faculty in Clark Hall.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen, returning and transfer students who have been accepted into the University Honors Program
Program Requirement(s): None
Location: Bagwell Hall and Becton Hall
Program Partnership(s): University Honors Program
Students Advocating for Youth Village
The Students Advocating for Youth Village (SAY) provides practical hands-on experiences for students looking to work with underserved youth. In our linked course, you will learn about factors that impact youth who may lack the resources to achieve their fullest potential. You will also work one-on-one with an elementary “student partner” at one of our two Wake County partner schools once a week, assisting to develop their social-emotional and academic skills.
In this community, you will…
- Engage in real youth advocacy with local youth.
- Have the opportunity to attend conferences that focus on youth impact.
- Be supported as a college student through fun and meaningful programming.
- Learn about the systems and policies that impact underserved youth.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen
Program Requirement(s): ED 150 and ED 151: Students Advocating for Youth I and II (1 credit each; fall and spring semesters; Tuesday afternoons from 3- 5:20 p.m.)
Location: Syme Hall
Program Partnership(s): College of Education
Women in Science and Engineering Village
The Women in Science and Engineering Village (WISE) is housed in Lee Residence Hall for first and second- year students exploring STEM fields. The WISE program is designed to support students academically and professionally, foster community, and maintain student well-being. Participating in the village provides students with a unique opportunity to live and build community with other STEM majors taking similar classes and sharing similar interests.
In this community, you will…
- Receive personalized peer support through WISE Mentors—upperclass students who provide monthly 1:1 check-ins, guidance and community connection.
- Access academic and professional development opportunities, including guest speakers, lab tours, career workshops, research panels and biweekly tutoring in key STEM courses.
- Build a strong, supportive community through wellbeing-focused and social programs that encourage connection, balance and belonging.
- Develop leadership skills by participating in the WISE Student Council, where students plan programs and shape the village experience.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen, returning students and transfer students whose academic program is in one of the following colleges: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Natural Resources, College of Sciences and College of Textiles.
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Lee Hall
Contact Us: Email, Website, Instagram
Program Partnership(s): College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Natural Resources, College of Sciences, and Wilson College of Textiles.
Interested-Based Programs
These interdisciplinary residential communities are organized around shared interests, lived experiences, or themes that bring students together to explore diverse perspectives, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build community through intentional experiences that support personal growth and belonging.
Albright Entrepreneurs Village
The Albright Entrepreneurs Village (AEV) on Centennial Campus is where NC State students turn ideas into action. As a living and learning community for second-year and upper-level students, AEV brings together innovators, creators, aspiring business founders and those curious about entrepreneurship to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experiences, academic study and entrepreneurial engagement.
In this community, you will…
- Enroll in a 1-credit fall course that helps first-year students identify entrepreneurial opportunities and build skills to turn ideas into action.
- Participate in an annual entrepreneurship-focused trip to a major city, exploring innovation ecosystems beyond campus.
- Engage in monthly innovation and community-building events with peers who share a passion for entrepreneurship.
- Gain direct access to NC State’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship ecosystem, including mentors, ambassador opportunities, coursework, and pathways to launching ventures.
NOTICE: For the 26-27 Room Selection application, all residents living in AEV must apply to AEV. We will no longer accept roommates who have not applied to AEV. However, you are still able to create roommate groups as long as everyone in the roommate group has applied and been accepted to AEV.
Student Eligibility: Returning and transfer students
Program Requirement(s): EI 100: Entrepreneurial Thinking (1 credit; fall semester)
Location: Innovation Hall, Wolf Ridge Apartments
Contact Us: Email
Program Partnership(s):Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Facebook, Twitter)
Arts Village
Arts Village is where creativity is part of everyday life. Open to students of all majors and experience levels, this village brings together artists, engineers, scientists and scholars who share a curiosity for creative expression. Through performances, exhibitions, collaborative projects and community partnerships, residents explore how the arts enrich academic learning, personal growth and connection. More than a place to live, the Arts Village is a high-impact experience that supports self-expression, builds community and fosters lifelong engagement with the arts.
In this community, you will…
- Engage in immersive arts experiences through a one-credit experiential course featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, discussions and guest speakers that connect creativity to your major and everyday life.
- Explore the arts beyond campus with off-campus trips, concerts, theater productions and cultural events that broaden perspectives and inspire creative thinking.
- Develop interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial skills through workshops, creative collaborations and service-based programs that highlight the intersection of the arts, innovation, leadership and community impact.
- Build meaningful connections in a supportive, creative community where curiosity, collaboration and diverse perspectives are celebrated.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen, returning, and transfer students
Program Requirement(s): AVS 100: Arts Village Forum (1 credit; fall and spring semesters)
Location: Turlington Hall
Program Partnership(s): Arts NC State
EcoVillage
EcoVillage is a place where students can learn about all things sustainability. We support students in considering how they can be good stewards of the planet through individual actions and activities in our campus community and beyond. Whether we are at the campus AgroEcology Farm or exploring the mountains or coast of North Carolina, students will have the opportunity to engage in high-impact, experiential learning while building connections with peers over their shared interests.
In this community, you will…
- Engage in active exploration of the world around you through hands-on, co-curricular experiences.
- Have 24/7 access to the EcoSuite, a community lounge area exclusively for EcoVillagers!
- Get opportunities to network with campus partners and student leadership programs focused on sustainability.
- All first-year students will be auto-enrolled in ENV101: Exploring the Environment as a curricular component of the Village experience. Any students who have concerns about their capacity to take this course after connecting with their academic advisor may reach out to the village director at llv-ecovillage@ncsu.edu.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen, returning, and transfer students
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Lee Hall
Program Partnership(s): College of Natural Resources
Global Village
The Global Village is a vibrant residential community made up of domestic, international and short-term exchange students who live and learn together. The community celebrates the backgrounds, identities and perspectives students bring from around the world, while offering programs that highlight both the American experience and meaningful international and intercultural exchange. Through shared living, intentional programming and everyday connection, students develop global awareness, cross-cultural understanding and a strong sense of belonging.
In this community, you will…
- Live in a global community where students from around the world learn, share and build meaningful connections together.
- Participate in exclusive cultural programs and experiences that celebrate global traditions, perspectives and lived experiences within the community.
- Practice and strengthen language skills in real-world settings by engaging with native and fluent speakers in everyday life.
- Develop global awareness and cultural competence through authentic relationships, shared experiences and intentional community learning.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen, returning, transfer and exchange students
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Alexander Hall
Program Partnership(s): Office of International Services and the Global Training Initiative
Transition Programs
These programs provide a supportive residential environment that helps students successfully transition to NC State by offering intentional experiences, peer and staff support, and guided reflection that promote belonging, experiential learning and self-discovery during a critical period of adjustment.
THRIVE Village
The THRIVE Village aims to cultivate a community where first-year students feel supported throughout their transition to NC State. By teaching the six dimensions of wellness, THRIVE equips first-year students with the resources and skills to flourish personally, physically and socially.
In this community, you will…
- Engage in meaningful community service each semester, helping students build a sense of belonging, purpose and holistic wellness.
- Strengthen essential transition skills through the Rooted and Resilience Retreat, focused on academic success, time management and stress management.
- Participate in an annual wellness-focused trip that encourages reflection and personal growth during the transition to NC State.
- Connect easily to key campus resources through monthly, in-hall programs with campus partners that support skill-building and student success.
Student Eligibility: Freshmen
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: Wood Hall
Program Partnership(s): Campus Health, Prevention Services, Wellness and Recreation, and First in the Pack
Transfer Connection Village
The Transfer Connections Village (TCV) was created just for new and returning transfer students coming to NC State. Located at Wolf Village Apartments in MacKenzie Hall, TCV is designed to help students feel settled, supported and confident as they adjust to a new campus and academic environment. Through regular programs, peer mentorship and guided introductions to campus opportunities, TCV helps transfer students build community, stay on track academically, and connect their past experiences to future goals.
In this community, you will…
- Connect and be supported as you build friendships, receive peer mentorship and access academic support through weekly social, community, and study-based experiences.
- Reflect and build skills through short, practical activities that support goal-setting, wellness and academic success throughout the year.
- Access campus opportunities by exploring and confidently navigating high-impact experiences such as leadership, research, study abroad and career development through guided Village and campus programs.
- Explore beyond the Village by participating in shared campus and Raleigh-area experiences that help you build community, discover your surroundings and feel at home at NC State.
Student Eligibility: New and returning transfer students
Program Requirement(s): None.
Location: MacKenzie Hall, Wolf Village Apartments
Program Partnership(s): Goodnight Scholarships and Community College Collaboration (C3)
Application Process
LLV applications are embedded within the University Housing application for the current and new student application process. As a reminder, all residents in the LLV must apply and be accepted to live in the community. If you have a preferred roommate, they must also apply and be accepted into the LLV for you to be roommates within the LLV community.
Current Students
- Review dates and deadlines for the Room Selection process via the Room Selection website page.
- Review all LLVs and their requirements.
- Indicate the LLV you are interested in applying to under the “Village Preferences” section in the Room Selection Application.
- You will only be able to select one LLV for the Room Selection process.
- On the “Village Application Question” page in the application, you will need to read the instructions and fully answer the question for your application to be considered for your preferred LLV.
Reminders:
- You must fully answer the application question for your preferred LLV.
- If you have a preferred roommate, you and your roommate must apply and be accepted to your preferred LLV to select a room together on your assigned Room Selection day.
- LLV room selection day is before the general room selection day. This means that if you are accepted to your preferred LLV, you will select your room on that day and will not be able to select a room on the general room selection day.
New Students
- Review dates and deadlines for the General Application process the Incoming Students website page. .
- Review all LLVs and their requirements.
- Indicate the LLV you are interested in applying to under the “Village Preferences” section in the General Housing Application.
- You will only be able to select one LLV as your primary choice and one LLV as your secondary choice.
- On the “Village Application Question” page in the application, you will need to read the instructions and fully answer the question for your application to be considered for your preferred LLVs.
- Please make sure that when you answer the application questions, in your response, you rare reflecting on your desire to live in your primary and secondary choice LLVs.
Reminders:
- You must fully answer the application question for your preferred LLVs.
- If you have a preferred roommate, you and your roommate must apply and be accepted to your preferred LLV to be assigned a room together in the LLV community.