Community Living
Residents are encouraged to explore and identify a living community which fits their personal interests and academic pursuits. Communities are a great way to make connections based on common interests and allow our residents to feel safe in their space.
We want every student to know that they belong at Stan State, and our interest-based and living learning communities are just one of the ways we achieve that.
Come see us (and our cats). Schedule a tour to learn how we incorporate community into everything that we do and why we aren't the type of dorm you see on television.

First Year Living Communities
These living communities are available exclusively to first year, freshman students.
- First-generation college student? Check out Elevate - you'll score guaranteed enrollment in certain classes and additional advising opportunities!
- Interested in Ethnic Studies or Social Justice? You won't want to miss the Social Justice community that guarantees enrollment in two Ethnic Studies courses - satisfying your GE requirement - plus your faculty mentor is in charge of Stan State's Ethnic Studies department!
- Not really interested in the whole "community" thing? All first year students are part of First Year Experience so, don't worry, you'll still get all the assistance helping you adjust to college life!
View the available room types for first year students, including floor plans, on the Rates & Dining page.
Brand new community!! All first year students will automatically be part of the First Year Experience community. We understand that the transition from high school to college is a big one, so let us help you adjust to Stan State and better understand college life.
- Create your roadmap to graduation, including classes and what you want to achieve during your time at Stan State
- Get assistance choosing and registering for classes, managing your time, and learning where everything is
- Connect with your roommates, neighbors, and get to know people all over the Village
The purpose of First Year Experience is to build a solid foundation during your first year of college. This community will help you make new friends, understand the campus, and learn how to be academically successful.
The Elevate community provides first-generation college students a high level of support from Stan State faculty and Housing staff to help students create a success plan and roadmap for their time at Stan State.
- Guaranteed enrollment in an English course
- Guaranteed enrollment in a First Year Experience course
- Faculty Mentor
- Additional Advising Opportunities
This community is ideal for first-gen students who want extra guidance, advising, and support in their college journey.
Live with other students who are active members of the University Honors Program or who strive to achieve academic success during their time at Stan State.
Honors students will take courses and have mentors through the University Honors Program. Housing Scholars students will receive a higher level of mentorship and support from a Peer Academic Coach.
This community is designed for students who are focused on their academics and finding success in their studies.
- What time management or study habits can I form to make the Dean's List?
- How do I get into the Honors Program?
- Want to form a study group?
Residents may want to join Housing Scholars if they are currently part of the university Honors Program or hoping to join. This is also a great community for anyone who is looking to connect to campus resources that will help them succeed in their classes.
The Social Justice living learning community provides a space for students interested in Ethnic Studies or who value diversity, identity, and empowerment.
- Guaranteed enrollment in two Ethnic Studies courses
- Faculty Mentor
If you are interested in Ethnic Studies, Sociology, or Criminal Justice, or want to connect with others who want to be the change, this may be the community for you.
Sophomore & Upper Division Communities
These communities are only available for sophomores and upper division students.
View available room types for sophomore and upper division residents on the Rates & Dining page.
Brand new community!! With your first year of college behind you, you're probably starting to think about what you want to achieve during your time at Stan State and beyond:
- What's next, and how do I get there?
- How do I get involved and make the most of my college experience?
- How can I manage my finances to afford to stay in college, or better budget my money?
The purpose of Sophomore Year Experience is to connect sophomore students and showcase all of the resources at Stan State, building on their first-year foundation. Let us help you continue to acclimate to college life and better utilize the campus services that are available to you. As part of the Sophomore Year Experience community, you will live with and nearby fellow sophomore students.
Elevate Sophomore focuses on career-readiness and helping sophomore students achieve their post-graduation goals.
- What majors am I interested in?
- What's a minor and should I get one?
- I know I want to do this certain job when I graduate, but what can I do now to better prepare for it?
This community was initially designed to offer second-year support to Elevate residents and first-gen college students, but now all sophomore residents who are looking to explore their interest areas are invited to participate. Members of this community are also supported by a faculty mentor.
The Transfer Student community provides a place for transfer students to build connections with each other.
- What campus resources are available, and where do I find them?
- How do I use the learning platforms that are different from my previous school?
- Want to find our classrooms together?
Expand your social circle and transition to Stan State with the help of your Resident Assistant and Peer Academic Coach.
This community is designed for students who are focused on their academics and finding success in their studies.
- What time management or study habits can I form to make the Dean's List?
- How do I get into the Honors Program?
- Want to form a study group?
Residents may want to join Housing Scholars if they are currently part of the university Honors Program or hoping to join. This is also a great community for anyone who is looking to connect to campus resources that will help them succeed in their classes.
Connect with international students, learn about other countries, and meet other students who are also considering studying abroad.
- What's it like studying in another country?
- Where can I study abroad?
- How is Stan State different from an international college?
The Study Abroad/International Students community is designed for international students or students interested in learning about other cultures or studying abroad in the future.
A Safe Place for All
At Stan State, we welcome students from every background, age, gender, and identity and are proud to call them our friends, colleagues, classmates, roommates, and fellow Warriors.
Gender Inclusive Housing is offered in all of our Housing communities to reaffirm that gender diversity is an important aspect of campus life and integrated into our community’s culture. Here, students can feel comfortable and free to be their authentic self.
What is Gender Inclusive Housing?
Gender Inclusive Housing supports students who would like to share a unit with other students regardless of sex, biological gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. It is also an option for allies who want to live with others no matter their sex, gender, or gender identity/expression.
Can I connect with other students who want to live in Gender Inclusive Housing prior to moving in?
In the housing application, students can select that they would like to live in a Gender Inclusive space. Shortly after completing their application, they will be able to view resident profiles of other students who also selected Gender Inclusive Housing, message with them, and form a roommate group to live together, if desired.
Gender inclusive living spaces are available throughout the Village and in every room type. If you have any questions about Gender Inclusive Housing, please contact our office.
Our friends at the Warrior Cross Cultural Center "WCCC" host a variety of inclusive events and diverse groups, including the Male Success Initiative, Undocumented Student Services, Social Justice Book Club, and more.

Updated: August 13, 2023