Students who live in a theme community, will have the opportunity to engage in programs like field trips, group discussions, dinners and have increased exposure to opportunities on and off-campus. Students will be part of a close-knit community that encourages academic success, promotes supportive and safe environments, supports personal growth, cultivates social responsibility, and creates leaders.
The APIDA Theme Community provides an environment where Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American students can reside with others, share experiences, and participate in meaningful connections that will benefit their college experience. In partnership with the Office of Equity & Inclusion, this theme community provides many opportunities to study, socialize, promote cultural enrichment and awareness, and continue to grow academically. Residing in this community is voluntary and open to all Whittier College Students.
The Esports/Life Skills Themed Community at Whittier College offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a community that blends their passion for gaming with the development of key life skills. Whether you're an entry-level gamer or an aspiring esports competitor, this community provides a space where residents can connect over shared gaming interests while also honing skills that will benefit them both on and off the screen.
Through regular programming, students will have opportunities to engage in the competitive world of esports. At the same time, they will have opportunities to participate in workshops and discussions focused on building life skills such as job interviewing, time management, communication, teamwork, and other life skills. These activities will be designed to help students develop the abilities they need to succeed in their academic, personal, and professional lives.
Residents will have the chance to grow as both gamers and individuals in a supportive environment that values collaboration, skill-building, and personal growth. By living in this community, students will not only level up their gaming abilities but also gain the practical skills needed to navigate the challenges of college life and beyond.
Gender-inclusive housing at Whittier College provides an affirming, safe, and welcoming community living option for students regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. In this community, students may room with individuals of different gender or sex. Residing in the gender-inclusive community is voluntary and open to all Whittier students.
The Latinx Theme Community provides an environment where Latinx students can reside with others, share experiences, and participate in meaningful connections that will benefit their college experience. In partnership with the Office of Equity & Inclusion, this theme community provides many opportunities to study, socialize, promote cultural enrichment and awareness, and continue to grow academically. Residing in this community is voluntary and open to all Whittier College Students.
Sankofa Collective-themed community housing at Whittier College will provide an environment where Black and African-American-identifying students can reside with others, share experiences, and participate in meaningful connections and leadership opportunities to benefit their college experience. This themed community offers many opportunities to study, socialize, promote cultural enrichment and awareness, and continue to grow academically. Located in Stauffer Hall, this themed community partners with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and is open to all Whittier College students.
Sankofa is an Akan term that means “to return, to go back and get it, to seek.” It is the idea that in our past, we find the power and strength to create a brighter future. “Sankofa” affirms that our past gives us the necessary context we must use to move forward.*
The STEM Themed Community at Whittier College offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a community that blends their passion for STEM with community engagement focused on STEM career development—a space taking your in-class knowledge around STEM and enhancing it with diverse perspectives and collective community passion. Through regular programming, students will engage in networking and participate in workshops and discussions on career exploration, graduate school preparation, and STEM-related topics. These activities will help them develop the skills and knowledge needed for a STEM career.
By living in this community, students will not only connect with other like-minded peers but will also gain a co-curricular experience that strengthens their commitment to and understanding of the STEM field, positioning them strongly to pursue it.
You can apply to be a part of a Theme Community when you complete your housing application. Simply indicate your preference under "Theme Communities." Each Theme Community has a strict capacity and space will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents approved to live in a Theme Community will receive notification in early or mid-July.
Residents chosen to live in a Theme Community are expected to be active members of the community and to commit to their housing arrangement. Room changes will not be permitted until the third week of the semester. Only double room occupancy spaces are available in the Theme Communities. All first-year students, regardless of major, identity, or background, are encouraged to apply for space in a Theme Community.
If you would like to live with a specific roommate in a Theme Community, you must both choose the same Theme Community in the housing application and name each other as desired roommates when prompted. You will be placed with your preferred roommate, as space allows, if this step is fulfilled and the application is completed. Please be sure to cancel all other pending roommate requests in order to reduce confusion during the placement process.
First-year students are not required to live in a Theme community but are strongly encouraged to do so. Since space in the Theme Communities are limited, it is advised that you do not request to live in a Theme Community if you are unsure about your choice when you submit your housing application. You may email the Housing & Residential Life during the summer to check on availability if you change
