Program Houses
Want to learn more about art, theatre, or music? Act on your concern for the preservation of our planet? Reaffirm or explore an ethnic or cultural identity?
Program Houses – or themed residence halls – offer the chance to develop and immerse yourself in interests within an engaging community of residents and out-of-house members. These close-knit communities have a high level of involvement, with regular events, programming, and outreach opportunities, often in collaboration with related academic departments.
To apply to live in a Program House for the 2023-2024 academic year you just list the houses you're interested in as preferences when you complete the housing application. You'll be asked to acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the program house mission. It's an easy process.
To learn more about each Program House, read the details on their websites, and their CampusGroups communities pages, listed below! (CampusGroups is the software platform Cornell uses for student organizations and community events.)
- Akwe:kon – the nation's first university residence established to celebrate American Indian and indigenous cultures and heritage. Explore Akwe:kon community pages.
- Ecology House – founded on the principles of sustainability and environmental justice, Eco is for any student looking to limit their carbon footprint while creating an equitable Earth for all people, plants, and animals. Explore Eco House community pages.
- Holland International Living center (HILC) – a diverse community of both international students and American students interested in cross-cultural experiences and learning; remains open during winter break period. Explore HILC community pages.
- Just About Music (JAM) – a music-lover's dream home with a concert stage, a recording studio, classical practice rooms, and countless performance and listening opportunities. Explore JAM community pages.
- Latino Living Center (LLC) – celebrating Latino heritage and culture, with regular collaboration with the Latino Studies Program to organize events and discussion series. Explore Latino Living Center (LLC) community pages.
- Loving House - An LGBTQ+ living spaced located within Mews Hall that is inclusive to all intersections of identity and embraces honest and frank dialogue to develop engaged community members and leaders. Explore Loving House community pages.
- Multicultural Living Learning Unit (McLLU) – a global community of backgrounds and ethnicities, all committed to celebrating difference and promoting acceptance, located within Clara Dickson Hall. Explore McLLU community pages.
- Risley Residential College – a supportive environment for creating, performing, and exploring artistic expression, whether your interest is dance, music, theatre, or visual arts. Explore Risley Residential College community pages.
- Ujamaa Residential College – celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the African Diaspora. Explore Ujamaa Residential College community pages.
- Veterans House
You will be asked to check a box to acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the mission and expectations for each community to which you apply. You may apply to as many communities as you like. Each community has a separate selection process, so you may be accepted to multiple communities.
Or, you can get involved in any community at any time by signing up to be an Out-of-House Member! You get all of the benefits as current residents, and it's a great way to learn about the communities and the people you may be living with next year.After your first year: If you wish, you may apply to live in a Program House again for your second year. You are not required to stay in the same Program House for multiple years. You could apply to other Program Houses, or participate in General Room Selection in order to live in one of the residence halls for upper-level students.See video tours of several Program Houses in a YouTube playlist.
Read more in the Cornell Admissions blog post about Unique Opportunities in Cornell Program Houses.
Our housing options vary in physical location and environmental design. Please note that not every building has elevator access, air conditioning, wheelchair accessible rooms, and/or private bathrooms. Please see individual housing pages for more information, or contact the Housing Office at housing@cornell.edu or 607-255-5368.