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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Program House Spotlight: HILC

Students at HILC gather around the study lounge
HILC residents often gather in the space’s lounges to study, work on projects, and participate in community events (Douae Maarouf '27/Provided)

The Jerome H. Holland International Living Center, commonly known as HILC, is a Program House on North Campus where international and domestic students come together to share cultural experiences and build a supportive global community. 

Founded in 1970 as the International Living Center, it was renamed the Jerome H. Holland International Living Center in 1985 after Jerome "Brud" Holland, PhD '39 and '41. Holland achieved so much during his life, including serving as the United States Ambassador to Sweden from 1970 to 1972. HILC is a nod to his legacy of international connection and cultural education. 

Over 160 Cornellians from different parts of the globe call HILC their home on the Hill, including Nicole Hao ’25, who has lived in HILC since her first year at Cornell. An international student from Beijing, China, she initially wanted to live in HILC so she could live with a friend, who was also an international student, and meet new people from across the world. 

Now a senior, she’s found a supportive inner circle of friends and peers throughout her time in HILC and credits the unique community as her core reason for living there so long.

It’s common to find HILC residents connecting with one another by playing games and talking to each other in the lounges.
It’s common to find HILC residents connecting with one another by playing games and talking to each other in the lounges (Douae Maarouf '27/Provided)

“I love the community in HILC,” said Hao. “I know people who choose to live here for years because of how supportive and tight-knit everyone is. I also appreciate how culturally diverse the community is; I’ve met friends from Puerto Rico, West Africa, and other parts of the world.” 

That strong community bond is felt with newer HILC residents as well. Grant Corso ’28 has lived in the Program House since August and echoes Hao’s praise of its accepting residents. 

“I’ve gotten much better at connecting with people from diverse backgrounds since living in HILC, and I’m grateful to my fellow residents for teaching me about different cultures and mindsets of the world,” said Corso. 

Grace Heskial ’28 is also a first-year student enjoying her time in HILC. She believes its strong sense of community is contributing to her success at Cornell and is thankful for the events and activities that encourage residential bonding. 

“We have great community events hosted by Resident Advisors (RAs) and Hall Council, such as cultural food nights and paint nights,” said Heskial. “We also had a New York City Broadway trip, which gave me the opportunity to hang out and build connections with my fellow HILC residents.” 

Nicole talking to a student (RA shot)
As an RA in HILC, Hao is a peer resource for residents and helps build its community by hosting engaging events and promoting a healthy and safe residential experience (Douae Maaroof '27/Provided)

Those community events are often hosted in HILC’s lounges, which are social hubs for students. Heskial, Corso, and Hao say you’ll find students studying, playing games, and talking about anything and everything in those spaces. 

HILC also provides opportunities for students to grow as leaders. All three students hold leadership position within the Program House, helping them develop essential skills that contribute to their success at Cornell and beyond. Corso and Heskial are Hall Council co-Presidents within HILC, while Hao is an RA. 

“One of the most important things I’ve learned as an RA is to always be willing to learn more about people, their identities, and their cultures,” said Hao. “Being in this community inspires you to understand people better and find common ground with people of different backgrounds.” 

As Hall Council co-Presidents, Corso and Heskial collaborate with other residents to represent the community and build communal ties. 

“This experience has developed my organizational and leadership skills, whether it be through leading meetings or facilitating group discussion when planning residential events,” said Heskial. 

Group photo of students outside HILC
More than 160 Cornellians from various countries and backgrounds call HILC their home on the Hill (Douae Maarouf '27/Provided)

Heskial, Hao, and Corso recommend living in HILC. Both Hao and Corso say they weren’t sure what living in a residential community would be like when they first came to Cornell, but were thrilled to be welcomed into a space that is so accepting and supportive. Corso’s biggest advice for thriving in a community like HILC: Have an open mind. 

“There are so many interesting people and connections to be made,” said Corso. “Between all of the interesting events, activities, and people, you would never be bored in a residential space like HILC.” 

If you have questions about the Program Houses at Cornell, contact the Housing Office at housing@cornell.edu or call 607-255-5368.