Residential Based Learning Communities are an immersive experience, and you can choose from a variety of academic- and identity-based communities. In addition to programs and events provided, there will be exclusive opportunities provided by the RBLC that will get you connected to the school/program and the greater Indianapolis area.
Where living and learning meet
40%of residents live in an RBLC
GPA Students in RBLCs tend to have higher grade point averages
85+exclusive RBLC events offered each year
RBLC breakdown
The tabs below outline all the RBLCs you could preference when signing your housing contract and include benefits, eligibility, which residence hall the RBLC lives in, and more.
The DEAP (Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program) House is a racially diverse community that fosters student success through personal, academic, and social support.
Residence hall: North Hall
Benefits:
- Cultural and developmental programming
- Supportive, diverse community
- Academic and career support resources
- Peer or faculty/staff mentoring
- $2,000–$2,500 financial aid stipend for the academic year
Program requirements for incoming full-time, first-year students:
- All full-time, first-year students are eligible
- Sign your IU Indianapolis housing contract and select the DEAP House as your RBLC preference
- Apply to the DEAP program; applications open March 1
- Enroll in the DEAP House UCOL-U110 First-Year Seminar (2cr.) when you register for your fall semester classes
Requirements and next steps for returning DEAP participants:
- Returning DEAP participants are eligible
- Sign your renewal contract when the process opens in the spring semester
- Select the DEAP House as your RBLC preference
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Health Careers Community (HCC) is for students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in health and life science majors or a pathway to professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, physician assisting, and physical therapy through a non-science major. The community promotes a supportive learning environment that includes activities focused on academic success, social integration, and engagement on the IU Indianapolis campus resulting in holistic growth and development.
Residence hall: Ball Hall
Benefits:
- Connect with students who will likely be in some of your classes
- Participate in tailored small group academic and career advising
- Experience small group dialogues on current health topics with a variety of faculty
- Take part in health-related community service activities
- Deepen their understanding of the complexities of the health field and solidify a chosen health career path
Program/initiative requirements:
- First-year students who are pursuing a degree in health and life science majors or non-science majors pursuing professional health-related degrees post-bachelors
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Herron House community fosters academic, personal, and creative excellence by establishing strong ties to the Herron School of Art and Design, IU Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis artistic community. Residents at Herron House are provided with the opportunity to live with other art and design students and participate in social and cultural activities relevant to the pursuit of their degrees.
Residence hall: Riverwalk Apartments
Benefits:
- Provides a supportive, creative residential environment for students
- Participate in social and cultural activities such as art walks, First Fridays, and coffee houses
- Make your mark on the annual mural design project
- Experience a behind the scenes view of campus exhibits and galleries
Requirements and next steps:
- First-year and upperclass students are both eligible
- Must be admitted to the Herron School of Art and Design and enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
Formally known as the PETM community, the new HHSC supported by the School of Health and Human Sciences welcomes new, incoming first-year students majoring in exercise science, fitness management, health sciences, physical education, and tourism, event, and sport management. Students residing on the HHSC residential floor will have the opportunity to get involved in special academic and social programs.
Residence hall: University Tower
Benefits:
- Interact and form study groups with other students in your major
- Have quick access to the fitness facility that is on the same floor as the HHSC
- Participate in events and programs exclusively for the HHSC residents. (Past events have included a meet and greet with the dean and faculty, end-of-year celebrations at Sky Zone and Climb Time Indy, Indianapolis Colts game, ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo, and volunteering at the Carmel Marathon.)
- Potential scholarship up to $2,000. Application required; deadline information can be found by contacting our liaison.
Requirements and next steps:
- First-year students pursuing a degree in a School of Health and Human Sciences (exercise science, fitness management and personal training, physical education/teacher education, health sciences, sports management, and tourism, conventions, and event management).
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Honors House community provides the opportunity to live amongst students who are goal-oriented and academically charged. Residents in the Honors community can continue to hone their natural leadership tendencies by interacting with Honors administration, assisting with programming and events, or serving as voice on the Honors Residential Community Council.
Residence halls: University Tower (first-year students); Riverwalk Apartments (upperclassmen)
Benefits:
- Unique events and leadership opportunities year-round, organized by the Honors Residential Community Council
- Direct contact with Honors advising and administrative staff
- A specific space for Honors residents to study and relax
- Service opportunities for only Honors scholars
Requirements and next steps:
- First-year and upperclass students are both eligible
- Must be an Honors scholarship recipient through the IU Indianapolis Honors College
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
International House (I-House) is home to international and U.S. students who choose to live cross-culturally in a learning community. Typically, 15-20 countries are represented each year. I-House residents organize programs on global issues for the campus and community, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and dialogue about international events and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
Residence hall: Riverwalk Apartments
Benefits:
- Interaction and engagement with students from various cultures around the world
- Facilitated dialogue to share perspectives and experiences and find common ground
- Participation with International Club and weekly culture hours
- Ability to assist with the annual International Festival each spring
Requirements: First-year and upperclassment are both able to participate
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Kelley House community provides the opportunity to live amongst other business minded students. Residents in the Kelley community can continue their learning from class back to their residence hall through study groups, service projects, or dining hall conversations. You’ll have a front row seat to interact with academic advisors, local business owners, and upperclass students regarding their experiences as they traverse upper level business classes.
Residence hall: University Tower
Benefits:
- Interaction and engagement with Kelley School of Business faculty and staff
- Academic, social, and cultural programs geared towards business students
- Firsthand opportunities to register for and get involved with events through Kelley organizations
Program requirements:
- First-year students who are pursuing a degree in a business major through the Kelley School of Business.
- Direct admits and University College students are both eligible and accepted.
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
Unity Hall is a gender-inclusive community that is open to any student who has respect for, and an understanding of, all gender identities and sexualities. The community's purpose is to provide a safe space for our LGBTQ+ student community at IU Indianapolis.
Residence hall: North Hall
Benefits:
- Take part in creating a living environment that is inclusive and provides a sense of belonging
- Gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture within the LGBTQ+ community
- Generate a stronger sense of pride as a member or ally of the community
- Develop a broadened view of identities within the individual in addition to sexual orientation or gender identity
Requirements and next steps:
- First-year and upperclass students are eligible
- There will be an individual follow-up interview in a mode of communication selected by the applicant prior to May 1.
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Luddy Community is reserved for students studying within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The community provides residents with the opportunity to develop relationships with peers who have the same interests and major, while building academic and creative excellence through unique opportunities.
Residence hall: North Hall
Benefits:
- Guaranteed placement in Luddy Summer Bridge (for first-year students)
- Advisors come to the Luddy Community for early registration sessions
- Study break parties for the Luddy Community residents only
- Activities focused on tutoring, career research, and social interaction
Requirements:
- First-year and upperclass students
- Pursuing a degree within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Science House promotes academic and students success for science and pre-science majors. You will take part in special academic and career-oriented activities curated for the community. You will also be able to connect and collaborate with faculty in your field, engage in academic driven programming, and build positive relationships with other students.
Residence hall: Ball Hall
Benefits:
- Participate in activities related to science academic success and career exploration
- Connect with other science first year students pursuing similar coursework and goals
- Connect with faculty and staff in science fields
Requirements and next steps:
- Open to first year science and pre-science majors (biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, forensic and investigative sciences, math, neuroscience, physics, and psychology)
- Students who preference this community on their housing application will be assigned based on their major eligibility and application date
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.
The Women in Science House (WiSH) is an on-campus residential living and learning community for female-identifying science students of various class years and majors. Residents of WiSH will live in an environment that fosters academic development through the exploration of the field of science and provides a nurturing atmosphere for personal growth.
Residence hall: Riverwalk Apartments
Benefits:
- Provide academic activities that enhance educational success
- Provide research learning experiences
- Facilitate mentoring and networking
- Encourage involvement in service learning and community-based activities
- Access to exclusive WiSH lounge, offering computers, study materials, and a collaborative learning space
- Provide financial assistance through scholarships of up to $2,000
Requirements and next steps:
- Identify as a female student pursuing a degree in the field of science
- Apply online for scholarships for WiSH.
Contact reslife@iu.edu for more information.