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Living on the ILLC is like living in a great big Italian family. It’s like a loud, happy family reunion everyday. When we see one another at dinner or in the halls or on campus, we hug and kiss and exchange loud greetings. We also look out for each other like family. If a boy breaks my heart, I have a “Cousin Vinney” who will beat him up. If someone is in trouble or needs help with something, there’s always someone there for them. I lend and borrow clothes with my “sisters” and get beat up by my “brothers.” Sometimes we fight and yell, but we’re always there for each other. And we all joke around like a family. We give each other trouble and if someone brings a new friend or a love interest to the floor, the entire “family” knows and gets involved. Everyday on the ILLC is like our family reunion, who’s bringing the potato salad?
Lindsey Greising, 1st Year ILLC Student
I love being in the ILLC. Everyone knows that we’re the most fun
floor in the building; we even have groupies who wish they had applied
and spend all their time on our floor. Because of the focus on international
interests, we’re all interested in telling and hearing stories,
which makes our floor really interesting and vibrant.
Sarah Ogle, 1st Year ILLC Student
The ILLC floor is like my family away from home. We are all so close
knit that we function like a family. We support each other when we’re
stressed or hurt and celebrate with each other when we were happy. We
laugh, we cry, we party. They are my best friends and my family.
Katie Stevens, 1st Year ILLC Student
I love being in the ILLC because our floor is really close.
We go out to dinner for people’s birthdays. People will be out in the lounge
every night until at least midnight talking and studying. We’ll
also hang out in the kitchen and watch movies. Also, a lot of us are
in similar classes and everyone is willing to help each other if they
have questions. If someone needs something, the floor is always there
to support the person.
Alyssa Kratze, 1st Year ILLC Student
What do students like best about the International Living & Learning Community?
COMMUNITY
Overwhelmingly, ILLC students mention the sense of community as the best aspect of the ILLC. Students describe their community in a variety of ways, but most often students describe the connection to others and the sense of “home” felt on the floor.
"I love that we have a community. It makes this floor feel like a home. I think everyone feels comfortable sharing some classes and experiences to help facilitate a sense of family comfort."
A few students describe how the ILLC helped ease transition issues faced by many first year students. As one student commented, the ILLC “made the transition to college a great experience”.
Other student comments included:
"Coming in and being a part of the ILLC acclimates you to the university community much quicker than if you started out all alone."
"The ILLC is like a support group- it helps with adjustment to college."
DIVERSITY
The second most frequently mentioned positive aspect of the ILLC program is diversity. ILLC participants cite the diversity of ILLC members as a program strength. Students also discuss their enjoyment in learning about the various cultural backgrounds of other ILLC students. Comments included:
"What’s good about the ILLC program is that we get to meet many people from all around. It helps us understand different cultures & learn how to get along with others."
"The best aspects I believe are how the ILLC brings together a lot of different cultures and how it’s open to suggestions and new ideas."
"I love living with my roommate from Hong Kong because I learn a lot about Chinese culture and even a few Chinese words."
"The ILLC is the best opportunity to get involved in cultural diversity at DU."
FRIENDSHIPS
Building close friendships is another positive aspect of the ILLC. Students believe that the floor environment enables them to make strong friendships. Student comments include:
"I must say that I am very grateful for all the friends I have made, for without them I don’t know what I would do."
"My best experience is knowing and becoming friends with my roommate."
What would you like to tell prospective students about the ILLC?
“If you like many cultures and languages and want to learn more about it, go for it!”
“You meet really cool people and hopefully can get some idea of what it’s like to live in other parts of the world.”
“We are a close community. We are closer than a normal floor because we have so many similar interests. It has made my transition to college easier.”
“It is a community, a bond, and a way to gain a connection to the world as a whole.”
“The ILLC shows prospective students that everyone is unique, different, and original. So don’t be afraid of being who you are as a ‘real’ person.”
“It is a chance to live closely with people of different ideas and cultural contexts.”
How has your participation in the ILLC enriched your college experience at the University of Denver?
“It has made DU feel like a real home to me. There are people I can talk to if I am having problems.”
“The ILLC enriches and boosts my self-esteem.”
“It is a support system. We study together and we encourage each other.”
“It has provides sort of a family atmosphere for me. When I have problems, whether it’s homework or something of a more personal matter, I feel comfortable coming to my neighbors for help.”
“My social life went up the scale. I never expected to get along with other people outside my culture. The ILLC allows me to be more open and less self-conscious.”
