Learning Communities

USQ Residential Colleges has established learning communities to enhance your experience by providing further opportunities to achieve your personal goals.

What is a Learning Community?

Living-learning communities involve students with similar interests grouping together to socialise and study. Learning communities are active social groups, where members organise events such as presentations by guest speakers, movie nights, barbeques, trips, and other social gatherings. Each learning community has a specific theme or purpose, which you may elect to join (e.g. Engineering, First-Year Students, International Students, etc). Faculty and university staff may also participate in events organised by each learning community, and a member of the Collegiate Team will support members of each learning community to organise events.

Why join a Learning Community?

Living-learning communities have been created at the Residential Colleges to assist you to achieve your personal goals, and to promote enjoyment of the university experience. Participating in residential learning communities will help you adjust to university living and learning, to improve academic achievement, and to prevent student dropout. Learning communities provide opportunities for mentorships between new and experienced students, and between students and faculties. Some of the living-learning communities at the Residential Colleges are described below.

First-Year Learning Community

Adjusting to living and learning in the tertiary environment can be difficult, and research suggests that ‘connecting’ new students to the university environment is important for their learning success. The First Year Learning Community organises social events to help you get to know one another, and arranges opportunities for you to learn about university support services (e.g. Learning Centre). A member of the Collegiate Team meets regularly with first year students to discuss issues or concerns, and supports them in organising social activities for their learning community.

International Student Learning Community

Living and learning in a foreign country is a wonderful experience, though it can be arduous at times. The International Student Learning Community at the Residential Colleges provides social opportunities for foreign students to interact, to share experiences and culture, and with opportunities to seek support. A member of the Collegiate Team works with international students to plan events, including cultural events, trips, and meals.  

Discipline Specific Learning Communities (e.g. Law, Nursing Learning Community etc)

Discipline specific learning communities have been created at the Residential Colleges to help you with course progress, and also to enhance your awareness of the professional requirements and opportunities associated with your chosen vocation. Members of discipline specific learning communities study together, attend presentations by guest speakers, and participate in social activities. A member of the Collegiate Team liaises with faculties, staff and residents to organise social events.  

Student Leadership Institute

Leadership is an important skill that you should develop. The Residential Colleges Student Leadership Institute has been created to help you learn about leadership styles, communication and negotiation skills, event organisation, and other leadership competencies. Members of this learning community meet regularly to discuss leadership concepts, and to organise events where their leadership skills are applied (eg annual charity ball, fundraisers, etc)