A limited number of beds remain in the new AI & Cyber Living Learning Community that’s launching this fall for incoming first-year students in USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
“As the new Bellini College continues to grow, access to a strong residential community can make a meaningful difference in a student’s first-year experience. This new Living-Learning Community gives students in computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, informational technology, and related fields an opportunity to live and learn alongside peers who share their interests and ambitions,” said Sudeep Sarkar, launch dean for the Bellini College.
Sarkar said the new community, housed in one of USF’s newest residence halls, is designed to bring together students pursuing technology-focused degrees in an environment that blends residential life with academic engagement while fostering friendships, study partnerships, and a close-knit community built around shared interests and goals.
Studies show that living in such a community increases academic engagement and satisfaction with college experiences. This is especially true at larger institutions, where LLCs can make the campus feel smaller and more accessible and programming can help with the transition from high school to college.
“Students in an LLC enjoy a built-in network of friends who share their passions and interests,” Sarkar said.
Located in Pinnacle Hall, the community creates spaces where students can build friendships, explore emerging technologies and support each other academically.
“This means they will get exclusive opportunities to participate in networking events, industry-focused activities and collaborative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom,” said Jeff Rodriguez, who is an academic advisor in the Bellini College and will advise LLC residents. “They will also get access to their own advisor, which many will appreciate as they move through the year.”
Students who live here have opportunities to visit industry partners on field trips each semester, share meals with local and campus leaders and receive additional support from tutors, mentors and advising staff.
“It’s all about helping our students explore their interests and potential career paths,” Rodriguez added.
The rooms in Pinnacle Hall are suite-style, double occupancy spaces and include a private bathroom. A limited number of ADA single space rooms are available.
Pinnacle Hall also has several amenities on its ground floor, which include a full kitchen, gaming area, a TV and media lounge, multipurpose rooms and a laundry room.
By living alongside classmates with similar interests and course schedules, students also can easily form study groups, share ideas, and work through challenges together.
With limited space available and a quickly approaching May 1 deadline, students interested in joining the AI & Cyber Living-Learning Community should apply immediately as housing assignments continue to fill.