This community is designed to challenge and expand scholars’ thinking from day one. Within the LLC, students collaborate with their Honors coach and Honors staff to maximize their talents and align them with their academic, personal, and career aspirations.
What is the University Honors Living Learning Community?
University Honors Housing is the residential home of the University Honors Living & Learning Community (LLC). It is designed for first-year students in University Honors to live in a community that supports both academic transition and personal connection.
Rather than treating housing as only a place to sleep, this model creates a living environment where scholars:
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build friendships with other Honors students early
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engage with Honors staff and coaching support
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participate in exclusive programming connected to academic and personal growth, such as social events, service-learning opportunities, and academic and career-readiness workshops.
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take part in shared experiences that strengthen belonging and confidence in the first year
For many students, the LLC becomes one of the first places they find community at UT.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the University Honors LLC is located in Dogwood Hall and Poplar Hall. Beginning in Fall 2027, University Honors first-year students will live in the all-new Torchbearer Hall.
About Torchbearer Hall
Torchbearer Hall is the all-new home for first-year University Honors students ready to make their mark on Rocky Top, beginning fall 2027. Located directly beside iconic Circle Park, this modern, eight-story community combines suite-style living with spaces made for big ideas and lasting connections, from study rooms, lounges, and multipurpose meeting spaces to a community kitchen and expansive outdoor greenspace. With the UT Creamery right on site, Torchbearer Hall brings together the energy of campus living, the spirit of the Volunteer community, and an inspiring place to learn, collaborate, and call home.
Check Out the Floor Plans →
Watch a Tour →
What do you love about living in the Living Learning Community?
“One of my favorite things about Dogwood Hall is how close it is to some of the key places on campus. Rocky Top Dining Hall is only a few minutes walk away, and even closer is TRECS, the rec center. Even for the places on campus that are a little bit farther, we have a T-Link bus stop right outside our courtyard, making all of campus accessible within a short ride.”
– Honors LLC Resident
Why should students be excited to live in an LLC?
“Dogwood is the best! Living in Dogwood has so many perks that it’s almost impossible to list them all, but I’ll give some of my highlights. Our rec room in the basement, equipped for ping pong, pool, or movie nights with friends, is rarely empty, always hosting a variety of students each night who wish to destress from a day of classes. For long nights before exams, Dogwood has four study nooks on each floor, where you can cover each whiteboard with class notes. And my personal favorite spot, for both those looking to socialize and those keeping to themselves, is the courtyard. Games between complete strangers sprout up all the time, while people reading (and sometimes napping) can relax in a hammock or swinging bench along the sides.”
– Honors LLC Resident
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, all first-year honors students in either the Chancellor’s Honors Program or Haslam Leadership Scholars are required to live in the University Honors LLC during their first year.
Yes, exemptions may be granted for the following reasons:
- Student-athletes are required to live in Stokely Hall.
- Commuter students living within 50 miles of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus.
- Accessibility accommodations: Students with accessibility needs may be exempt. For questions regarding Dogwood Hall’s accessibility, please get in touch with [email protected] or call 865-974-1419.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for an exemption, please contact [email protected].
Only students accepted into the University Honors Programs (CHP or HALS) can live in the University Honors LLC. If your preferred roommate has not been accepted and you choose to room with them instead, you must decline your acceptance into University Honors. Please note:
- Declining your acceptance will result in the withdrawal of any CHP scholarship awarded.
- The LLC requirement is only for the first year—after that, you can choose any roommate.
Students in the Honors LLC enjoy exclusive access to:
- Academic and career-readiness workshops
- Social events
- Service-learning opportunities
- LLC swag and promotional materials
By living in a community of like-minded peers and engaging with University Honors staff, students will be provided an environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Past events include:
- Paint Night
- UT Sports Watch Parties
- Trivia Night
- Mid-term & Final Exam Prep
- In-house Coaching Hours
- Midnight Breakfast Study Sessions
For the most up-to-date cost information, floor plans, and housing applications, please visit the Dogwood Hall and Poplar Hall Housing pages.
As a member of the University Honors LLC, you must maintain good standing in your respective honors program by actively participating in both the curricular and co-curricular components, including the required coursework.
Chancellor’s Honors First-Year Curriculum Requirements:
Fall:
- FYS 101: First-Year Seminar (or college equivalent)
- UNHO 207
Spring:
- UNHO 307
Haslam Scholars First-Year Curriculum Requirements
Fall:
- FYS 101: First-Year Seminar (or college equivalent)
- HALS 107
- HALS 207
Spring:
- HALS 107
- HALS 307
Summer:
- HALS 297
Yes! However, your roommate must also be accepted into one of the University Honors Programs. If they do not, you cannot have room together. To request a specific roommate:
- Both students must list each other on the roommate request screen in the housing contract.
- During the Room Selection process, you can pull in your requested roommate.
Still looking for a roommate?
- Complete a Roommate Profile in the University Housing Portal to search for potential roommates.
- Attend a University Honors-hosted event designed to help students find a roommate.
For questions about the roommate selection process, contact University Housing at [email protected] or 865-974-1419. Q: When can I select my room? A: Room selection allows incoming first-year students to choose their room, shaping their campus experience.
- Step #1 – Register for Room Selection After confirming your enrollment, University Housing will send an email notifying you that your housing contract is active. Follow the instructions to set housing preferences and make roommate requests.
- Step #2 – Select Your Room In May, University Housing will notify you of your room selection dates. During this period, you may choose from any available rooms. If you do not select a room, University Housing will assign one.
Email: University Housing – [email protected] Call: 865-974-1419 For more information, visit the UT Housing Website.