Residential College
The Residential College (RC) is a lively four-year program nestled within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Whether you're an incoming first-year, already in LSA, or considering an RC major, there's a place for you to thrive here!
Our Mission
At the Residential College (RC), we are dedicated to helping you develop your intellectual interests and creative talents in a supportive environment where you can find your own voice and connect learning with real-world action. Our faculty and staff are here to inspire you to take charge of your education, actively participate in classes and extracurricular activities, think critically about what you learn, reflect on your experiences, and engage with both the University community and the wider world.
To help you achieve your goals, the RC offers:
- A Four-Year Living-Learning Community: Immerse yourself in an environment that integrates your classroom experiences with intellectual, artistic, social, and cultural activities right in the East Quadrangle.
- An Innovative Curriculum: Our curriculum is constantly evolving to stay fresh and relevant, driven by a faculty passionate about teaching. It’s designed to connect you with diverse communities and experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Explore a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, concentrations, and programs. Plus, you’ll have access to all the courses and programs available at the larger University.
- Student-Centered Classes: Our small classes focus on writing, individual and group projects, oral reports, and discussions. You’ll receive personalized feedback from faculty to help you grow and succeed.
- Intensive Language Program: Achieve a high level of practical language proficiency and gain a deep understanding of different cultures through our intensive language courses.
- Creative Work Opportunities: Whether you’re into art, writing, music, or drama, you’ll find a nurturing environment to explore and develop your creative talents, regardless of your prior experience.
In essence, the Residential College combines the close-knit, supportive community of a small liberal arts college with the vast academic and cultural resources of a world-class research university. Join us and experience the best of both worlds!
Visit the RC
Our community is vibrant, engaging, and student-led! Prospective students are invited to explore a community where student initiative, creativity, and collaboration thrive.
Study with the RC
Experience the unique benefits of small classes, personalized study, and interdisciplinary learning today! Majors, minors, and classes are open to all LSA students 🌟 📚
Language in the RC
Spanish, French, German, Japanese, & Russian: with immersive instruction alongside co-curriculars, students develop impressive linguistic skills, often studying or living abroad.
Engage with the RC
The seven community engagement programs focus on social justice and local activism. Students can intern, volunteer, and take classes with these programs! 🌎 🏘️
The Keene Theater in East Quad, where student creativity shines!
Run by the Residential College, our state-of-the-art venue hosts a range of performances, from student plays to professional concerts, throughout the academic year. With accessible facilities and cutting-edge technology, the Keene Theater is the perfect place to experience the arts. Join us for upcoming events—many are free and open to the public!
Check out what's happening in the RC!
Featured News
All News
Nandi Comer: Bridging Worlds Through Poetry
In a world often divided by differences, RC Alum Nandi Comer's poetry serves as a bridge, connecting us to our shared humanity and reminding us of the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform.
Facing the Pandemic With RC Alum Aji Potter
Aji studied Latin with the RC and majored in Linguistics, but ultimately ended up working as a 3D Artist in the entertainment industry.
The RC Art Gallery
The Residential College Art Gallery hosts three professional artist exhibits every year along with two Student Showcases which allow students in the Visual Arts Program to present their work. Each exhibit is celebrated with a reception that welcomes the artist or artists to our space. Receptions are open to the public.
Gallery Hours: 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday during the academic year. The public is welcome.
