For the 2025-2026 academic year, there are eight first-year themed housing communities which have been intentionally designed to help first-year students’ transition to Lehigh University while gaining connections within the campus and South Bethlehem community. First-Year Themed Communities are available to all incoming first-year students and provide an opportunity for first-year students to create an instant connection to peers, faculty, and staff with similar interests. Available theme communities for the 2025-2026 academic year include:
CHOICE - A community for students who choose to live a healthy and substance-free lifestyle in a fun and engaging environment. Through various activities and interactions, members foster an environment that promotes well-being and personal growth while enjoying a social atmosphere.
Creative Arts - A community for students who are passionate about the arts, including visual arts, music, theater, and writing. Members of these communities have the opportunity to collaborate on creative projects, attend performances, and showcase their work.
First Gen - A community which provides additional resources and support to those students who identify as first generation college students. Through purposefully tailored programs and events, First Gen residents begin creating connections that will allow them to excel during their time at Lehigh.
Global Lehigh - A community of domestic and international students interested in exploring cultural learning, and who want to enhance their understanding of cultures different from their own through events, meals, guest speakers, film, and more. Students will connect with Lehigh resources such as the Office of International Students and Scholars, Study Abroad, and the Iacocca Institute.
STEM - A community for students who want to immerse themselves in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outside of their classroom academic experience in order to further develop the skills necessary to become leaders in the field. Members can collaborate on projects, attend events, and explore career opportunities in STEM fields. The STEM community is supported by faculty and peer-to-peer mentorship.
Sylvia Rivera Community - Grounded in the spirit of Sylvia Rivera, who dedicated her life to supporting queer and trans liberation, this community seeks to further connect residents to the LGBTQIA+ community at Lehigh and within the greater Lehigh Valley area. This community will learn from and dedicate her life to support.
UMOJA - UMOJA, which means “unity” in Swahili, is a space that allows residents to develop a sense of community through a shared exploration of diversity and multiculturalism. The UMOJA House serves as an inclusive center for mentorship and support on-campus and has been a centerpiece of the residential community at Lehigh for over thirty years. This is a community where upper and first-year students live together.
Inter-College - A community of students in Inter-College (IC) programs who are keen to deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary education and research through social and intellectual engagement with other IC students. This is a community where upper and first-year students live together.