The Languages, Literatures & Cultures Living Center, housed in the Atkin-Colby Residence hall, is conveniently located just off the Quad. Atkin-Colby also houses International House, and Honors House. It is an environment totally committed to the promotion of academic diversity and international curricula.
The Languages, Literatures & Cultures Living Center is designed to provide Languages, Literatures & Cultures majors and minors at Illinois State University an opportunity to practice, maintain, and enhance their skills in French, German or Spanish in an environment conducive to learning, cultural exchange and academic diversity. The Languages, Literatures & Cultures Living Center is a program sponsored by the Office of Residential Life and the The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at Illinois State University.
The Languages, Literatures & Cultures Living Center is open to majors and minors in French, German or Spanish. Students are expected to be enrolled in at least one Languages, Literatures & Cultures class per semester, to speak their Languages, Literatures & Cultures over a common meal at least four times per week, to use the language as much as possible with other members of their academic community, to participate in at least four scheduled events each semester, to become an active member of a language club and, if appropriate, an honor society and to take full advantage of co-curricular activities organized in the residence halls and by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures. Among the benefits are: meeting informally with members of the faculty, practicing the language with other students and native speakers, priority registration for any Languages, Literatures & Cultures classes held in the residence hall, academic advisement sessions in the residence hall, and use of the Languages, Literatures & Cultures software installed in the residence hall computer facility.
Centrally located on the Illinois State University campus, the Atkin-Colby Residence Halls are shared by International House, Honors House and the Academic Enrichment Center. They offer safe, quiet, air-conditioned living accommodations for over 800 students. All rooms are furnished with the basic necessities: bed, dresser, curtains, closet, desk, chair, and telephone. A laundry facility is also provided. Students in Spanish have the extra advantage of Spanish-language television via the university's cable system. While room and board cost no more than any other university residence hall, only Study Abroad can offer a better opportunity for learning a Languages, Literatures & Cultures. The meal plans offered provide students with a vast selection of choices from pizza to Mexican to stir-fry, salad bar, fresh fruit, health food, desserts, gourmet coffees and cappuccino. Atkin-Colby is also home to a large computer lab, complete with foreign languages software, Internet access, and basic computer programs. Residents also have access to the nearby park, café, fitness centers and nearby restaurants.
Upon admission to Illinois State University, students will receive a packet of important information in the mail, including a housing contract. First, students should sign this contract, and indicate that the "Foreign Languages Lifestyle" is the first housing choice, and return it with the required deposit to the Office of Residential Life.
