By Karri Seland
Moving to campus can be intimidating, especially for queer students who may not find community easily at the University of Minnesota.
Lavender House is a Living Learning Community (LLC) where students can live surrounded by other queer students. This can help ease stress and make the transition to college easier, said Katie Cave, a community adviser for Lavender House, which occupies two floors of Comstock Hall.
“The Lavender House is specifically for LGBTQ+ students on campus,” Cave said. “It’s intended to be that point of connection so residents can feel more comfortable among people who have similar identities or just in the queer community.”
The 56 spots available fill up quickly in Lavender House. One floor is reserved exclusively for freshmen, and the other floor houses one-third freshmen and two-thirds returning residents. Lavender House, which the University started more than 15 years ago, is one of few LLCs that allow returning students.
“It doesn’t matter what year you’re in to join Lavender House, that way it is still a welcoming community regardless of what year you’re in,” Cave said.
Cave helps her residents as a community adviser by hosting social events, which help residents connect with each other. She also lets them know of the available resources on campus for queer students.
Although some students may not get the opportunity to live in Lavender House, they are still welcome to events.
“There are people who aren’t a part of the two floors who we still invite to events and keep them on the email chain,” Cave said. “Just because we know not everybody was able to get a spot in it and I know it’s also a very popular LLC, a lot of people apply for it.”
Cave keeps other Comstock residents on the email chain as well to welcome them to the community. This extended welcome connects with those who mingle between floors of the residence hall.
“It builds a better community when you’re able to know people throughout the building,” Cave said.
According to the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life (GSC), the priority deadline for all LLCs is March 1. For more information regarding Lavender House’s requirements and expectations, visit the GSC website.