Themed and Affinity Communities

Themed and Affinity communities are designed to deepen the connection between students and something they have in common. Themed and Affinity communities create an interactive living environment based upon shared interests, goals, experiences, or backgrounds. These communities provide tailored events, resources, and support. 

Benefits of Joining a Themed and Affinity Community

  • Sense of Belonging
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Specialized Support and Resources
  • Instant Community of Peers

Available Themed and Affinity Communities

Please select the Themed and Affinity communities below that you may be interested in to learn more, see if you may qualify, and learn about the application process. 

Available Themed and Affinity Communities

Academic Achievement

The Academic Achievement themed community is a vibrant community where your peers are just as passionate about learning as you are and where you will have access to dedicated resources to support your academic success. Through the intentional major matching, you will have the opportunity to live with students with similar fields of study.

Benefits and Perks:

  • Academic Support: take advantage of a variety of study sessions and advising in the community that takes place throughout the year
  • Networking Opportunities: meet future study buddies, build connections with faculty and staff, and get dedicated support in preparation for the career fair
  • Close Proximity to the Library: the Academic Achievement community is located in the closest buildings to the library, so never worry about missing a study session or the commute to the library
  • Housing Assignments Grouped by Fields of Study: live with other students that have similar majors or interests as you to have built in study groups, class project partners, and more
  • Sense of Community: through the variety of events, gatherings, and community design, you will have the opportunity to feel part of not just the Academic Achievement community, but the SSU community

Location: Verdot Village

Availability: First Time First Year Residents

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. After completing your preference, a form will be emailed to your SSU email for you to complete, which will assist in the major matching process.

Graduate House

The Graduate House is a community designed exclusively for graduate students, like you, to provide a supportive environment as you embark on your graduate studies at Sonoma State University. 

In the Graduate House you will find an instant network of peers who understand the challenges and excitement of post-Bachelor Degree studies. Whether you are a new Seawolf or a returning Seawolf, the Graduate House is excited to welcome you!

Benefits and Perks:

  • Support and Continued Access to Resources: Access to mentors and staff who are knowledgeable about the transfer experience and can provide guidance and assistance throughout the year 
  • Peer Support System: engage with peers and mentors who share similar educational experiences and interests, while also meeting those with various lived experiences
  • Reduced Distractions: live on the top floor to reduce communal noise distractions with other graduate students
  • Sense of Community: through social events, educational opportunities, and community design, you will have various chances to be a part of not just the Graduate House, but a part of the SSU community
  • Networking Opportunities: Easy access to peers, mentors, and staff who can help build your academic, career, and personal on-campus support system.

Location: Beaujolais Village

Availability: Master's Degree Residents, Credential Program Residents, or any other graduate-level resident that is a full-time student.

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. 

Nuestra CASA

The Nuestra CASA affinity community welcomes students who are interested in developing their knowledge and awareness of Hispanic/Latine ancestry and heritage. Nuestra CASA offers a space for cultural exploration and appreciation, in which students will celebrate the diversity and encourage an understanding of the many traditions, languages, and experiences that make up this group. Nuestra CASA is committed to academic and personal growth, and helps students thrive academically and develop the skills they need to succeed both in college and beyond.

Bienvenidos a Nuestra CASA. Welcome to Our Home.

Benefits and Perks

  • Peer Support System: foster connections with students of the community that provide support during challenging times, celebrate successes, and provide encouragement towards achieving goals.
  • Cultural Celebrations: enhance understanding of history and traditions within the Latine community. 
  • Community Outings: explore local community shops, events, and restaurants. 
  • Connections to SSU & Community Resources: access a network of peers and professionals that support academic, personal, and professional growth
  • Sense of Community: through social events, educational opportunities, and community design, you will have various chances to be a part of not just Nuestra CASA, but a part of the SSU community. 

Location: Verdot Village

Availability: First Time First Year Residents

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. After completing your preference, a may will be emailed to your SSU email for you to complete in order to review your application to Nuestra CASA.

Outdoor Adventure

The Outdoor Adventure themed community is designed for adventurers and nature loving students, like you, to develop essential life skills through exciting outdoor activities. You will have the opportunity to join beach bonfires, go hiking and camping, and create unforgettable memories and friendships along the way.

The Outdoor Adventure community merges adventure and academics seamlessly, allowing you to excel in the classroom and in the wild. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to exploring the outdoors, the Outdoor Adventure community is your gateway to the ultimate college experience. 

Benefits and Perks:

  • Community Bonding: join opportunities for group adventures or community hangouts to create a sense of community and camaraderie
  • Priority Bookings or Discounted Outdoor Pursuits Trips: get exclusive access to some trips with Outdoor Pursuits
  • Connection with Nature: getting connected to nature helps promote physical and mental well-being
  • Skill Development: learn about practical outdoor skills and develop leadership and problem solving skills through outdoor challenges, activities, and appreciation.
  • Networking and Career Opportunities: get connected to clubs and organizations that share similar goals as Outdoor Adventure and build a network with staff and faculty

Location: Sauvignon Village

Availability: First Time First Year Residents

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. 

Transfer House

The Transfer House is a community designed to help new Seawolfs transition to life at SSU. The Transfer House provides a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment to help you transition into SSU academically and personally. 

In the Transfer House you will find an instant network of peers who understand the challenges and excitement of transitioning to a new college. It is a place where you can make connections, engage in campus life, and prepare for a successful future. 

Benefits and Perks:

  • Opportunities for Social Connections: Engaging with peers and mentors who share similar educational experiences and interests, while also meeting those with various lived experiences. 
  • Transfer Specific Resources: Access to mentors and staff who are knowledgeable about the transfer experience and can provide guidance and assistance throughout the year.
  • Networking Opportunities: Easy access to peers, mentors, and staff who can help build your academic, career, and personal on-campus support system.
  • Academic Support and Career Development: Meet future study buddies, build connections with faculty and staff, and get dedicated support in preparation for the career fair.
  • Sense of Community: Through social events, educational opportunities, and community design, you will have various chances to be a part of not just the Transfer House, but a part of the SSU community. 

Location: Beaujolais Village

Availability: Transfer Students

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. 

Unity House

Unity House is a gender-inclusive community that is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, affirming, and empowering living environment for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. In Unity House, residents thrive academically, socially, and personally while celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ2S+ experiences. 

In Unity House you will find a community of residents with shared identities, diverse lived experiences, and various perspectives. It is a place where you can build lasting friendships, engage in campus life, and be authentically you. 

Benefits and Perks

  • Community Connection and Support: access a network of peers and mentors who share similar interests and lived experiences.
  • Events and Education: promote a deeper understanding of the history and experiences of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
  • Authenticity and Understanding: explore and embrace your identity, while also understanding how identities intersect to create diverse lived experiences.
  • Friendships and Networking:  get connected to clubs and organizations that share similar goals as Unity and build a network with staff and faculty.
  • Sense of CommUNITY: through social events, educational opportunities, and community design, you will have various chances to be a part of not just Unity, but a part of the SSU community. 

Location: Sauvignon Village and Tuscany Village 

Availability: All Residents! First Time First Year residents will be placed in Sauvignon Village. Continuing and Transfer residents will be placed in Tuscany Village. Residents wishing to live in Sauvignon Village can request Sauvignon in Step 3 of their Housing Application. 

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. After completing your preference, a form may be emailed to your SSU email for you to complete in order to review your application to Unity House.

Visionaries Inspiring Black Educated Scholars (VIBES)

The Visionaries Inspiring Black Educated Scholars (VIBES) affinity house welcomes students who are interested in expanding and developing consciousness in the area of Black/Pan-African culture. Students will explore their heritage, and history while developing a sense of pride and community. Students will have the opportunity to engage in programming with faculty and their peers that focus on academic success, cultural awareness, and civic engagement

Benefits and Perks

  • Cultural Support and Connection: access a network of peers and mentors who share similar interests and cultural experiences
  • Authenticity and Empowerment: embrace and celebrate your identity and cultural heritage, while also cultivating an appreciation of the diverse cultures within the Black and Pan-African communities
  • Friendships and Networking: get connected to clubs and organizations that share similar goals as VIBES and build a network with staff and faculty
  • Cultural Events and Celebrations: promote a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the Black and Pan-African culture
  • Sense of Community: through the variety of events, gatherings, and community design, you will have the opportunity to feel part of not just the VIBES community, but the SSU community

Location: Sauvignon Village 

Availability: All Residents! 

How to Apply

In the Housing Portal you can complete your Housing Application. In step 3, you will be able to complete your community preference and room type preference. Please note that your community preference will take priority over your room type preference. After completing your preference, a form may be emailed to your SSU email for you to complete in order to review your application to VIBES.