The Thrive living-learning community is designed to provide first-year students with an opportunity to build community, develop relationships, and actively engage in programs that will enhance their first-year experience at Virginia Tech and help them stay motivated throughout their time at the university. Thrive

Thrive is a community in which residents can build confidence and form meaningful relationships with hall mates through a strengths-driven philosophy that helps students discover their inherent talents and then teaches them how to use those talents to benefit friendships, relationships, careers, and more!

The talents are also used to help students see the commonalities and interests they share with their peers. This leads to a more connected, engaged community where students are encouraged to learn and grow together in their new home in Pritchard Hall.

Students in the Thrive Community

Thrive has something for every first-year student. Because it is a community focused on learning about self, peers and getting involved at Virginia Tech, Thrive offers students all kinds of opportunities to belong. A few examples:

Want to live with other freshmen? The Thrive community is not only a first-years-only living-learning community, but is located in a building which typically houses more freshmen than any other residence hall on campus.

Not from Virginia? With an intentional focus on getting students connected and involved at Virginia Tech, Thrive offers out-of-state Hokies a great way to build relationships and explore Virginia Tech.

Will your major fit in? Students in Thrive will have a wide variety of majors. The community and classroom are both intended to guide students to explore their own academic interests and learn how to collaborate and connect with peers in both the same and different areas of study.

Want amenities? Pritchard hall has a fitness room, game room, academic resource center, and a large, central lounge, all perfect for creating friendships and connections that make for a successful first-year experience.

Course Information

Students in the Thrive community will be enrolled in UNIV 1704: First Year Seminar, a three-credit course, during the fall semester.

The First Year Seminar course will be taught by faculty along with upper-level students. The course will engage students in activities and assignments designed to help them learn more about themselves and the university environment. The course will focus on enhancing academic, social, and personal skills and providing opportunities for self-reflection and leadership development. Students will also be introduced to campus resources, career planning, and community development.

This is a discussion-based course where students will participate in peer-led groups and will work together with the instruction team to design the course as it goes throughout the fall semester. The course will also incorporate activities within Pritchard Hall and the university community to provide opportunities for involvement and self-reflection.

Apply to Thrive The Thrive Community will be accepting applications until the community is full, so consider applying today!

For more information about the Thrive living-learning community, contact Matt Grimes, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life.

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