When students first go off to college, they have many decisions to make ranging from meal plans, to what classes to take, what clubs to join and especially where they want to live. When it comes to places to live, students can choose from living on or off campus, living with roommates or alone. Many universities, including Iowa State, also have the option for students to live in a learning community.

The University of Iowa recently gained media attention for another living arrangement that will go into effect next year. The university will be offering a residence floor to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Allied Union community. According to Kate Fitzgerald, director of Residence Life and Academic Initiatives with the University Housing and Dining Department, the option will be added to the 2012-2013 housing application. The new residence floor is considered a Living Learning Community.

Although this residence option will be new on the University of Iowa’s housing application this year, it is not the first time the idea has been proposed. “The idea for this type of housing started six years ago,” Fitzgerald said.

In November 2010, the idea of the Spectrum House was introduced, and since that time the university has worked on implementing it. According to the University of Iowa Web page, the Spectrum House is “a living-learning community dedicated to promoting inclusion and awareness for individuals across the gender and sexuality spectrum in a safe and supportive environment dedicated to change.” All students gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and their allies are permitted to live on this residence floor.

In order to make this floor possible, it needs to house at least 26 students. “If the community expands beyond the 26 we will relocate it to a better physical location that can accommodate the interest,” Fitzgerald said.

Quentin Hill, UI freshman, is a member of Iowa’s GLBTAU Executive Board.

“In addition to a safe environment, the LLC would allow students who believe in achieving greater equality whether they are gay or straight to come together and work for a common cause,” Hill said. “It is not about segregation as many people seem to think. There are ethnic-based LLCs on campus which would be no different than the LLC or Spectrum House we are starting.”

Iowa State does not currently have a residence floor for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Alliance community. However, the option has not been ruled out, and there is and has been discussion on the idea.

“The desire is to provide a welcoming environment for students all across campus,” said Pete Englin, director of residence for Iowa State. “It has not been a direct need or desire from community members to establish a LGBTAA residence option.”

However, the department has discussed the idea, and also works routinely with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services to assist students.

When any student is having an issue feeling welcome, the Department of Residence works with the student one-on-one and in a supportive manner, which Englin said has worked well. “Our highest and number one priority is creating a safe space for everyone; we want all students to feel safe here,” Englin said.

Every year, the Department of Residence looks at the interests of all students and accommodate according to student interest.

“There have been some discussions about adding a residence floor, but it has not been fully pursued yet,” said Anna Howie, president of Iowa State’s LGBTAA. “We haven’t ruled it out, but we are still looking for a better housing setup.”

Howie also believes there are many benefits to having a residence floor or option for LGBTAA students. “I feel it could be very beneficial to students in the future and help develop a sense of community,” she said.

While the University of Iowa is adding a residence floor for their GLBTAU community, that is not the only option.

“There are many different options, including gender-neutral floors, Living Learning Communities, and many others,” said Brad Freihoefer.

Freihoefer, LGBT Student Services Center Coordinator, believes student interest in this type of residence option has different realms.

“It is important to look at what the goals are and what we want to accomplish,” Freihoefer said. “We are focused on students and where they want to go.”