Application season is underway for the many theme houses on campus. There are more than 10 theme houses at SLU, with themes ranging from the outdoors, art and social justice. They contribute a significant amount to the campus community by organizing weekly events and creating a specialized environment for many students to live in.
Why should you apply to a theme house? “It is a tight community,” says Nicholas Filannino ’20, who lives in the Greenhouse. “You just become one big family.” Celeste Holland ’19from the Outing Club agreed. “My favorite part about living in a theme house is being able to live with some of my closest friends.”
Kate Angus ’20 chose to live in the Dub, the Women’s Resource Center, because of the unique theme house community at SLU. “I felt it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” she says.
Theme houses are “ committed to a certain ‘mission’ for the betterment of the SLU community,” says Shannon Wolpiuk ’19, a resident of the LIGHT House, which works to create a healthy environment for campus. Each house interacts with campus in a variety of ways to spread their message. “I love the wide variety of workshops my house members and I have led,” Wolpiuk says.
Theme houses are in charge of many events on campus. Java organizes weekly concerts, the Artist’s Guild does art workshops, the Dub runs discussions on social justice issues and the other houses run their own events. Living in one house allows you to plan these activities and possibly create your own.
Theme houses also create inclusivity on campus. “La Casa specifically is a safe space for the associated club members, La Sociedad Hispana, as well as for international students, domestic students of color and anybody else looking to explore Latin culture or just be themselves,” Gabriella Diaz ’21 says.
Due to the level of involvement theme houses have around campus, it is a time commitment. “People who do well in theme houses are motivated and have somewhat flexible schedules,” Filannino says. However, if you are living with a group that you’re passionate about, it should not feel like a sacrifice.
For students considering applying to a theme house, current residents encourage being yourself, but also making sure there is dedication to the mission of the house. “We want to make sure a potential applicant will help continue the mission of the Dub,” Angus says. This means “being willing to learn and grow while living in this community.”
“We’re not looking for a specific candidate,” Lily Sullivan ’21 from the OC says. However, they do look for people who are good leaders for their trips and others who have experience with the outdoors. “We do want to see that you’ve demonstrated a vested interest in the outdoors, and that you have enough hard skills to be able to teach and lead others,” Sullivan says of what the OC asks of applicants. “And, last but not least—can you hang?”
Some of the houses are a little farther from the center of campus, but residents find creative ways to avoid the cold. “It helps to be able to walk through Griffiths and Noble on cold winter mornings,” says Devin Guilfoyle ’19, who lives in the Arts Annex, which focuses on music. “It can lead to some interesting and memorable conversations.” Diaz admits she complains about the walk herself. “But you get used to it,” she says. “And you get some exercise.”
Current members of the houses are looking for residents who will both be impacted by the house, but also will help the theme grow. The LIGHT House application asks, “What can you do for the LIGHT House, and what can the LIGHT House do for you?” The Arts Annex looks for students who “will keep the value of the community alive and well,” says Guilfoyle.
Students interested in a theme house should also stay connected. “Get on their list serve!” says Wolpiuk. Most of the theme houses communicate this way, and it is the easiest way to contact members of the house with questions. Stod Rowley ’19, from the OC, recommends going on trips if the house offers them. “The more trips you go on, the more house members will get to know you and the more you’ll get to know them.”
Residents also encourage students to come visit the house. “Nothing beats a first-hand experience,” Guilfoyle says. The theme houses want to meet potential residents and even students just interested in the mission. “Almost everyone living in a theme house would love to gush about their house and what they do,” Angus said.
Many theme house applications can be found at the student information desk in the Student Center. Current residents encourage applicants to connect with theme house’s social media and attend their meetings and events.