Shared Interest Living Communities provide an opportunity for groups of students to live together for the purpose of exploring a common interest. The group defines goals and objectives, and members of the group agree to work toward achieving the stated goals. There is an annual application process beginning in mid-February. Groups submit an application outlining their goals and objectives and provide details on how the groups goals will be enhanced by living together. The group must also submit a roster of students who have indicated an interest in living in the area if it is approved. The Housing Selection Advisory Committee and Residential Life staff interview all groups submitting an application and recommend which groups should be awarded housing for the next academic year.

If a group is approved, individual applications are taken for residency in the house. The group organizers submit a final roster of residents to the Office of Residential Life based on the overall Housing Selection Calendar. If a student agrees to live in a Shared Interest Area, they forfeit their lottery number and do not participate in Room Draw.