A housing facility that often physically resembles a residence hall and often combines elements of living and academic aspects of the university in one location. Residential colleges encourage participation in a variety of social clubs and may have an academic element (such as their own course offerings). They often have a central theme, such as an academic focus or common interest (for example, multiculturalism or internationalism). Members of a residential college may be expected to eat their meals together. Such facilities are rare in the U.S., but common in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.