Housing Options at Penn State

Penn State's on-campus housing costs are generally similar to previous years' prices, with slight rate changes that are announced every spring. Room rates are all-inclusive, covering the cost of utilities and WiFi. There are no hidden fees. The Campus Meal Plan is required for all students living on campus and optional for students living in on-campus apartments.

The least expensive on-campus living option is a supplemental room and a double-occupancy room in a traditional residence hall. In contrast, the most expensive option is a single-occupancy room in Eastview Terrace.

With proximity to classes and school-sponsored events, like concerts and athletic events, nothing beats living on campus. Living on campus is a good fit if you like to stop by your room throughout the day, sleep a few extra minutes in the morning, or have a short walk home after clubs, sports, or activities.

When asked why they live on campus, students talked about the unmatched sense of community, a feeling of Penn State pride, and meeting friends for life. With on-campus living, students can participate in regular activities, such as arts and crafts nights, end-of-year carnivals, or even floor-wide IM teams. On-campus living provides opportunities for student leadership through the various residence hall governments.

On-campus living also has a built-in support network for students. Students living in University Housing have an additional layer of support from the Residence Life, Housing, and Food Service staff. Your Resident Assistant (RA) is a great resource and the first stop for many students when they need a little extra help.

Upper-class students have more housing options available than first-year students: double-occupancy rooms in both traditional and renovated residence halls, single-occupancy rooms in traditional residence halls, single-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms in Eastview Terrace, two-person and four-person suites, supplemental housing, and on-campus apartments in Nittany and White Course.  

You can enjoy easy access to quiet study rooms, community spaces, and dining without leaving your housing area. A short walk will get you to on-campus fitness centers, rec spaces, and additional dining options.

On-campus housing is a great option if you know that you only need to be on campus during the actual academic year. Even if you opt to stay at the University during the summer, on-campus housing offers flexibility by offering housing only when you need it, so you are not paying extra.

Break Access/Holiday Housing is available for students who cannot leave campus during fall break, winter vacation, or spring break. You’ll be assigned to a designated building that remains open during these closedown periods, so you have the convenience of staying in your room. There is an additional fee for this service, reach out to the Housing Assignment Office to discuss this option.

If you have plans to study abroad or take a semester off, on-campus housing allows flexibility for these situations, and you can cancel your Housing and Food Services Contract with no penalty.

If you want to focus on academics rather than cooking, cleaning, or taking out the trash then on-campus living may be for you. On-campus living provides students with a low-maintenance living option. You will not have to shovel snow or mow the lawn, which some off-campus housing may require. Penn State Housing staff handle the cleaning, basic maintenance, and other essential services.

Off-campus living options vary widely in price depending on location, size of living space, and the number of roommates. With off-campus housing, it’s also important to include other costs, such as utilities, food, transportation, and commute when considering the price of off-campus living options.

When looking at rental leases for apartments or houses, consider that most leases are paid in 12 equal installments and may include extra expenses such as application fees, amenity fees, ‘redecorating’ fees, or the cost of carpet cleaning, if that is required upon move out.

Off-campus living offers students more flexibility in choosing what type of area they would like to live in, a quiet complex located a bus ride away, or an apartment overlooking busy College Avenue. When researching off-campus options, consider how long it takes to get to campus for class or on-campus events, and whether you would walk, ride a bike, drive, or take the bus.

The sense of community can vary greatly depending on where you live off-campus and the type of housing you select. If you want to meet new people and connect with your neighbors, consider that in your search. No matter where you live off-campus, you will be part of a vibrant State College community. You may live next door to young families, professionals, or elderly individuals. It’s important to be a good neighbor to people whose schedules and priorities may differ from yours.

The Off-Campus Student Support Office can connect off-campus students with resources and provide information to help students navigate the off-campus community. 

Off-campus living offers nearly endless options for amenities. Want to come home to a pet-friendly apartment with a balcony? Or maybe you’d like to live in a community with a pool and hot tub with all your friends. Perhaps even a high-rise with an onsite fitness center. All are available with varying prices and terms.

Off-campus housing offers options, such as private bedrooms and bathrooms or shared living arrangements. Many complexes boast fitness centers, pools, community rooms, tanning beds, and more. Decide what’s important to you and how much you are willing to pay for those add-ons.

Unlike living on-campus, off-campus apartments and houses are typically 11 1/2-month leases. The year-round availability is an excellent perk for students with local internships in the summer or students who don’t plan to travel home over breaks.

With this perk also comes the responsibility of paying for the rent when you may no longer live there. If you plan to leave over the summer or complete a semester abroad, make sure to factor this into your decision.

With the freedom of living on your own off campus comes the responsibility of maintaining a rented property and adhering to a signed lease. You will be responsible for taking out the trash and cleaning the bathrooms. Some landlords will require tenants to assist with things such as snow removal or lawn mowing.

• Attend a housing information webinar in the Commons Building to learn more about how to decide which housing option may work best for you.

• Attend a Housing Information Session
• Visit the fall Housing Fair and learn about all your living options.
• October 1-31: The Request Housing process opens in eLiving for on-campus housing.
• Some off-campus apartments start offering leases.

• Students who Requested Housing will receive an invitation through eLiving to view available on-campus housing options, select a space, invite friends, and accept the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract.

• December 1 – mid-February: The Request Housing process reopens in eLiving for on-campus housing.
• Many off-campus housing options are still available and are offering leases.

• Visit the spring Housing Fair and check out all the great housing options still available.

• Students who Requested Housing will receive an invitation through eLiving to view available housing options, select a space, invite roommates, and accept the Housing and Food Services (HFS) Contract.
• Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract offers are made for sorority chapter members. 
• Request Housing in Living will close. 
• Many off-campus housing options are filling up, but there is still availability. Check in with Off-Campus Student Support if you are having trouble finding housing.

• Housing and Food Services contract offers are made for on-campus housing waitlist students.