Penn State
- Off-Campus Housing

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Penn State requires freshmen to live in the residence halls, so off-campus housing doesn’t become an option until sophomore year. Even then, spending another year in residence halls isn’t such a terrible idea. The conditions do get better, and you can enjoy the benefits of dorm life—not cooking or cleaning—for a little longer before you make it into the real world. For the first year, you’re thrown together with a roommate not of your choice. By the second year, however, most students have formed their own circle of friends and can choose to live in neighboring dorm rooms to create the perfect dorm environment. If you do choose off-campus housing, you’ll probably end up only slightly farther from classes than your dorm.

Many of the student-friendly apartments are in downtown State College, which is either a short walk or bus ride from campus. As you go farther out, the apartment sizes increase and rents decrease. It isn’t uncommon for students to get townhouses around State College and commute to campus. This means you either have to bring your own car or become familiar with the bus schedule. The biggest advantage of living outside the dorms is the freedom it gives you. This can be a great learning experience. It is the first time many students have to deal with buying food, keeping up with bills, and maintaining their own place. While some would prefer to use their meal points in the dining commons rather than fight over whose turn it is to do the dishes, there is satisfaction in eating food you’ve cooked for yourself. Provided you’re willing to take on the extra responsibility and alter your lifestyle a little, living off-campus can also be significantly cheaper than dorm life and meal plans.

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Off-Campus Housing at Penn State

Chillin4

Computer and Information Systems Security '15

3.8

B+

Off Campus Is Better

Living on campus is fun as well as a good experience. But living off campus could be cheaper, yet the cost of food could get a little pricey at times. As long as you have a budget and stick too it you should be fine. The availability of off campus is normally first come first serve, but pick your house mates carefully.

May 15, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at Penn State

phillipsk52

Education '14

4.6

A

Apartments Are Everywhere!

Most people can't wait to move off-campus after freshman year. There are some within walking distance and some farther away that you need to take a bus or drive. There is an apartment for any budget.

Apr 15, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at Penn State

Spontak

Business Management '13

3.8

B+

Amenities

Many of the well kept apartments also seem to have a broad selection of accomodations and amenities. For instance, the apt that I am currently renting from has a spacious lawn and gardens around the premise (outside aesthetics/amenities) and within the complex their is coin laundry (which also has a convenience factor), air conditioner, large walk-in closets, and FREE parking, etc. (the list goes on and on). So the main TAKEAWAY: If you are looking for an apartment with a lot of convenient amenities at your disposal look no further than an apt. comlex that is well taken care of from the outward perspective.

Mar 28, 2012

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