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

ahoff72

'14

Occupational Therapy

3.1

B-

Off-Campus

It's not so much hard to find off campus housing as it is hard to get. The dates of being put on a wait list/being offered an apartment overlap between different realtors and you can get stuck in some pretty inconvenient situations. Probably the only complaint I have about Penn State besides the cold.

Jan 24, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at Penn State

mrm5568

'14

Marketing

3.1

B-

Lots of Choices

But apartments are REALLY expensive. Yes, a lot of them are right downtown, but you'll be paying for that location. Some are cheaper farther from campus, but then it's a pain to get on campus.

Jan 20, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at Penn State

ggs5040

'14

Hotel and Resort Management

3.5

B

Good Living, but Expensive

The off-campus housing is great, however prices are high. All housing is close to bus routes or in walking distance to campus. There are tons of apartments for people to choose that best fit their interest. Overall, the off-campus housing here at PSU is wonderful!

Jan 05, 2012

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