Penn State - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Off-campus housing is only worth... Off-campus housing is only worth it after at least two years of being on campus. There is a rush to get off-campus housing as soon as the year begins, so by the time you’re thinking of looking around by the end of freshman year, you probably won’t get anything. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Get the hell off-campus after your... Get the hell off-campus after your freshman year. It’s cheaper and you can shower without shoes on. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

After freshman year, get an... After freshman year, get an apartment! Choose wisely, though. Start your search in October and sign the lease in late November. Otherwise, there won’t be anything good left. Keep in mind bus schedules and class location. They are pricier downtown, but it is worth it. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Living off-campus is definitely... Living off-campus is definitely worth it. It provides you with a whole different experience than living in the dorms. There are so many apartment complexes around that finding somewhere to live is pretty easy. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I’m living in an apartment next... I’m living in an apartment next year, and I’m so excited. It is downtown, so it’s close to campus. There are apartments available that are bigger but farther away, so you’d have to take a bus or drive. I have friends who live there. They like the extra space, but it’s a benefit to live closer to school. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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