University of Pennsylvania - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Many students opt to live off campus as their years at Penn progress, although most don’t go far, staying almost exclusively in the surrounding area that comprises University City. As a result, students in off-campus housing are not at all isolated from campus life. Many students take pleasure in the freedom of not being told when to move in and out and of not having RAs and GAs to monitor their activity. The Office of Off Campus Living can assist students with everything, from finding a place to live; to settling disputes with landlords. There are also local real estate companies that cater to members of the Penn community.

The school is, in one way, forced to make off-campus living a convenient option for students because Penn is only equipped to house about 70 percent of students. The school responds to this need by providing shuttles and other forms of transportation around campus and also by offering an internet connection to those students who decide not to live in dorms. There is an abundance of houses including spacious Victorian-style homes and apartment buildings in close proximity to Penn’s official campus. So many inhabitants of these buildings are Penn students and faculty that the few streets west of campus are regarded as part of Penn by most who travel there for parties or dinner.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Because of the number of... Because of the number of off-campus housing options, prices tend to be relatively inexpensive. Renting a large house with friends becomes a popular idea among students, who often only have to walk a few blocks to class in the morning. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Living off campus can be a lot of... Living off campus can be a lot of fun because there’s a lot more freedom involved. However, finding people to sublet it during the summer and paying for water, electricity, and rent fees can get to be a pain. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

If you ever do consider living in... If you ever do consider living in off-campus housing, you must start your research at the beginning of the year before you want to live there. It’s a pretty cutthroat affair when it comes to getting your top choice in houses and apartments, so start early. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Off-campus housing is great. It’s... Off-campus housing is great. It’s one of the biggest reasons I ended up at Penn. I would say that half of my friends are living in off-campus places next year as sophomores. There are a lot of great apartments around, and often, they are cheaper then living on campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

It depends on where you live.... It depends on where you live. Because it’s a city campus, it’s pretty compact, but you can end up living pretty far from some of your classes if you choose to live off campus. Regardless, a lot of students do it, and there are many off-campus living arrangements that are actually more convenient than some of the dorms. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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