Finding Housing that Works for You
Already thinking about where you'll live next year? You're right on time, and you don't need to rush. Some off-campus properties start offering leases as early as October, and on-campus housing requests open in the fall. Options on and off campus stay available well into the spring semester, so take time to compare what matters most to you and choose with confidence.
Sign one housing agreement, not two
On-campus Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contracts and off-campus leases are both binding. Signing an off-campus lease won't release you from your HFS Contract, and you'd be responsible for both rent and room-and-board charges.
What to Consider
Cost, location, and community look different on and off campus. Use these six areas to figure out what fits your life.
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On Campus
Room rates include utilities and Wi-Fi, with no hidden fees. A campus meal plan is required in residence halls and optional in on-campus apartments.
Off Campus
Prices vary by location, size, and number of roommates. Most leases are paid in 12 installments. Factor in utilities, food, and transportation, plus extra charges like application, amenity, or move-out cleaning fees.
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On Campus
You're steps from class, dining, recreation, and campus events. It's easy to stop home between classes or walk back after practice or a club meeting.
Off Campus
You can choose anything from a quiet complex on a bus line to an apartment on College Avenue. Think about how you'll get to campus, whether on foot, by bike, by bus, or by car, and how long the trip will take.
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On Campus
Floor events, intramural teams, and residence hall government make it easy to meet people and get involved. Your resident assistant and Residence Life staff are close by whenever you need support.
Off Campus
You'll join the wider State College community, where your neighbors may be families, professionals, or longtime residents. Off-campus support resources can connect you with resources and help you settle in.
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On Campus
Upper-class students can choose from several housing options:
- traditional and renovated residence halls
- suites
- single rooms with private bathrooms in Eastview Terrace
- apartments in Nittany and White Course
Study lounges, community spaces, and dining are right where you live.
Off Campus
Options range from shared houses to high-rises with fitness centers, pools, and private bathrooms. Decide which features matter to you and what you're willing to pay for them.
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On Campus
Contracts cover the academic year, so you won't pay for summer if you won't be here. If you need to stay on campus during fall, winter, or spring break, break housing is available for an additional fee.
Off Campus
Leases typically run close to a full year, which works well if you have a local summer internship or plan to stay through breaks. If you'll study abroad or leave for the summer, plan for rent you'll owe while you're away.
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On Campus
Housing staff handle cleaning, basic maintenance, and other essential services, so you can focus on classes and activities.
Off Campus
Living on your own means following your lease and keeping up your space. That includes cleaning and taking out the trash, and some landlords also expect tenants to shovel snow or mow the lawn. Before you sign, get a free lease review from Student Legal Services.
How the Housing Timeline Works
The University runs the on-campus LiveOn Housing Process with set deadlines. The off-campus market is different: it includes hundreds of private landlords, and each one sets its own leasing schedule.
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- Explore on- and off-campus options at the fall Housing Fair.
- Request housing in eLiving to enter the LiveOn Housing Process. Requesting doesn't commit you to living on campus.
- Some off-campus properties begin offering leases.
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- Students who requested housing receive invitations to view options, select a space, invite friends, and accept the HFS Contract. Invitations go out at random, not first come, first served.
- A second window to request housing opens.
- Many off-campus options are still available.
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- Check out remaining options at the spring Housing Fair.
- HFS Contract offers go out to sorority chapter members, followed by students on the on-campus housing waitlist.
- Off-campus options start to fill, but openings remain. If you're having trouble finding a place, reach out to Off-Campus Student Support.
Considering Living Off-Campus?
Don't go it alone. Staff in Student Care and Advocacy makes it easier to explore your options with confidence. Use the searchable database to browse apartments verified for accuracy and safety, compare amenities and costs, and even connect with other students who are also looking for housing.
