Geary Hall was built in 1961 and renovated in 2020 to provide students with modern amenities and conveniences including air conditioning. Unlike traditional residence halls, these buildings offer students private, single-user bathrooms in the hallway area that are shared by the floor. Similar to a home, each bathroom is privately used by one individual. Additional sinks are located near the bathrooms to provide quick, easy use. The ground floor and basement features lounges, kitchen, laundry room, study space, and knowledge station. Buildings are co-ed by room (each room is a single-gender, but may be next to a room of a different gender). Geary Hall is located in close proximity to the IM Building, Pegula Ice Arena, and the Arboretum.  

Geary Hall was named after John W. Geary, the 16th Governor of Pennsylvania (1867-1873). He was the tallest PA Governor, standing at 6' 5". Geary also sported an unconventional but fantastic beard.

Housing Area

East Halls

Building Type

Renovated

Room Types

Double, Supplemental

Living Arrangements

First-Year Students, Gender Inclusive (First-Year), Living Learning Community (LLC)

Population

274

Building Amenities

Air Conditioning
Elevator
Kitchen
Knowledge Station
Laundry
Meeting Room
Music Practice Room
Single User Bathroom
Study Lounge
TV Lounge
Vending
WiFi

 

 

Room Furnishings

Adjustable Height Bed (30-36")
Desk
Desk Chair
Dresser
Hallway/Door Bulletin Board
MicroFridge
Mirror - Full Length
Moveable Furniture
Roller Shades
Trash Can
Vinyl Plank / Laminate Flooring
Wardrobe
WiFi
XL Twin Mattress (80")

Room Decoration Guidelines

Students interested in hanging decorations in this hall should use this recommended material: thumbtacks (less than 20). Other material (wall-safe tape, poster putty, etc.) is NOT recommended due to the potential damage to the walls. NO furniture modifications; nothing screwed or nailed into furniture. NO LED tape lights.

Room Diagrams

Room & Furnishing Dimensions

Room & Furnishing Dimensions
Item Length Width Height
Room - regular double 14' 11" 12' 5" 7'1"
Room - oblong double 23' 7'10" 7'1"
Room - regular triple 17'2" 16" 7'1"
Room - supplemental quad 25' 17' 7'1"
Bed 83" 39" 40" (adjustable)
Two-Drawer unit 36" 23" 16"
Desk 36" 24" 29"
Refrigerator/Microwave 20" 18" 44"
Wardrobe Closet 40" 24" 78"
Window   5'10" 4'4"

Recommended rug size: 6' x 9'

Measurements are approximate. The dimensions, furnishings, and color of rooms may vary in appearance. Some furnishings are attached to the floor or wall. 

Building Floor Plans

To view building floor plans, you must log in with your Penn State Access Account and password.

Living Learning Communities

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Group of students who worked on a project together

Educational Equity Scholars

The Educational Equity Scholars Living Learning community (LLC) welcomes first-year students who are committed to engage with peers from various backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. Through experiential learning programs that help students transition to college and build a strong academic foundation, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy for all our residents. In addition to the LiveOn experience, LLC members are encouraged to enroll in the Educational Equity Scholarship and Community Seminar in the fall and spring semesters and engage with their mentors in the Office of Scholars Programs (OSP) and the various colleges. The LLC houses all first-year scholarship recipients through OSP, which includes Button Waller Fellows, Lenfest Scholars, Maguire Scholars, and Milton Hershey Scholars, as well as students who elect to join this vibrant community which engages in frequent team building activities, social events, and relevant programs to meet students' needs. The LLC features a live-in undergraduate Program Assistant who is a former resident of the LLC and serves as a mentor and resource to scholars during this important transitional year. 

Secondary Application Required! Students interested in the first-year Educational Equity Living Learning Community must complete a secondary application as well as indicate their preference in eLiving. Applications for 2024-2025 can be found here: Educational Equity LLC Application.

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Students posing for a photo

First-Year Liberal Arts

First-year students interested or enrolled in the College of the Liberal Arts may select this Living-Learning program. Residents will explore Liberal Arts majors, learn about professional development opportunities, and receive guidance from Liberal Arts staff members. Residents will enjoy co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities associated with the College, while extending and complementing their experiences in the classroom. Students will have access to workshops and events specific to Liberal Arts majors and opportunities. All First Year in Liberal Arts LLC Students will be enrolled in the same section of the Liberal Arts First Year Seminar (LA83). This will be held on Thursdays, 3:35-4:25 p.m. in fall 2024.

Rates

Rates for 2024-2025
Residence Hall Room Type Occupancy Fall Spring
Geary Hall Double 2 $4,503 $4,503
Geary Hall Supplemental 4 $3,602 $3,602
Rates for 2023-2024
Residence Hall Room Type Occupancy Fall Spring
Geary Hall Double 2 $4,372 $4,372
Geary Hall Supplemental 4 $3,498 $3,498

Come Visit Us

Housing FAQs

Contracts

General

Can an on-campus contract/lease be cancelled?

Incoming First-Year Students

First-year students are required to reside on campus at University Park as part of the offer of admissions to Penn State. This includes students admitted for the spring semester or students who have deferred enrollment to a later semester. A student may submit a residency exemption request if they are 21 years or older, the student is married and the spouse will be living with them at the University, the student has performed active-duty military service, or has graduated from a Centre County High School and will be living with their parent/guarding in a permanent residence. To claim this exemption, please submit a completed Housing Exemption form (pdf file) to the Housing Assignment Office

Upper-Class Undergraduate Students

Once the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract is accepted, it cannot be cancelled.

Graduate Students / Students with Families

Once a White Course Apartment Lease is accepted, it cannot be cancelled. 

Can I change my housing or roommate preferences after the deadline?

Students have the ability to update preferences for housing area, room type, roommate requests, and Living Learning Communities (LLCs). This must be completed before the advertised deadline:

  • incoming first-year students: 12:00 p.m. (noon) May 15. The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday, May 20. 
  • upper-class students: Typically beginning of April

Once the deadline has passed, students will not be able to submit changes or request that the Housing Assignment Office make a change. The Housing Assignment Office extracts student data from the eLiving system to create spreadsheets and reports to begin the process of assigning over 14,000 students. To ensure that students' preferences are considered, room assignments are processed individually. The University must stick to a hard deadline in order to have room assignments completed by the posting time. 

Room Exchange eBoard

Since preferences cannot be updated after the deadline, the Room Exchange eBoard was created to provide students an opportunity to manage their room assignment. Once room assignments are posted in eLiving, the eBoard is available for students to either conduct a direct room switch with another student, or post their room assignment and search for someone to swap spaces with. Learn more about the Room Exchange eBoard.

 

Can I request a roommate?

The Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract is available in eLiving, Contracts > Summary. 

Incoming First-Year Students

Incoming first-year students are able to update housing preferences on the HFS Contract until the housing preference modification deadline of 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET May 15. The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20. To request a roommate, enter the roommate's Penn State Access Account (e.g. xyz5000) on the "Roommate Preferences" screen. Roommate requests must be mutual. Students who are attending Summer Session will have two HFS Contracts and can list roommate preferences for both HFS Contracts (they can be different students).

Current Students/Change of Campus Students

During the LiveOn Housing Process: When a student receives a housing invitation, they can add a friend when selecting a housing option. Both students would then receive an HFS Contract offer which must be accepted before the expiration date. Each student can update housing preferences and indicate each other as a roommate preference. Preferences can be modified until 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET April 2, 2024.

After the Housing Process: A student who missed the LiveOn Housing Process may still Request Housing to be considered for housing. Once the student receives an HFS Contract offer, the student can update housing preferences and indicate a roommate preference during the acceptance steps. Roommate requests must be mutual and students must have an HFS Contract for the same type of housing option (e.g. double room, traditional residence hall, North Suites, etc.) to be considered for assignment together in a room.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who Request Housing when accepting the offer of admission are able to update housing preferences for the HFS Contract until the housing preference modification deadline of 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET May 15. The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from may 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20.To request a roommate, enter the roommate's Penn State Access Account ID (e.g. xyz5000) on the "Roommate Preferences" screen.

Graduate Students

Graduate students applying for a single-student White Course Apartment may indicate a roommate preference in the comments section of their lease application by including the student's Penn State Access Account (e.g. xyz5000). After submitting the lease application, it is recommended that both students also email the White Course Apartments Office to indicate the roommate request. Roommate requests must be mutual.

Do current or change of campus students have to pay a housing deposit?

No, current and change of campus students are not required to pay a housing deposit. The housing deposit fee is only paid by students who accept the offer of admission AND the HFS Contract through the MyPennState system.
 

Does Penn State have a roommate matching survey?

Penn State values diversity in its student population and feels strongly that living with others from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnic groups serves to enhance the college experience. Therefore, Penn State does not utilize a roommate matching survey or ask questions regarding a student’s personal preferences and will randomly match students to reside together.

Students are able to indicate a roommate preference when updating the housing preferences on the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract by entering the other student's Penn State Access Account. Roommate requests must be mutual in order to be assigned together. If a student does not have a roommate request the University will randomly assign another student. 

During the LiveOn Housing Process, when do I have to accept the HFS Contract?

The LiveOn Housing Process includes an invitation and HFS Contract offer, which both have the same expiration date, so a student must complete the process of selecting a housing option AND accepting the HFS Contract before the expiration date:

  • Monday invitations expire at 12:00 p.m.(noon) Thursday
  • Thursday invitations expire at 12:00 p.m.(noon) Monday

If a student adds a friend to their housing option, their friend will have the SAME expiration date as the student who received the invitation, so don't delay in selecting a housing option and creating the HFS Contract. HFS Contracts cannot be reoffered. Students are encouraged to ensure they  allow enough time for both the invited student AND their friend(s) to accept the HFS Contract!

How are first-year students assigned?

Room assignments for first-year students are processed in a random order. The date that the student accepts the offer of admission has no bearing on the room assignment process.

First-year students are able to update preferences for housing area, roommate, Living Learning Communities (LLCs), and Campus Meal Plan level on the HFS Contract before the preference modification deadline of 12:00 p.m. (noon) May 15. The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20.This information will be referenced when the University processes your room assignment.

Room assignments based on preferences are not guaranteed - some students will not be assigned to preferences requested due to supply-and-demand.

How do I change my room and what is the room exchange eBoard?

Students are able change their room assignment by utilizing the Room Exchange eBoard. When room assignments are posted in July, the Room Exchange eBoard function will be available in eLiving for a period of two or three weeks. This option will be turned off so the Housing Assignment Office and Commons Desk Operations staff can prepare for fall arrival. The eBoard will again open one or two weeks after arrival for students who need to change rooms.

The Room Exchange eBoard allows students to conduct a direct room switch with another student. The eBoard will also allow students to post their room assignment and indicate what housing area they are looking to move to. Once a student's room is posted, they will have access to view other rooms available and the method for contacting students to switch rooms.

To access the Room Exchange eBoard, login to eLiving, My Info > Room Exchange eBoardStudents will be informed of the timeline to complete a room change. Some students may not be eligible to use the eBoard, based on their HFS Contract type or accommodation requirement.

How do I find housing off-campus?

The Off-Campus Student Support Office is a great resource for students seeking off campus housing.

How do I request a specific roommate in the LiveOn Housing Process?

During the LiveOn Housing Process, students will receive an invitation to view available housing options.

Once the student selects a housing option, the student can add friends based upon the space selected. Students who select single-occupancy housing option cannot add a friend; some housing options allow for more than one friend, such as suites or apartments. Different Housing Options allow for different numbers of roommates that can be added: most allow for one roommate; some housing options allow up to 3 roommates (Nittany ApartmentsWhite Course Apartments, triple rooms, and supplemental housing), and others do not allow any roommates (Eastview Terrace, single rooms).

The friend(s) must be eligible to participate. They must have Requested Housing and not yet accepted an HFS Contract in order to be added to your invitation.

Once confirming the friend, the system will send all students an HFS Contract offer in eLiving for the housing option selected. 

All students must Accept the HFS Contract in eLiving before the offer expiration date.

Once the HFS Contract is accepted, students can update preferences to indicate the specific roommate(s). Upperclass students can add or change this preference before the early April deadline to indicate the specific roommate preference. 

You do not need to have a friend/roommate to live on campus. Students who do not have a roommate listed will be randomly assigned with another student.

A friend added to an invitation does NOT have to be the roommate!

How do I request housing preferences?

Housing preferences are not guaranteed. The University will review indicated preferences when processing a room assignment but may not be able to accommodate every student's requested preferences.

Incoming First-Year Students

Incoming first-year students will accept their offer of admission and the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract through MyPennState. The student will receive a confirmation email, sent to the student's email address on file when they applied for admission, within one (1) hour of accepting the offer of admission. The email will provide instructions on how to indicate housing preferences.

Login to eLiving, Contracts > Update Preferences. Select the appropriate Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract. The system will provide prompts to enter two choices for housing area and room type; roommate requests, Living Learning Community (LLCs), and Campus Meal Plan level (defaults to level 2).

Housing preferences for both summer session and the fall-spring academic year can be updated until 12:00 p.m.(noon) ET May 15.The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20.

Current Students

Current students who accept a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract for the following academic year will be able to indicate housing preferences on the HFS Contract.

Login to eLiving, Contracts > Update Preferences. Select the appropriate Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract. The system will provide prompts to enter two choices for housing area and room type; roommate requests, Living Learning Community (LLCs), and Campus Meal Plan level (defaults to level 2).

Housing preferences can be updated until 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET April 2, 2024.

How do I sign up to receive text message notifications during the LiveOn Housing Process?

Text message notifications can be managed in the student's eLiving Account Settings.

  • Students log in to eLiving using their Penn State Access ID and password
  • My Info > Account Settings
  • Students will select the functions for which they would like to receive a text message notification

How do I update my cell phone number to receive text message notifications during the LiveOn Housing Process?

The cell phone number listed in eLiving is pulled from LionPATH for the purpose of text notification.. Students can update their mobile number, visit Penn State's Account Management portal.

I already accepted an HFS Contract, but now I found someone with whom I want to live. How can I live with my friend?

Both students must have their own HFS Contract. Students will log into eLiving and update their roommate preferences: Contracts > Update Preferences. Select the contract and enter the friend as a roommate preference. Roommate requests must be mutual and entered into eLiving before the April deadline. Students must have the same contract type as their friend (e.g. Double Room, Renovated, etc.)

If the friend does not have an HFS contract, the friend will need to Request Housing and accept the same type of housing contract. (e.g. Double Room, Traditional Residence Hall) If that space is not available the friend would need to accept any contract offered. Once the contract has been accepted in eLiving, one student would need to add their name to the Waitlist for the same housing option (e.g. Double Room, Traditional;  Triple Room, Renovated, etc.). Students must mutually indicate each other as a roommate preference.

I received an HFS Contract because my friend added me as a roommate, but the offer expired before I could accept it. What do I do?

As indicated on the LiveOn Housing Process page, all HFS Contract offers must be accepted by the expiration date:

  • Monday invitations expire at 12:00 p.m.(noon) Thursday
  • Thursday invitations expire at 12:00 p.m.(noon) Monday

Even if the HFS Contract offer was not generated in a timely manner and did not provide students time to accept the offer before the expiration date, the University is not able to re-offer that HFS Contract.

Once a student in this situation receives an invitation through eLiving, they can select a housing option and accept that HFS Contract offer. There is no guaranteed that the housing option originally offered by a friend will still be available. If the housing option is not available, students in this situation can select another housing option. Then one of the two friends would need to use the Housing Options Waitlist for the same hosuing option (e.g. Double Room, Traditional; Triple Room, Renovated, etc.) and update preferences to indicate each other as roommate preferences.

If I currently live in Nittany Apartments, White Course Apartments, or Eastview Terrace, am I guaranteed to return next year?

No. The LiveOn Housing Process is designed to randomly offer invitations to students who Requested Housing; priority is not given to current residents in a specific housing option or semester standing. Every student who Requests Housing has an equal chance of receiving an invitation. The availability of a specific housing option is not guaranteed. 

If I include my friend when I create the HFS Contract offer, but they do not accept the Contract offer, will it impact my housing?

No. Each student’s HFS Contract is independent from each other. Students will still be assigned to the housing option that they selected.

If I like my summer roommate, can I room with them in the fall?

First-year students who live on campus for Summer Session II will be eligible to request an updated roommate request for fall semester. This offer will be available for a limited time period, shortly after Summer Session II starts, and contain a deadline for submitting the request. An email will be sent to students with instructions on how to submit the request. Summer students may not be able to stay in their summer room assignment for fall semester.

Students who want to request to room together for fall semester must agree to the following conditions:

  1. Both students must be attending Summer Session II and living on campus.
  2. Any preferences originally indicated on the HFS Contract for fall semester, such as roommate, housing area, room type, will no longer be considered.
  3. Your room assignment will be in any housing area where a vacant space is available.
  4. A student's request may not be honored, especially if there is no more space available to accommodate requests. Students may also utilize the Room Exchange eBoard in eLiving which will be available once fall room assignments are posted.
  5. Both roommates must submit the request by the deadline, and the request MUST be mutual (both students must request each other). If the request is not mutual, each student will be assigned based on preferences listed on the fall HFS Contract, provided that space is available when the student's account is processed.

If I no longer want to live on campus, can I transfer my contract to another student?

Incoming First-Year Students

The offer of admission to Penn State University Park includes the first-year residency requirement. First-year students are required to live on campus and are not able to cancel the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract to live off campus, nor are they able to transfer the contract obligation to another student.

Current Students

The Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract is a legally binding contract. The University is not obligated to release a student from the HFS Contract.

However, the University does provide a "contract transfer of obligation" option during a limited time frame that is announced by the Housing Assignment Office. This option allows a student to transfer the obligation of the HFS Contract to another eligible student. The student is responsible for locating an eligible student who has not already accepted an HFS Contract. The student agreeing to the contract transfer of obligation will not receive the same type of housing option but will receive a HFS Contract for supplemental housing.

Both the student who is interested in processing a contract transfer of obligation and the student agreeing to accept this HFS contract will need to send an email from their Penn State account to the Housing Assignment Office within a 24-hr period. The Housing Assignment Office will review the request. If the request is approved, the new student will receive an HFS Contract offer. Once the student accepts the offer, the original student will have their HFS Contract cancelled and will be assessed a $100 administrative fee charged to their LionPATH account

Details about the contract transfer of obligation are available in the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the HFS Contract. 

In the LiveOn Housing Process, I received an HFS Contract offer from another student, what do I need to do?

If a student is added as a friend when another student completes their housing selection during the LiveOn Housing Process, the student will receive an HFS Contract offer for that specific housing option. 

  • If a student is interested in living on campus in that housing option, they will need to accept the HFS Contract offer before the expiration date. To accept the offer, log in to eLiving and select the Shopping Cart icon. The HFS Contract offer will be displayed, and a student must go through the steps to accept the offer. They will agree to the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations and electronically sign the HFS Contract to accept it. Verify that the HFS Contract is in accepted status.
  • If a student is not interested in living on campus, simply let the HFS Contract offer expire.
  • If a student is interested in living on campus, but not in that type of housing option, simply et the HFS Contract offer expire. Students can then wait to receive their invitation to be able to select from available housing options, then create/accept a HFS Contract offer.
  • Accepting a HFS Contract offer that was made from a friend does not mean that you must live with this person. All students will Update Preferences on the HFS Contract after it is accepted. Roommate requests must be mutual. 

Is the LiveOn Housing Process first-come, first-served?

No. The LiveOn Housing Process is a random invitation system. The date that students Request Housing will not impact when they are selected to receive an invitation. All students who Request Housing will receive an invitation to select housing.

What if I only need housing for one semester?

The University will cancel a student's Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract for the semester that the student will be participating in an educational activity, such as study aboard, student teaching, internship, or co-op, or if the student processes a leave of absence, or graduation. The HFS Contract will NOT be cancelled for a student to move into off-campus housing. If a student is approved for an HFS Contract Cancellation, but then their plans change and they re-enroll in classes, the HFS Contract will be reinstated and the student will be responsible for room and board charges. 

  • Housing for Fall Semester Only: The HFS Contract is for the entire academic year (both fall and spring semesters), and students will need to accept the full year HFS Contract. Once the student's LionPATH account is updated to reflect the student's plan (intent-to-graduate is filed, study abroad class scheduled, etc.), the student can Request Contract Cancellation in eLiving. The Housing Assignment Office will confirm the student's plan and then cancel the HFS Contract for the spring semester. No cancellation fee will be charged.
     
  • Housing for Spring Semester Only: Students who need housing for just the spring semester will be able to add their name to the spring semester On-Campus Housing Waitlist that is available in eLiving beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on October 1. HFS Contract offers are released on Monday afternoons starting late-November/early-December until the beginning of spring semester. All students on the On-Campus Housing Waitlist will be eligible to receive on-campus housing provided they are registered for University Park courses.

What is Online Room Selection?

Online Room Selection (or self-assigning) is an option for current students and select first-year groups to log on to eLiving and choose the specific room in which they'd like to live. This option may not be offered to all groups or at every campus; students who are not able to participate in Online Room Selection enter contract preferences and are assigned by staff.

Timelines for Online Room Selection vary but usually occur in mid-spring for the fall semester. A second selection period may be offered in early summer if additional housing options become available.

Students who are able to participate in Online Room Selection will receive an email reminder with more detailed instructions before their selection period begins. Selection periods are also found in the Contract Summary in eLiving and posted online.

View Online Room Selection dates for your campus.

Invitations

Am I guaranteed to receive a housing invitation in the LiveOn Housing Process?

Yes! Every student who Requests Housing during the LiveOn Housing Process timeline will receive an invitation to view available housing options. However, we are not able to guarantee when the invitation will be made or that your preferred housing option will be available when you receive your invitation

Need more information?

Can I transfer my invitation to another student during the LiveOn Housing Process?

Invitations cannot be transferred to another student. All students who Request Housing will receive an invitation to view available housing options.

Students who did not Request Housing or are not eligible to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process can add their name to the On-Campus Housing Waitlist in eLiving to be considered for housing.

How do I choose a space and accept the HFS Contract?

Students who Request Housing will receive an invitation in eLiving to view available housing options.

  • Invitations are sent by email and text message notification (students must opt in to text message notification; through eLiving under Account Settings).
  • View Invitation in eLiving when it is received.
  • The invitation allows students to view all housing options. Note: Not all options may have space available. As students select spaces, the system will automatically update the housing options available.
  • Select the housing option desired and click ‘Continue’. 
  • If the housing option selected has space for a roommate, a friend can be added to the room selection by indicating their Penn State Access Account ID (e.g.xyz5000)  and clicking ‘continue’. The roommate must Request Housing during the housing process to be eligible.
  • Review the selection and click ‘Create Contract’ to be offered the HFS Contract for the selected housing option.
    • If a friend is listed, this student will also be offered the HFS Contract. The HFS Contract offer must be accepted before the invitation expiration date.
  • To accept the HFS Contract offer, select the Shopping Cart icon and view the offer. 
  • Click the ‘Begin Acceptance Process’ button to view and read the HFS Contract and Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs). Check mark the box to indicate that the student has read and agree to abide by the TCRs. Type your name to electronically sign the HFS Contract. Click the ‘Accept Contract’ button. It is a good idea to log back into eLiving and view the Contract Summary after signing the contract to be sure the HFS Contract is in accepted status before the expiration date.

Once the HFS Contract is accepted, it cannot be cancelled.

How will I know I received an invitation in the LiveOn Housing Process?

For the LiveOn Housing Process, there are three methods of communication:

  1. Log in to eLiving during the housing process timeline to see if an invitation has been made. Invitations will appear either in the Shopping Cart, or by selecting View Invitation under contracts. 
  2. An email is sent to the student's Penn State email account immediately after the invitation is offered.
  3. Students may also opt in to receive a text message notification. Update the Account Settings in eLiving to receive text message notifications.

I received a housing invitation but changed my mind and no longer want on-campus housing. Can I decline the invitation?

Invitations allow students to view available housing options and are non-binding. Students receive an invitation but are no longer interested in living on campus can simply let the invitation expire.

Once a student accepts the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract, the student has agreed to live on campus and the HFS Contract cannot be cancelled. 

I received a housing invitation in the LiveOn Housing Process. Now what do I do?

Once an invitation is received, the student should log in to eLiving and select View Invitation. The system will display all housing options available and indicate how much space is available for each option. Note: Not all options may have space available. As students select spaces, the system will automatically update the housing options available.

The student will select the housing option desired and click ‘continue’. If the housing option selected has space for a roommate, a friend can be added to the room selection by indicating their Penn State Access ID and clicking ‘continue’. The roommate must Request Housing during the LiveOn Housing Process to be eligible.

Review the room selection and click ‘Create Contract’ to generate the HFS Contract offer. If a friend was listed and has submitted a request, this student will also receive an HFS Contract offer. The HFS Contract offer must be accepted before the invitation expiration date.

When accepting the HFS Contract, the student will agree to the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations and electronically sign the HFS Contract to accept it. It is a good idea to log back into eLiving and view your contract after signing it to be sure the HFS Contract is in accepted status before the expiration date.

Once the HFS Contract is accepted, it cannot be cancelled.

I received an invitation, selected a housing option, then closed the browser before creating the contract. The system took me back to step 1 of the process. Can I get back the housing option I originally selected?

No. Please log in to eLiving and start the process from the beginning. If the housing option desired is still available, select it. Note: Not all options may have space available. As students select spaces, the system will automatically update the housing options available.

If the housing option is no longer available, select from the available housing options to create an HFS contract to LiveOn next year.

My housing invitation expired, but I still want on-campus housing. Can I still request housing?

Students who participate in the LiveOn Housing Process will be invited to view available housing options, select a space, then create/accept a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract to LiveOn next year.

Students who allowed their invitation to expire in the November process should Request Housing in eLiving between 12:00 p.m. (noon) December 1 and 12:00 p.m. (noon) February 14 to participate in the February invitation process.  

Students who allowed their invitation to expire in the February process can add their name to the On-Campus Housing Waitlist in eLiving. If space is available, HFS Contract offers for either double room, traditional residence hall or supplemental housing will be released on Monday afternoons starting mid-March. Only students who have fall semester classes scheduled will receive an HFS Contract offer. There is no guarantee that all students on the Waitlist will receive an HFS Contract offer.

What happens if I don't receive a housing invitation during the LiveOn Housing Process?

All students who participate in the LiveOn Housing Process and Request Housing will receive an invitation in November or February and will be able to view available housing options. This means that every student interested in living on campus next year will be able to select a housing option. Some housing options may not able when they receive their invitation, but they can select another space and live on campus.

What is a housing invitation?

Students interested in living on campus for the next academic year will need to enter the LiveOn Housing Process outlined in the Housing Process Timeline. All students who Request Housing during the LiveOn Housing Process will receive an invitation to live on campus.

Invitations are issued in random order and are not based on when a student places their request for housing. Students will log into eLiving to View Invitation. The invitation will give a student the ability to choose from available  housing options

Once a contract is accepted it cannot be cancelled to move off campus.

When do the housing invitations and HFS Contract offers expire during the LiveOn Housing Process?

Both the invitation and HFS Contract offer have the same expiration date, so you must complete the process of selecting a housing option and accepting the HFS Contract before the expiration date:

  • Monday invitations expire 12:00 p.m. (noon) Thursdays

  • Thursday invitations expire 12:00 p.m. (noon) Mondays

When will I receive a housing invitation in the LiveOn Housing Process?

The LiveOn Housing Process Timeline specifies that housing invitations are made randomly to students who Requested Housing on Mondays and Thursdays in November and February. Invitations will be sent between 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where do I view my housing invitation during the LiveOn Housing Process?

Invitations can be viewed in eLiving.  Log in to eLiving and select View Invitation under contracts. 

Request Housing

Are incoming first-year students eligible to Request Housing in eLiving?

The Housing Process in eLiving is specific to current first-year, change of campus, and upperclass Penn State students.

Incoming first-year students at University Park are guaranteed on-campus housing and required to live on campus. The Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract is included in the offer of admission to Penn State, which can be accepted through MyPennState and paying the non-refundable admission fees and housing deposit. The HFS Contract will then be available in eLiving for students to modify their housing preferences.

Learn more about the First Year Housing Process.

Does my friend have to request housing if we want to live together?

Yes. All students must participate in the Housing Process and  Request Housing to be eligible to receive an invitation and HFS Contract offer.

How do I cancel my housing request during the LiveOn Housing Process

To cancel a Request Housing submission,

  • Log in to www.eLiving.psu.edu with the student's Penn State Access Account User ID (e.g., abc1234) and password 

  • Contracts > Request Housing 

  • The submitted housing request will appear

  • Select the red ‘Cancel Request’ button

  • Confirm that you want to cancel your request

The page will refresh with a confirmation stating: ‘Success!  Your housing request for Penn State University Park has been cancelled.’

If a student changes their mind, they can re-Request Housing provided that the Request Housing phase is still open, as indicated on the LiveOn Housing Process timeline

How do I Request Housing?

The process to request housing depends upon the type of student: 

Incoming First-Year Students

Incoming first-year students at University Park are guaranteed on-campus housing and required to live on campus. The Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract is included in the offer of admission to Penn State, which is accepted through MyPennState when accepting the offer of admission and paying the non-refundable admission fees and housing deposit. The HFS Contract will then be available in eLiving for students to modify their housing preferences.

Current Students and Change of Campus Students

Students currently living on campus at University and any student attending a Commonwealth Campus are eligible to participate in the Housing Process and Request Housing according to the Housing Process Timeline. Although on-campus housing is not guaranteed after a student's first year, every student who is interested in the LiveOn experience will receive an invitation to select from available housing options.  

Transfer Students

Students who are transferring to Penn State from other universities/colleges are eligible to LiveOn and can accept the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract when accepting the offer of admission through MyPennState and paying the non-refundable admission fees and housing deposit. The HFS Contract will then be available in eLiving for students to modify their housing preferences.

Graduate Students or Students with Families

Eligible students interested in living in graduate/family housing in White Course Apartments can submit a lease application through eLiving and staff will reach out with apartment availability.

If I live off campus at University Park, when can I request on-campus housing?

Although students who live off campus at University Park are not eligible to participate in the housing process, they still have an opportunity to live on campus. Starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET December 1, the On-Campus Housing Waitlist will be available in eLiving.

On Monday afternoons beginning in late-March, provided space remains, students on the On-Campus Housing Waitlist will receive a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract offer for either a double-occupancy room, traditional residence hall housing option or for supplemental housing

After a student accepts the HFS Contract, the student is then eligible to add their name to another Housing Option Waitlist in eLiving

What if I missed the deadline to Request Housing for next year?

Current Students and Change of Campus Students who missed the October request period have another opportunity to Request Hosuing in eLiving December 1 - February 14. If a student has missed the second housing deadline, it is not too late to LiveOn next year.

Starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET December 1, the On-Campus Housing Waitlist Waitlist is available in eLiving. Log into eLiving and submit a Waitlist request.

On Monday afternoons beginning in mid-March, provided space remains, students on the On-Campus Housing Waitlist will receive a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract offer for either a double-occupancy room, traditional residence hall housing or for supplemental housing. Students must go into eLiving and  Accept Contract before the expiration date.

After a student accepts the HFS Contract, the student is eligible to add their name to another Housing Option Waitlist in eLiving.

When can I Request Housing?

Current eligible students who interested in living on campus for the next academic year will be able to Request Housing in eLiving during these timeframes:

  • 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET October 1 - 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET October 31
  • 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET  December 1 - 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET  February 14

Note, incoming first-year students will not participate in this process. Students will accept housing when they accept the offer of admission.

Who is eligible to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process for the next academic year?

Eligibility to Request Housing for the LiveOn Housing Process is based on a student's current residency and campus status:

Students who are eligible to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process and Request Housing:

  • University Park: students currently living on campus during fall semester

  • University Park: students who are new to Penn State for spring (including deferrals) will be eligible to participate during the spring semester

  • Commonwealth Campuses: all students attending a campus

Students who are not eligible to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process:

  • Incoming first-year students (they accept the HFS Contract through the admissions process)

  • Students who currently live off campus at University Park

  • Students who were eligible but did not Request Housing in accordance with the LiveOn Housing Process Timeline

  • Students who were released from the HFS Contract

  • Students transferring from another university

Students who are not eligible to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process can still be considered for housing - the On-Campus Housing Waitlist is available in eLiving starting at 12:00 p.m.(noon) ET December 1. Housing will be offered on Mondays starting in late-March

Waitlists

Can I add my name to more than one Housing Options Waitlist?

No, students can only add their name to one Housing Option Waitlist to be considered for reassignment.

Can I remove my name from the Housing Options Waitlist?

Yes. Students wanting to remove their name should log in to eLiving and under the “HFS Contracts” icon, select ‘Waitlist’. Select University Park and the appropriate contract period for your HFS contract. Click on the red 'remove' button to remove your name from the Waitlist. You are now able to select a different Waitlist.

How do I add my name to a Housing Options Waitlist?

The Housing Options Waitlists is for students who have accepted a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract for one type of housing option but have interested in reassignment to another housing option

The Housing Options Waitlists open at 12:00 p.m. (noon) December 1 in eLiving. A student can add their name to ONE Waitlist in eLiving under Contracts and then Waitlist in the drop down menu. Students can select their preferred housing option Waitlist by clicking the Add button under the housing option name. 

Only students who have accepted an HFS Contract are eligible to add their name to a Housing Option Waitlist. As space becomes available, students from the waitlist will be considered for reassignment.

Students who add their name to a Housing Option Waitlist are not guaranteed to be reassigned. 

I accepted an HFS Contract, but I want to live in another housing option. What can I do?

If you are interested in another housing option, you can add your name to one Housing Option Waitlist in eLiving once they are available. Adding your name to a Waitlist does not guarantee that you’ll be reassigned to that housing option. Waitlists may not be available for all housing options.

What is a Housing Options Waitlist?

A Housing Option Waitlist is a way for you to indicate your interest in another housing option to be considered for reassignment. The Housing Option Waitlists are only available once a student has accepted an HFS Contract, and then you may only add your name to one Waitlist. The Housing Option Waitlists are available starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET December 1. As staff process cancellations and vacancies occur, students on the Waitlist will be reassigned into that specific housing option.

For example: A student has accepted an HFS Contract for a double room, traditional residence hall, but want to live in Eastview Terrace. The student can add their request by adding themselves to the Eastview Terrace Waitlist, understanding that they will be reassigned if a vacancy becomes available.

What is a Waitlist?

There are two types of Waitlists:

  • On-Campus Housing Waitlist is for students who did not participate in the Request Process and want to live on campus
  • Housing Option Waitlists display after a student accepts a HFS Contract and is interested in another housing option (such as a Living Learning Community, single room, etc.)

When a student logs on to eLiving and chooses Waitlist from the Contracts menu, they will see the appropriate Waitlists based on their campus and contract status.

Students who have an accepted HFS Contract are eligible to enter only one Housing Option Waitlist. As staff processes cancellations and vacancies occur, students will be removed from the Waitlist into specific housing options based on their specific waitlist. 

For example: A student has accepted a double room, traditional residence hall HFS Contract. They are interested in a suite, so they add their request for Nittany Hall Suites Waitlist. When a suite opening becomes available, staff will move students from the waitlist to a suite option. If online room selection is available, the student will be able to choose a suite instead of a traditional residence hall.

Students can remove their name from a Waitlist at any time by going back into the Waitlist and selecting 'remove' from the Waitlist they previously selected.

Housing

General

Am I required to live on-campus?

Incoming First-Year Students

First-year students are required to reside on campus at University Park for the entire academic year. A student may request a contract exemption from the residency requirement if they are 21 years or older, the student is married and his/her spouse will be at the University, the student has performed active-duty military service, or has graduated from a high school in Centre County and will be living with his or her parent/guardian in a permanent residence.  

Current, Change of Campus, and Transfer Students

A current University Park, Change of Campus, or transfer student is not required to live on campus. However, if a student accepts a HFS Contract, then the student is obligated live on campus for the entire academic year, as the HFS Contract cannot be cancelled to move off campus. 

Graduate Students or Students with Families

A graduate student is not required to live on campus. However, if a lease is accepted to live on campus it cannot be cancelled to move off campus. 

Are students guaranteed housing?

Incoming First-Year Students

University Park has a first-year residency requirement; all first-year students accepted to University Park are required to live on campus and are guaranteed on-campus housing.

Current and Change of Campus Students

Current students at University Park and students interested in a Change of Campus to University Park are not required to live on campus and are not guaranteed housing.

  • Eligible students who are interested in living on campus may participate in the LiveOn Housing Process. All students who Request Housing will receive an invitation to view available housing options and select a space if interested.
  • Students who are not eligible for the LiveOn Housing Process may add their name to the On-Campus Housing Waitlist. Starting in mid-March, students on the Waitlist may receive a HFS Contract offer if they have fall classes scheduled AND space is available. There is no guarantee that the University will be able to offer housing to all students on the Waitlist.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are not required to live on campus and are not guaranteed housing. When a transfer student accepts the offer of admission, if on-campus housing is available the system will display the on-campus housing option for the student to select.

If housing is not available during the admissions process, students may add their name to the On-Campus Housing Waitlist. Starting in mid-March, students on the Waitlist may receive a HFS Contract offer if they have fall classes scheduled AND space is available. There is no guarantee that the University will be able to offer housing to all students on the Waitlist.

Graduates and Students with Families

On-campus housing is not guaranteed for graduate students or students with families. Students interested in living in White Course Apartment Graduate and Family Housing can submit a lease application through eLiving and staff will reach out with apartment availability. 

Can I leave my belongings on campus between the end of summer and beginning of fall?

At the end of Summer Session, all students will need to remove personal belongings from their room assignment. Students will be provided the opportunity to drop-and-go items at the end of Summer Session, if their fall room assignment is available. If the fall room is not cleaned and ready, Housing will provide temporary storage. 

More details about drop-and-go storage will be made available to students towards the end of summer.

Can I receive packages?

All residential students can receive U.S. Postal mail and package deliveries from major delivery agents (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) while living in University Housing. When a package is delivered a staff member will enter the package or letter into eLiving and the student will receive an email notification to pick up the package at their area Commons Desk. More information can be found on the Mail Services page.

Can incoming first-year students request a specific housing area?

Yes. After a first-year student accepts the offer of admission and Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract through MyPennState, the HFS Contract will be available in the eLiving system for a student to update preferences

Students will be able to indicate the following preferences: 

Update preferences by 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET May 15; updates are not accepted after this deadline date.  The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20.

Can my bed be lofted?

The University does not recommend that students purchase or build a bed loft system, for many reasons:

  • There are different types of beds used throughout campus
  • Some beds are regular twin size, while others may be extra-long twin size
  • Many university provided bed frames are able to be raised/lowered by the student
  • Some traditional residence halls have built-in furniture, which does not offer much flexibility to add a bed loft
  • Most buildings have a low ceiling height, which does not provide a comfortable fit for both the below/above bed space
  • There are safety concerns for the bed loft used, it may not be stable to support the student

If you are exploring the idea of a bed loft, the University recommends that you wait until room assignments are posted. Then, reach out to the area Housing Office to see if your room is conducive to having a bed loft. 

Do the residence halls have air conditioning?

The majority of residence halls do not offer air conditioning. Some buildings offer a climate-controlled environment, where the system is centrally-controlled and provides either heat or air conditioning during appropriate seasons. In these buildings, students do not have the ability to control the setting. Students who live in North Suites, Nittany Hall, Nittany Apartments, White Course Apartments, and Eastview Terrace have individual control settings in the unit/room that allows a student to control the temperature. As outlined in the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract, students are not permitted to install personal air conditioning units.

Students with a medical condition may submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing form to be considered for assignment to a room that offers air conditioning. AC units have been pre-installed in specific rooms in traditional residence halls. 

Regardless of the space, the University recommends bringing fans to assist with air circulation. 

Do the residence halls have kitchens?

The University has been upgrading facilities to provide a community kitchen in each residence hall. However, there are some traditional residence halls and suite buildings that do not offer a community kitchen. If the building offers a community kitchen, it will be listed on the individual residence hall page. 

Do upperclass students also live on campus?

Yes! All residential campuses welcome students to live on campus beyond their first year. Many students find the greatest convenience is saving time – to and from classes, activities, events, clubs/organizations, recreation and study, meetings, common and green spaces, dining, bookstore, project collaboration, faculty offices, and so much more! We do have space for you to #LiveOn. There are also many Living Learning Communities (LLCs) created especially for you!

In order to #LiveOn students will need to Request Housing during the housing process timeline. 

Does the University provide storage?

The University is not able to offer storage for students’ belongings. All personal items most be removed from University Housing when a student checks-out. To assist with students who are not able to take belongings home, the University has partnered with Storage Squad to provide a storage and shipping solution. Please visit the Storage Squad website for additional information.

How are non first-year students assigned?

Upper-class students who accept a contract to live on campus, will be assigned to the housing type they accepted (Eastview Terrace, Renovated buildings, Nittany Apartments, Traditional buildings, etc.)  Within the housing type, semester standing is considered when assigning students, however there are other factors taken into consideration as well like supply vs. demand, roommate requests, etc.

How does laundry work?

Each residence hall offers a laundry room with high-efficiency washers and dryers. Nittany Apartments have a laundry room in Nittany Community Center, and both undergraduate and graduate/family housing at White Course apartments offer a washer and dryer in each unit. 

Laundry machines only accept LionCash for payment. For more information visit our Laundry Services page.

How many first-year students live in each housing area?

Incoming first-year students are assigned to one of five housing areas on campus:

Students can indicate housing preferences for housing area and room type on their HFS Contract in eLiving. The preference modification deadline is noon May 15. The housing preference deadline for incoming first-year students has been extended from May 15 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday May 20.

Is a housing deposit required?

Incoming First-Year and Transfer Students

First-year and transfer students who accept the offer of admission through MyPennState will pay a non-refundable $100 housing deposit as part of the acceptance process. This housing deposit will then appear as a $100 credit on the student's LionPATH account when their fall or spring semester room and board charges are posted.

Current and Change of Campus Upperclass Students

There is no housing deposit for current and change of campus students who accept a HFS Contract through eLiving for an upcoming contract period.

Graduates and Students with Families

Graduates and students with families who accept a White Course Apartment lease will pay a $100 housing deposit and the first month's rent when completing the lease acceptance in eLiving. The housing deposit is retained until the lease ends.

What can I do if I’m having issues with a roommate?

Living with a roommate is a great experience and helps you learn more about yourself and how to communicate and relate effectively to others. Knowing how to take responsibility for yourself and how to respect others are valuable skills in all relationships.

To support the mission of providing a safe, comfortable, secure, and nurturing living-learning environment that is conducive to students' academic pursuits and personal growth while fostering a sense of community, civic responsibility, and an appreciation of diversity, the University offers Residence Life staff in every residence hall and apartment area. Residence Life staff include student and professional staff members who live in the community and are available 24/7 to provide the following services:

  • information and resources

  • help and support

  • social and educational activities

  • assistance for residents' concerns

Staff are available to help students work through any conflicts. Students can speak with the Resident Assistant (RA) on their floor or in the building for guidance. Residence Life Coordinators are available to resolve larger issues.

Resources for Living On Campus

What housing options are available to upper-class students?

Incoming First-Year Students

The majority of first-year students typically reside in a double room, traditional residence hall, but can indicate their interest in other housing options:

  • Traditional residence halls (Pollock, South, West): double, single*, triple*, and quad*

  • Renovated residence halls (East, North): double

  • Suite with semi-private bathroom (North): 2 bedroom/4 person

  • Supplemental Housing (East, Pollock, North, South and West)

*limited-availability

 

Upper-Class Undergraduate Students

Upper-class students can live in the following types of housing:

  • Traditional residence halls (South, West): double, single, triple, and quad

  • Renovated residence halls (South): double

  • Suite with semi-private bathroom (North): 2 bedroom/4 person2 bedroom/2 person (limited availability)

  • Suite with semi-private bathroom (Nittany): 2 bedroom/4 person

  • Single room with a private bathroom (Eastview Terrace)

  • Apartment: 2 bedroom/4 person (Nittany) or 4 bedroom/4 person (Nittany or White Course)

 

Graduate Students and Students with Families

Graduate students and students with families live at the White Course Apartments in a single-student furnished four-bedroom apartment or a one-, two-, or three-bedroom furnished or unfurnished apartment.

What if I have a medical condition and need special accommodations?

A student with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation related to housing must have an accepted Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract (or lease, in the case of graduate students or students with families) and submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodations in Housing formThe paperwork will be reviewed by professional staff in University Health Services (UHS), and/or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and/or Student Disability Resources (SDR), who will consult with University Housing to determine what type of housing accommodation can be made. 

What if I need to stay on campus during the break periods (fall break, winter break, and/or spring break)?

In accordance with the University's Academic Calendar, University Housing closes during the following time periods:

  • Fall Break (fourth week in November around the Thanksgiving holiday)
  • Winter Break (beginning at the end of fall semester in December, until January when spring semester begins)
  • Spring Break (one week in March)

To accommodate students who are unable to leave campus during these closedown periods, the University offers a Break Access/Holiday Housing contract. Students who indicate Break Access/Holiday Housing as a preference on the HFS Contract will be assigned to a designated building that will remain open during the breaks. Students with Break Access/Holiday Housing will not be required to leave during the breaks and can remain assigned to their permanent room assignment. There is an additional fee for Break Access/Holiday Housing, which is charged to the student's LionPATH account at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.

What if I only need housing for one semester?

The University will cancel a student's Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract for the semester that the student will be participating in an educational activity, such as study aboard, student teaching, internship, or co-op, or if the student processes a leave of absence, or graduation. The HFS Contract will NOT be cancelled for a student to move into off-campus housing. If a student is approved for an HFS Contract Cancellation, but then their plans change and they re-enroll in classes, the HFS Contract will be reinstated and the student will be responsible for room and board charges. 

  • Housing for Fall Semester Only: The HFS Contract is for the entire academic year (both fall and spring semesters), and students will need to accept the full year HFS Contract. Once the student's LionPATH account is updated to reflect the student's plan (intent-to-graduate is filed, study abroad class scheduled, etc.), the student can Request Contract Cancellation in eLiving. The Housing Assignment Office will confirm the student's plan and then cancel the HFS Contract for the spring semester. No cancellation fee will be charged.
     
  • Housing for Spring Semester Only: Students who need housing for just the spring semester will be able to add their name to the spring semester On-Campus Housing Waitlist that is available in eLiving beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on October 1. HFS Contract offers are released on Monday afternoons starting late-November/early-December until the beginning of spring semester. All students on the On-Campus Housing Waitlist will be eligible to receive on-campus housing provided they are registered for University Park courses.

What is my mailing address?

Your mailing address is based on the housing area where you live. Visit Mail Services to learn how to properly address your mail and packages. 

What is provided in my room and what should I pack?

Undergraduate Students

Residence halls, suites, Nittany Apartments*, and White Course Apartments offer a twin-size bed (depending upon building, some beds are regular twin and others are extra-long twin), desk and desk chair, drawers (either a dresser or stackable drawer units), and space to hang clothing (either a closet or wardrobe). The University provides one refrigerator/freezer/microwave unit for every two students in a room.

Additional information about what is provided in your room, what to pack, and what to leave behind, is available on housing's Arrival website, which is designed to prepare students to move into University Housing. Students should also refer to the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs) of the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract. 

*Limited apartments in the 4000 & 5000 block of Nittany Apartments offer a full-size XL bed.

Graduate Students and Students with Families

White Course Apartments offers both furnished and unfurnished units. Both types include a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer set. Furnished apartments offer furniture for the living room, kitchen, and bedroom(s). A full list of amenities is listed under each building.

What is the cost of room and board?

Room and board rates are approved by the Board of Trustees in advance of every academic year.

Room and board rates are per student, per semester, and are charged to the student's LionPATH account for payment. Students are charged the corresponding room rate based on their actual room assignment. The Campus Meal Plan (board rate) is comprised of the base cost and dining dollars for the selected meal plan level. 

What is the difference between a quad and a suite?

A quad is one large room that accommodates four students in the room. Some quads may offer a bathroom in the quad, but not all quads have bathrooms. Quads are located in traditional residence halls in South, West, and Pollock, and are available for both first-year and upperclass students.

A suite is a two-bedroom/four-person space that also offers a small entry way and bathroom that is shared by the roommates in the suite. Suites are offered in North for both first-year and upperclass students, and in Nittany Hall for upperclass students only. North Halls also offers limited two-bedroom/two-person suites for upperclass students only.

There are different room rates for quads and suites. 

What is the difference between renovated and traditional residence halls?

A traditional residence hall is typical, collegiate-style 'dorm' building. Students are housed mainly in double-occupancy rooms on either side of the corridor, and there are communal bathrooms located on each floor. The communal bathroom is a large room that offers individual toilet stalls, private shower stalls, and several sinks. Traditional residence halls do not offer air conditioning.

A renovated residence hall is a building that has been upgraded by the University. Students are housed mainly in double-occupancy rooms on either side of the corridor, and there are several individual-use bathrooms located on each floor. The bathroom is a single-user bathroom that offers a shower, toilet, and sink. Some bathrooms are only a toilet and sink. External sinks and mirrors are also available for quick use. Renovated residence halls also offer a community space on the ground floor with a kitchen and living area space, and rooms are climate-controlled. 

 

What size beds does the University offer?

University Housing offers different size mattresses, depending upon housing area and building type. You will want to check your assigned building to determine what size mattress is provided. If a student requires a larger mattress due to height, please contact the Housing Assignment Office to discuss options. There are limited 90" x 36" beds available, but can only fit in a limited number of buildings. For some room configurations, only one extra-long twin bed can be added to the room upon request, depending upon availability of beds.

East Halls

  • renovated residence halls: extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

Pollock Halls

  • traditional residence halls: regular twin (76" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'4" tall

South Halls

  • regular twin (76" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'4" tall

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

North Halls

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

West Halls

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

Nittany Apartments

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") all apartments, except those listed below

  • extra-long full-size (80" x 54") for these apartments: 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4401, 4402, 4403, 4404, 4501, 4502, 4503, 4504, 4505, 4506, 4507, 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5105, 5106, 5107, 5108, 5109, 5201, 5202, 5203, 5204, 5301, 5302, 5303, 5304, 5401, 5402, 5403, 5404, 5501, 5502, and 5503

Nittany Hall

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

Eastview Terrace

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

White Course Apartments: single-student apartments

  • extra-long twin (80" x 36") - can accommodate a student up to 6'8' tall

When are room assignments available?

Summer and spring assignment information will be made available approximately two weeks prior to arrival.  Fall assignment information will be made available in late July. 

Where can I learn more about dorms?

So you are searching for information about Dorms? At Penn State, we do not refer to buildings as a dorm or dorms - University Housing is referred to as residence halls. Who knew! Penn State offers traditional residence halls and renovated residence halls. There are also suites, singles, and apartments on campus. Explore your housing options to learn more about the different residence halls on campus.

Where do graduate students or non first-year students live?

Incoming First-Year Students

Incoming first-year students have the following options available:

  • Double Room, Traditional Residence Halls (1 roommate) The majority of students live in regular doubles, with limited quads and triples, in Pollock, West, and South Housing Areas; Campus Meal Plan required
  • Double Room, Renovated Residence Halls (1 roommate) The majority of students live in regular doubles in East Halls and Robinson Hall in North Halls; Campus Meal Plan required
  • Single Room, Traditional Residence Halls (no roommates) Single-occupancy rooms located in Pollock, West, and South Housing Areas; Campus Meal Plan required
  • North Hall suites (1-3 roommates) 2-bedroom/4-person suite with shared bathroom, limited 2-bedroom/2-person suites are available; Campus Meal Plan required

Upperclass Students

Upperclass students have the following housing options available:

Graduates/Students with Families

Graduate students and students with families are eligible to live on campus in the White Course Apartments.

Where do I check-in?

For summer session II or fall semester, a central check-in area will be hosted to welcome students to campus. Instructions are posted on the University's Arrival website, and will indicate Arrival days, check-in times, and location. Arrival information will also be communicated in advance. 

For spring semester, Maymester, and summer session I, students can check-in at the Commons Desk located in the housing area of your room assignment. Instructions are posted on the University's Arrival website, and will indicate Arrival days, check-in times, and location. Arrival information will also be communicated in advance.

Once you have moved into University Housing and if your room assignment is changed, you can check-in at the Commons Desk located in the housing area of your room assignment. The Commons Desk is generally open 24 hours/day. 

Where do incoming first-year students live?

Incoming First-Year Students

First year students reside in five areas of campus: East, Pollock, North, South, and West. These locations offer traditional buildings, renovated buildings, and suites. The most common room assignment for a first-year student is a double-occupancy room in a traditional residence hall.

  • Double Room, Traditional Residence Halls (1 roommate)
    The majority of students live in regular doubles, with limited quads and triples, in Pollock, West, and South Housing Areas
     
  • Double Room, Renovated Residence Halls (1 roommate)
    East Halls and Robinson Hall in North offer double-occupancy rooms
     
  • Suite-Style (1 roommate and 2 suitemates)
    North Halls offers a four-person suite with two bedrooms and shared bathroom
     
  • Single Room, Traditional Residence Halls (no roommates)
    Single-occupancy rooms are limited and located in Pollock, West, and South Housing Areas.