Geary Hall, originally built in 1961 and renovated in 2020, is an updated version of a traditional residence hall providing students modern amenities and conveniences, such as climate-control. The ground floor features a living room, kitchen, laundry room, study space, music practice room, and a knowledge station. The building offers coed housing, and bedrooms feature flexible furniture that allows students to arrange their room in a number of different ways. Geary Hall offers multiple private, single-user bathrooms located on the floor that are shared by all residents. Geary Hall is located in the northwest quad of the East Housing area and in close proximity to the The Arboretum at Penn StatePalmer Museum of Art,  Intramural (IM) BuildingMcCoy NatatoriumPegula Ice Arena, and Penn State Berkey Creamery. The Findlay-Johnston Commons supports students living in East Halls.

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.

Return to East Halls

Image
Geary residence hall room with a student studying on their bed to the left and a student working on crafts on the floor to the right.

Take a Virtual Room Tour

Discover your future home with this 360-degree photo of the residence hall room designed for residents. Explore the space, plan your college life, and find answers to your housing questions. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and starting your college journey!

Housing Area

East Halls

Building Type

Renovated

Room Types

Double, Quad

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

Image
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, 12:20 - 1:10 p.m. in fall 2024.

Housing Room Rates

Rates for 2025-26
Residence Hall Room Type Occupancy Fall Spring
Geary Hall Double 2 $4,638 $4,638
Geary Hall Quad 4 $4,156 $4,156
Geary Hall Supplemental 4 $3,710 $3,710
Rates for 2024-25
Residence Hall Room Type Occupancy Fall Spring
Geary Hall Double 2 $4,503 $4,503
Geary Hall Supplemental 4 $3,602 $3,602

Come Visit Us

Housing FAQs