Exterior of Packer Hall at East Commons

Packer Hall is named after William F. Packer, 14th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1858-61. Although his father died when Packer was only seven, he dove into the newspaper business at the Bellefonte Patriot as a teenager. Packer fully supported the establishment of the public school system.

Packer Hall, originally built in 1961 and renovated in 2023, 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, a laundry room, meeting room, study spaces, quiet/wellness lounge, 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. Packer Hall offers multiple private, single-user bathrooms located on the floor that are shared by all residents. Packer Hall is located in the southwest 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.

Findlay and Johnston Commons Buildings support students living in East Halls.

Building Amenities

Housing Area

East Halls

Building Type

Renovated

Room Types

Double, Quad

Living Arrangements

First-Year Students, Gender Inclusive (First-Year)

Population

301
Air Conditioning
Computer Lab (Commons Building)
Elevator
Footwashing
Kitchen
Knowledge Station
Laundry
Meeting Room
Quiet/Wellness Lounge
Single User Bathroom
Study Lounge
TV Lounge
Vending
WiFi

Room Amenities

Adjustable Height Bed (30-36")
Desk
Desk Chair
Dresser
Hallway/Door Bulletin Board
MicroFridge
Mirror - Full Length
Moveable Furniture
Roller Shades
Trash Can
Under Bed Storage (33")
Vinyl Plank / Laminate Flooring
Wardrobe
WiFi
XL Twin Mattress (80")

Housing Room Rates

Housing and food charges are posted to the student's LionPATH account at the beginning of summer (if applicable), fall, and spring semesters. The Office of the Bursar manages billing statements and processing payments.

Rates for 2025-26
Residence Hall Room Type Occupancy Fall Spring
Residence Hall Packer Hall Room Type Double Occupancy 2 Fall $4,638 Spring $4,638

Building Floor Plans

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