The Hunt for Housing: The Cramped Convenience of Campus

Thanksgiving break is about to begin. The end of the semester is approaching quickly.

The hunt is on.

The hunters? Any and all students planning to return to University Park in the Fall of 2010.

The prey? Affordable, convenient and comfortable living situations.

As Penn Staters begin the hunt, the process can seem overwhelming.

Should I live on campus?

Should I live downtown or away from town?

Should I try to get an apartment or a house?

The following is part of a three-piece series to help student residents of State College answer some of these questions.

The Hunt for Housing: The Cramped Convenience of Campus

Every Penn State student knows what it’s like to live in the dorms.

There is little space, and it’s likely at least one other person sleeps a few feet away. For most students, a microwave and mini-fridge make for the kitchen, a small bed doubles as a couch, and a desk holds almost every person possession in the room.

But for many students, on-campus housing is the best living option.

The Best Thing:

Proximity to campus buildings — No apartment in town can compare. Each dorm is a very short walk from classrooms, gyms and eateries. Waking up 10 minutes before that 8 a.m. is not a problem.

The Worst Thing:

Close quarters — Students looking for lots of privacy need not apply. Yes, there are some singles on campus, but chances are good for most students that they’ll end up sharing a small bedroom. Oh, and two words: Supplemental Housing.

What you need to know:

• Contract requests are now being accepted for the fall semester. Requests can be made until Jan. 21, but those looking to live in Nittany Apartments or Eastview Terrace are running out of time. Requests for those units will not be accepted after noon Dec. 3.
• Students who currently live off campus can add their names to a waitlist on Feb. 5. Click here for a full timeline of housing.
• Members of sororities or those looking for Special Living Options have a separate procedure to follow. More information on that can be found here.
• Room and Board Rates 
• More Information

What they’re saying:

Sophomore Anthony Parente (who lives in West Halls): “The food is good, my room is sick and has a balcony. Plus, I don’t have to clean the bathroom.”

Junior Kelly VanHoorebeke (who is moving off campus to Centre Court): “I can’t wait to move into my new apartment. I will be close to all of my friends and downtown. Having my own place is going to be a big change, but I’m excited!”

Sophomore Cole Wurmstich (who moved into Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity): “After college you will never have the chance to live with no rules, in a house with 40 of your best friends. Any time you are bored you can open your door and start a game of just about anything. Nothing compares to life in a fraternity house.”