For most of you, this will be your first time ever living on your own. The process is brand new to you, so it can be frustrating and confusing. There are a lot of big decisions that need to be made in a timely manner to ensure you’re living in the best possible spot for YOU.
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At Aspen, we understand how overwhelming the process is to secure housing. There are TONS of student housing options in State College, but how do you determine which location best fits what you’re looking for? Based on our experiences, we’ve created this guide for you on where Penn State students typically choose to live.
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So, where do most students live at Penn State?

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1. On Campus
It’s a common assumption when you first start college that you’ll be living on campus all 4 years. In many cases, after freshmen year, living off campus is the most preferred option. You have a lot more freedom and options to choose your own roommates, floor plan, location, and more.
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However, living on campus is required for freshmen at Penn State. On campus locations allow you to be closer to academic buildings, resources, faculty offices, and on campus amenities. Since most dorms at Penn State are in the heart of campus, it minimizes the stress of having to commute to classes each day.
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The plus side about living on campus is that it’s the easiest way to meet new people when you’re all new to the college experience and living on the same floor. Living on campus allows you to get a sense for the community and learn about all of the extracurricular activities that happen on campus.

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2. Downtown
Downtown State College features modernized living options that enhance your college experience. Living in the heart of State College provides you with the convenience of being within walking distance to campus, restaurants, and other nightlife.
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Since living in downtown State College is the most preferred option, it also can quickly become the most limited option. Most properties reach near 100% capacity for the next year by the time students return from winter break. If you have a specific floor plan in mind or specific number of roommates, our advice would be to secure a spot asap to make sure you get your preferred floor plan.
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Downtown’s desirable location also means you may need to be prepared to raise your budget. If you’re looking for a private bedroom and bathroom, rates typically average around $1,500 and can range close to $2,000 per month. Many downtown properties offer shared bedrooms and bathrooms which can help to lower the monthly rate if you’re willing to share those spaces.
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3. Off Campus
Off campus apartments provide luxury options but offer more value for your college experience. These properties are located a bit further from campus which means they’re not as easily walkable and require you to commute. However, most off campus housing options are located on popular CATA bus routes that make the commute to campus convenient and affordable. In most cases, off campus apartments include a CATA bus pass in your lease for a one-time fee or no fee at all.
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Off campus apartments have more amenities than dorm rooms or overcrowded downtown apartments. Off campus apartments are designed to have a community-like atmosphere, similar to living in the dorms. With monthly, bi-weekly, or sometimes weekly events, these options create an environment to easily meet your classmates and neighbors.
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In off campus apartments, cabinet space and extra storage options such as walk-in closets are much more abundant. It's more common in apartment communities to have other luxuries like your own private bedroom and private bathroom for a much lower rate. They also offer more amenities than you’ll get on campus or at a downtown property. You’ll have options to live in a community with larger amenities like resort-style pools, tennis courts, modernized gym equipment, group and individual stub hubs, computer labs, and other areas that offer additional areas to socialize. *
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If you would like learn more about Aspen State College or to schedule a tour with one of our team members, please click here.