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While we’re enjoying Penn State football and the changing leaves, what better time than now to think about student housing options for Fall semester 2025. Yes, we can all agree that it seems a bit early, but here we are.  

We reached out to Parents Council members and asked for their best advice on how to support their student as they navigate housing choices, what seemed to work for them and what didn’t. We’re passing this wisdom along to current parents with the note that the process can seem overwhelming at times and is different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Decisions will be based on your students’ preferences, your budget, and your housing expectations. We encourage you to do your own research and support your student knowing that nothing will be perfect in the end, but you and your student will learn and grow through the process.  

Roommates 

Choosing someone to live with is a big decision. Many students have friends coming to Penn State so living with someone you already know can be a great option. If that isn’t your situation though, do not panic. There are countless instances of roommates meeting for the first time on the day they both moved into their dorm room and hitting it off fabulously, but there are also many examples that weren’t as smooth. College is about meeting new people and making new friends. It’s also about learning to get along with those who are different than you. If things don’t go so well, try to make the best of it. Deciding on your roommates for the second year happens really soon after they have settled in and just when students are getting to know their new friends. 

If students are moving into an apartment off campus, there is more flexibility to change roommates. Some housing options offer roommate matching services while others require that roommates be identified ahead of signing a lease agreement. We heard from several parents that leasing companies will work with students and parents; however, it is often necessary to identify someone who wants to take their place in the apartment if need be. Different leasing companies have different policies so be sure to read the fine print of the lease agreement. 

On-Campus vs. Off-campus Housing Options 

Penn State has so much to offer students who live on campus. We do not intend to go into details here, but highly recommend that you explore the official Penn State LiveOn website (University Park | LiveOn).  

 Current students who are interested in living on campus beyond the first year are eligible to Request Housing to #LiveOn (University Park - Current Students | LiveOn).   We heard from parents that on-campus housing beyond the first year was their preference for a variety of reasons. A current council member shares her experience, “I highly suggest parents encourage their student to live on campus for the second year or wait some time before signing a lease with new friends.   My daughter signed a lease at the end of October with her new roommate and two other new friends from the dorm.   By January the relationship imploded, and she felt she could not live with the new friends anymore.   First, we had to get out of the old lease and relet her space in the apartment, once we got out of the lease, we needed to find a place, we found one in early summer. Her place was cute, and she was happy with it, but it made it more difficult to meet people.   It did make her more independent and outgoing, and I have seen such growth in her since freshmen year.   I just think it was added stress that did not need to be.” 

There are different options such as Living Learning Communities or on-campus suites or apartment options, many stay on-campus for at least their second year and some for longer. Living Learning Communities are popular as students in similar programs live together and often do social activities together. It’s a great way to make connections with people with similar majors or interests. It is important to note that on-campus housing after the first year is done by a lottery system, so placement into your first choice is not guaranteed.  

Off-campus housing seems more complex when compared to on-campus housing. You may want to resist the pressure to sign an apartment lease while your student is a first semester freshman. The urgency can feel very real, but there are lots of options when considering moving into an off-campus apartment. If your student wants to be within walking distance of campus, they may need to be savvier about timing and increase their (your) budget. If they have transportation or public transportation works for them, then moving farther away can also be a great and more affordable option. We hear from parents that rental companies are typically very approachable and willing to answer questions. Parents highly suggest visiting the apartments with your student and asking questions. Yes, they are adults. However, we feel that we may think about asking questions that our students may not. If you are unable to join your student due to geographic limitations, we advise that you prep them with things to look for and help them with the research process. During the visit be sure to take notes so that you can compare the pros and cons of each apartment that is being considered, not just location. Do a VERY thorough walk-through and document with photos upon move-in AND move-out.  

There are furnished and unfurnished housing options, so do what make sense for your student. Many parents felt like the furnished spaces were more convenient, but others were able to source inexpensive furnishing from family and friends.  

Many families agreed that attending the Housing Fair during Family Weekend was very helpful. And being able to see some of the housing options and speak to a representative on-site was a good way to get a feel for what was right for them. 

Meal Plans 

Many parents have suggested that having a meal plan even if you live off-campus can be a really good idea (University Park Dining | LiveOn). Sometimes the leap to grocery shopping and cooking for yourself just seems like too big of a jump, and a meal plan allows students the flexibility to eat some meals on campus. What’s also great is that the meal plan can be adjusted as needed over the semester. The Commuter Meal Plan can be a great option for off-campus students (University Park - Commuter Meal Plan Terms & Conditions).  

Budget 

Parents and families highly recommend that your students clearly understand the off-campus housing budget so that they can communicate their budget requirements to potential roommates prior to getting too far along in the process. Having a budget whether or not they are paying those bills is a great learning tool. Penn State has great resources around financial literacy that can help to educate our students (Explore a Financial Topic). Understanding all the costs associated with off-campus housing options is also critical. Check the average utility costs, what is and isn’t included in the lease, and be prepared to have them pay for utilities from a local bank account if needed.  

One of the council members suggested that looking at pricing for apartments that your child would be able to afford when they graduate and are living on their own allows for an easier financial transition after graduation.  

Subletting 

Many parents and families say that subletting their off-campus lease worked out well for them. There were instances when students moved into fraternity houses after they had signed an off-campus lease, so they were able to sublet the space to another person. Some parents agreed that once they found a space that everyone liked, they continued to sublet that space and roll it though several people. Often one student remains on the lease with new roommates who will keep the apartment the following year. Many used word of mouth and the sublet board to find someone for Spring semester. Remember to read carefully the lease clauses regarding subletting and be sure you know what you are signing on to. 

Parking 

Parking on or off-campus can be a challenge. If your student has their own vehicle then registering it and paying for parking on campus is done prior to moving in (Student Parking | Transportation).   Parking off-campus at an apartment complex is typically a separate fee and can be expensive. Often you can still apply to park on campus or contact the rental agencies for separate parking spots. Sometimes parking is free and included in your off-campus housing, which can simplify the process greatly. 

Overall 

Like many things at Penn State, student housing can seem overwhelming at first. We look back at our first year and think that it was so simple when there weren’t so many choices. Many students decide staying on campus for another year or more really is the best option. Being in close proximity to classes, facilities, and dining options is a great idea. Should you make the leap to an off-campus option, know that many have navigated those waters before you and everything turned out well in the end. Penn State Legal Services (Landlord-Tenant Law | Penn State Student Affairs) can help review leasing agreements. These are complex legal documents that your student will sign (parents often sign as a guarantor). Read them very carefully. Consider that once the housing issue is complete for next year, you can go back to enjoying Penn State football (and hockey and volleyball) and the changing seasons!