Living at Penn

One of the biggest challenges for any college student is transitioning into a new living environment. At Penn, you are required to live on campus for your first two years. Then, you have the option to either stay on campus or move off campus. As a first year student, you can choose to live in a First-Year House, which tends to be in closer proximity to each other and located on the east side of campus, or you could opt for a Four-Year House, which is located on the west side of campus.

When you’re in an on-campus dorm, Resident Advisors (RAs) will be often located on the same floor as you and will help answer questions you may have about housing/roommate inquiries or general college advice. There are also House Directors and staff that arrange events and programming to bring students together and foster a warm community. Off the top of my head, I remember some of my favorite events being movie nights, sponsored trips to Ikea and basketball games. Even if you do decide to go off-campus when you become an upperclassman, there is the Penn Off-Campus Services available to help you view rental listings and understand your rights as a tenant. 

- Rachel L.