Best Student Housing in State College, PA 2025-26

State College, Pennsylvania is an exciting municipality in the United States of America. Being one of the best places to live in the country, State College is a popular place among students. This is because it is home to some excellent universities and colleges. Many international students choose to rent their accommodation in this area, since it has a plethora of options. Whether you are looking for low-budget accommodation or a lavish one, State College them all.

State College is home to many international students. This is because the borough offers both brilliant academic opportunities and great accommodation options. If you are a student looking for student accommodation in State College, then there are a lot of options to choose from. Here, you will get endless stay options that are verified, trusted and loved by students. From student dorms to private apartments, University Living offers all kinds of properties for your comfort. Given below are the different types of student stays in State College.

On Campus Accommodation

Some international students choose to live within their university campuses. These on campus accommodations are located inside the campus and allow students to enjoy the university area. However, these are limited in number and may cost more than other options.

Off Campus Student Housing

As the name suggests, these are property options that are located outside the university campuses. These are affordable, have various options, and are most loved by international students. They come with several amenities for students to enjoy. Some of the most popular student housing properties in State College are Alight State College, The Yards at Old State, Tremont Student Living, The Bryn and more. Given below are the different types of student housing available for students to choose from.

Studio Rooms: These are compact rooms where students get one bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. They are small student flats that are perfect for students looking for privacy and affordable housing.

Ensuites: Students who are looking for privacy and shared accommodation at the same time, can choose Ensuites as their accommodation. Ensuites offer students their personal bedroom and bathroom, and a shared living room.

Shared Apartments: As the name suggests, these are student apartments in State College with more than one bedroom. Students get their personal bedrooms with study desks, and a shared bathroom, kitchen and living room.

Private Apartments

Students who wish to live all by themselves can rent private apartments in State College. These apartments are open for all, whether you are a student or a young professional. These apartments provide utmost privacy and personal space, thereby making it perfect for international students.

Home to Penn State University, that is one of the largest universities in the United States of America, State College is a popular student town. Students from all over the world choose to live here, as it is a vibrant town with a lot of exciting things for students. First of all, it is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and countryside that promise great views all the time. The population of the town is about 42,000, with the median age being 22 years. This means that it truly is a student town. Students staying in State College can explore various industries for their career, since healthcare, tourism, and technology have seen a major rise recently. Moreover, Penn State is the largest employer, thereby making State College a trusted place.

International students looking for affordability and comfort can trust State College undoubtedly. The town is much more affordable as compared to other major cities in the United States of America. Given below is an average cost of living in State College for students.

Accommodation

Students can expect the average cost of accommodation in State College to be between $749 to $1,751.

Food

The range for expenses on food as an international student can be around $80 in State College.

Transport

For commuting purposes, students can plan a budget of $100 in State College.

Miscellaneous

Expenses such as mobile plans, shopping, entertainment and more can cost around $200.

It is important for students to realize that eventually, the living expenses will depend on their lifestyle choices. The more carefree life they lead in State College, the more their cost of living will be. On the other hand, if they make wise financial decisions, they can not only cover their expenses within their budget, but also save a few bucks.

Being a famous student town, State College offers students several affordable transport options. Students can explore the nearby places and travel every day to/from their university at just minimal prices. Given below is all the information that you need about transportation in State College.

Bus

These are the most affordable and convenient ways to travel around the town. There are various bus routes that cover different areas. These routes include Blue Loop, White Loop, Red Link, and others.

Car Rental

Students can rent a car when they want to travel somewhere with friends or go for a weekend getaway. There are many car rental services available in State College, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Car Rental, and National Car Rental.

Others

There are many more transport options available for students. These include Taxis, Ride Sharing, Bike Sharing, Renting Cycles, Train, and more. They are easily accessible and have great connectivity in and around the town.

The exciting events and opportunities in State College make it a desirable and popular student town. International students can enjoy and explore various things during their time in the town. From on-campus events to off-campus activities, the options are endless. Students studying at Penn State can enjoy the vibrant student life that it offers. The university offers various facilities, such as gym, rock climbing, pools, and more. The university also hosts many cultural and sporting events where students can participate.

Talking about outdoor activities and events, there are a plethora of parks and trails where students can spend time, enjoy nature and have picnics with their friends. When in the mood of doing something different and fun, head straight to Susquehanna River and spend a perfect evening fishing and kayaking. During winters, since the town welcomes good amounts of snow, students can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Tussey Mountain and Seven Springs. Overall, staying in State College as an international student is a memorable experience.

The academic excellence and career opportunities available at the academic institutions in State College attract students from all over the world. Given below is a brief overview of all these universities.

The Pennsylvania State University 

Commonly known as Penn State, the university was founded in 1855. It is known for being one of the largest universities in the United States of America. With more than 48,000 students, Penn State is a public research university. Did you know? According to the US News 2025, Penn State is ranked among the top 30 public universities.

Penn State College of Medicine 

Founded in 1967, Penn State College of Medicine is one of the best academic institutions in the USA. The college has more than 1400 students enrolled in it, with a variety of programmes. These include MD, PhD, and various master's programs. As per US News 2022, Penn State College of Medicine was ranked #15 in primary care

Penn State Law

This public law school was founded in 2006 and was merged with Dickinson Law in 2019. With more than 500 students in the institute, there are various types of courses available for students to choose from. As per US News 2022, Penn State Law was ranked among the top 25 public law schools in the USA.

If you are new to State College and are wondering what the ideal area for students would be, then read the top five areas below.

Downtown State College

As the name suggests, it is the ideal student area since everything is easily accessible. There is a plethora of restaurants, pubs and shops available. Moreover, the campus is within walking distance of the area.

College Heights

Popular among students in State College, this area is in proximity with the campuses. Students can find affordable housing options here, and the diverse community living here makes it easier for students to adapt.

Beaver Avenue

Perfect for students who wish to live right in the center, Beaver Avenue is a common student area. There are several shops and restaurants nearby, and the vibrant atmosphere is perfect for students.

Waupelani Drive

If you are not a fan of a lot of noise and busy roads, then this quiet neighborhood is a great option for you. The only disadvantage is that there may be limited parking space and amenities. However, it is a very affordable area for students.

Allen Street

This is perfect if you are looking for an area that is affordable, community-oriented and within proximity to campus. Students will find older buildings in the area and there is limited parking space.