Student Housing near University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania draws thousands of students from across the United States and around the world to its prestigious campus in Philadelphia. Yet one of the biggest challenges incoming students face is securing suitable student housing in Philadelphia before they arrive. Even with excellent options like Chestnut Square and University Village available, finding the apartment that best fits your needs can take time and effort.

This is where University Living comes in. With over a decade of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we've helped over 12 million students find their ideal homes in over 640 cities worldwide. Through ULInfinity, we also assist with flight bookings, airport transfers, currency exchange, and international SIM cards. The most popular student neighbourhoods near the University of Pennsylvania are Spruce Hill and Powelton Village.

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it is one of nine colonial colleges and the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The university holds a distinguished reputation for academic excellence, pioneering research, and producing leaders across academia, business, and public service. With a QS World University Rankings: USA of #15 in 2026, the university has 4 undergraduate schools and 12 graduate and professional schools, including the renowned Wharton School, the Perelman School of Medicine, and the Carey Law School. Penn alumni, trustees, and faculty include 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 7 signers of the U.S. Constitution, 38 Nobel laureates, 9 foreign heads of state, 3 U.S. Presidents, and 36 living undergraduate billionaires.

Among the top student apartments near the University of Pennsylvania are Evo at Cira Centre South, Hamilton Court, and more. These student residences are within walking distance of campus, fairly priced, and include utilities like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi, and are a common sight for student housing in USA. Here are the top 5 student accommodations near the University of Pennsylvania:

Evo at Cira Centre South, Philadelphia

• Address: 2930 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States

• Distance from University: Around a 5-minute bus ride from The University of Pennsylvania

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, a coffee-breakfast bar, and a washer and dryer.

• Best for: Students who are looking for accommodation with great transport connectivity and proximity to the university. This property also has some of the best studio apartments in Philadelphia.

• Nearby attractions: Brindleyplace, The Mailbox, Gas Street Basin, and Ikon Gallery

University Village, Philadelphia

• Address: 1701 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States

• Distance from University: Around an 18-minute bus ride from The University of Pennsylvania

• Property highlights: Students get access to social and recreational areas, a foosball table, and an entertainment room.

• Best for: Students looking for modern amenities and are willing to pay slightly higher rent, with proximity to the university

• Nearby attractions: Philadelphia Hippodrome, Chinese Quarter, Arcadian Centre, and O2 Academy Philadelphia

Chestnut Square, Philadelphia

• Address: 3200 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

• Distance from University: Around a 4-minute bus ride from The University of Pennsylvania

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, a private study room, and a laundry room.

• Best for: Students who wish to stay in a PBSA with great amenities, on-site maintenance, and proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Philadelphia Cathedral, Colmore Row, Victoria Square, and Philadelphia Museum & Art Gallery

University Crossings, Philadelphia

• Address: 3175 John F Kennedy Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19104

• Distance from University: Around a 4-minute bus ride from The University of Pennsylvania

• Property highlights: Students get access to social and recreational areas, an entertainment room, a billiards room, and group study rooms.

• Best for: Best suited for students who love to pursue a hobby in their free time and want to live close to the university

• Nearby attractions: Aston University campus, Philadelphia City University, Eastside City Park, and Millennium Point

The Summit at University City, Philadelphia

• Address: 3400 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

• Distance from University: Around a 2-minute bus ride from The University of Pennsylvania

• Property highlights: Students get a 24-hour fitness centre, a fully fitted kitchen, and a ping pong table.

• Best for: Students looking for cheap student accommodation in Philadelphia.

• Nearby attractions: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Philadelphia Oratory, Five Ways, and The Hidden Spaces

The monthly cost of living for students near the University of Pennsylvania typically ranges between $2,800 and $4,500. Philadelphia is more affordable than New York City or Boston, but remains one of the pricier major cities on the East Coast. With sensible budgeting, students can manage their expenses effectively. The table below outlines the main costs students can expect while studying at Penn.

These figures are estimates and will vary depending on individual lifestyle choices. For a more accurate picture on the cost of living in Philadelphia, students can use University Living's Cost of Living Calculator.

The tuition fees at the University of Pennsylvania represent another significant expense. Undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are approximately $68,686, with additional costs for room, board, and books bringing the total to around $92,288 per year. The table below provides an overview of annual costs:

Some of the best areas near University of Pennsylvania for students are University City, Fitler Square, Spruce Hill, and Powelton Village. These neighbourhoods are located close to campus and provide easy access to both the university and the city's many amenities. These areas are some of the best areas for student apartments in Pennsylvania, and a brief overview of each neighbourhood is below.

University City

Home to the university, the University City is one of the closest neighbourhoods for student housing near the University of Pennsylvania, and is located a short 5-minute walk away. This area is a compact, walkable corridor packed with student amenities such as restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and grocery options. One of the most favorite places among students is Chestnut Street & Walnut Street, which are major commercial thoroughfares in the city with shops, restaurants, and high-rise student apartments. Another famous spot in the area is Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which is the university's acclaimed museum, and is located right on campus. The average rent for student rooms in University City ranges between $1800 and $2400 per month.

Spruce Hill

Considered one of the best neighbourhoods in West Philadelphia, Spruce Hill is the most loved area for student housing near University of Pennsylvania, and is just a 15-minute walk from the university. This area offers a unique combination of walkability, transit access, and a strong sense of community, and is famous for its tree-lined streets, beautiful Victorian architecture, and the lively Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor. One of the best places to be in the area is Clark Park, which is a vibrant community hub in the neighbourhood that hosts several events, markets, and is a recreational space. The average rent for student rooms in Spruce Hill ranges between $1500 and $1800 per month.

Powelton Village

Another one of the top neighbourhoods for University of Pennsylvania student housing is Powelton Village, which is located a short 10-minute walk from the university. This area is a haven for students looking for historic character and a more suburban feel while still being close to the University. It's a great place for students who want a quieter, more spacious environment than the immediate campus area. One of the best places to be in the area is Lancaster Avenue, which is also considered the commercial spine of the area, and offers a mix of local businesses and restaurants. The average rent for student apartments in the area ranges between $1000 and $1500 per month.

Fitler Square

Considered as one of the finest options for affordable student housing near University of Pennsylvania is Fitler Square, which is located a short 20 –minute walk from the university. This area offers a more mature, urban experience just east of campus, and provides easy access to the city centre’s cultural attractions, great restaurants, with all the advantages of city living. One of the most frequented places by students in the area is Fitler Square Park, which is a small, charming park that is the heart of the residential neighbourhood, and is absolutely loved by students and locals alike. The average rent for student dorms in Fitler Square ranges between $500 and $1000 per month.

Philadelphia is home to over 1.5 million residents and is one of America's most historically significant cities. The main modes of public transit for students near University of Pennsylvania are the Penn Buses and SEPTA. These have been explained briefly below:

Penn Buses

One of the primary and most important modes of public transit operated by the University of Pennsylvania is the Penn Bus service, which is completely free to use with the Penn Card. These are fixed-route buses that run around campus and key areas, and are divided into 4 main routes or loops, which include Penn Bus East, West, North, and Daytime Loop.

SEPTA

For University of Pennsylvania students, SEPTA offers semester-based discounts through the SEPTA Key Semester Pass, which your university can load onto your Key card, though Penn is not part of the deeper, 80%-off UPass program available at other schools, so you’ll pay a smaller discount. You can use your key card to tap and ride all SEPTA services, including the Market-Frankford Line.