Finding affordable student housing in State College, PA does not need to involve infinite scrolling through different websites. Amber is your one-stop solution for comparing and booking the best student housing in State College, PA. We help students compare studios, furnished rooms, purpose-built student accommodation, and shared apartments, designed to support comfortable living. Whether you are looking for ensuite rooms or shared apartments, every option is amber-verified for transparency and safety. Some of our State College student housing options are located close to Pennsylvania State University, The Valley, and Aspen State College, ensuring easy access to research centres, campuses, libraries, and academic buildings.
Off-campus housing in State College is tailored for both international and domestic students, offering clear contracts with no hidden charges, all-inclusive bills, flexible tenancy, and furnished interiors. State College is a student-focused city with over 15,000 students attending top universities. The city offers great academic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and an excellent student community. Areas like downtown and College Avenue are the key student hubs, offering social spaces, sports venues, and cafes. Amber offers features like modern amenities, flexible contracts, and price transparency to simplify the student housing in State College journey. State College student housing options offer a variety of accommodations, like Aspen State College and The Valley. With a 24x7 student support team, you get to experience a smooth and secure experience till the end of finding a home away from home.
Begin your search for student housing in State College PA, about 6 to 9 months ahead of your school semester starting. This way, you will have enough time to check out different choices, get a place that meets your requirements, and not be worried about getting something at the last minute.
Student apartments in State College PA, have safety features, among others. Usually, you will find gated access, CCTV cameras, security locks, and on-site management for security purposes. Be sure to verify these during tours.
Look up for the best student apartments in State College on amber. Go through the listings, get a virtual tour, and send in a rental application with supporting documents.
If the student housing in State College is not what you expected, call or write to the manager of the property as well as the platform where you booked, to raise the concern. Record the problems and ask for a solution that could be a refund, a different accommodation, or compensation.
Contact amber if you want to prolong your stay at our private student apartments in State College. Amber will tell you when the apartment is free and can help you with the arrangements. However, do remember that extension of stay depends upon the availability of the apartment, and the housing at State College might also bring extra charges.
If you want to book off-campus housing in State College, first find out how far away the location is from your campus. Besides that, find out what facilities come with the rent (like internet and utilities), the clauses of the lease, as well as the feedback of the previous renters. Make sure to inspect the State College student apartments, their floor plans, and check whether the landlord or property management is trustworthy.
You have a variety of payment methods to choose from, including net banking and debit cards. Our payment portal is designed to help students through the process of locating the most suitable student housing in State College.
Usually, when you rent private student housing in State College, the rent is primarily for the place. Sometimes utilities such as water, electricity, and internet are included, while other times they are not. Student housing in State College typically requires a deposit, which is refundable once the lease is ended, depending on the conditions.
It is advisable to explore and check the student housing in State College before making a reservation. If you cannot visit in person, you can either ask for a virtual tour or detailed pictures on the amber app.
Studios, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom apartments are some of the student housing options that you can find near Penn State campus. Along with the traditional amenities, many student apartments near Penn State University offer all-inclusive living arrangements that include utilities such as high-speed internet, fitness centers, study spaces, in addition to rent.
State College is a beautiful town in the centre of Pennsylvania County, surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It is also known as "Happy Valley." At the beginning of the 19th century, it was just a village to cater to the Pennsylvania State University. Over the years, State College has evolved into a city that is home to approximately 57,580 people. Nevertheless, the town's population surges greatly during the academic year when students come from all over the country and more than 150 countries to attend Penn State. The crime rate in State College is very low, which makes it a nice, safe place for students. In fact, the violent crime rate is only about 152.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. Another great advantage that students can benefit from is the worldwide network of Penn State alumni, which comprises over 800,000 members, and it plays a crucial role in providing career guidance and employment opportunities.
Pennsylvania State University's main campus, University Park, is conveniently located in the city and has an enrollment of almost 48,800 students. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Penn State is #82, which is a recognition of its highest standards in teaching, learning, and research worldwide. Students can participate in cultural activities such as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and THON, which is the world's largest student-led philanthropy event. You can also go to Mount Nittany, which is a place of natural beauty near State College.
Choosing the right apartments for rent in State College PA is a big factor that influences a student's university life. Nowadays, many of the best State College student apartments come with features like study lounges, fitness centers, high-speed internet, and community areas that are really catered to student living. Even though State College is the home to one of the largest universities in the U.S., it still has quite a few housing options that are quite low in price. Those in need of cheap student housing in State College PA can get furnished apartments with modern facilities and a good location.
| Property Name | Room Types | Key Amenities | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rise at State College | Studios, 2, 3, 4 & 5-Bedroom Apartments | Dedicated graduate floors, rooftop hot tub, fitness center with yoga room, and virtual reality room. | From $1,239/month |
| The Valley | 1, 2, 4 & 5-Bedroom Apartments | Heated pool with tanning deck, poolside hammocks, fire pits, and automated package lockers. | From $959/month |
| The View | Studios, 2 & 4-Bedroom Apartments | Free CATA Bus Pass, electronic access keys, walk-in closets, and individual leases. | From $959/month |
| The Villas at Happy Valley | 3-Bedroom Townhomes | Resort-style heated pool, volleyball court, flat-screen TV in every living room, and pet-friendly yards. | From $749/month |
| Aspen State College | 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5-Bedroom Apartments | 50” Smart TVs in units, valet trash service, walk-in closets, and high-speed internet included. | From $1,060/month |
State College has lots of different neighborhoods, each with its own attraction that students would love. Here are the best student areas in State College:
| Area | Student Vibe | Commute to Nearest Uni (PSU) | Avg Rent (p/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | High-energy, urban nightlife, social hub | 2-5 mins walk | $1,200–$1,600 |
| The Highlands | Historic, Greek life, close to cafes | 10 mins walk | $1,100–$1,400 |
| North Atherton | Commercial, modern, easy shopping | 12 mins bus | $850–$1,100 |
| Toftrees | Calm riverside feel, nature-rich | 15 mins bus | $800–$950 |
| West End | Cozy, quiet, residential feel | 10 mins bike | $900–$1,150 |
Students looking for student apartments in State College PA can consider various types of housing based on their budget, lifestyle, and desired level of privacy.
1. Shared apartments
Shared apartments rank highly in popularity among student housing options in State College. They feature 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, or 4-bedroom apartments, in which each resident occupies a private bedroom but shares the kitchen, living area, and other common spaces with the other roommates.
2. Private rooms
Private rooms provide a personal bedroom and study area with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Many student housing complexes in State College offer private rooms that come furnished with a study desk and other storage spaces.
3. Studio apartments
Studio apartments have full freedom. Such units come with a private bedroom and bathroom as well as a kitchenette, all in one room. Studios are suitable for students who want to be able to enjoy peace in their own self-contained environment.
4. 1-Bedroom apartments
Numerous properties in State College have one-bedroom apartments that provide more privacy and space than studio apartments. Hence, they are quite popular among graduate students or those who simply want to live independently.
Knowing how much it costs to live in State College is useful for students who want to better plan their monthly budgets. Even though housing prices fluctuate by neighbourhood and apartment type, the town is still relatively affordable compared to other big college towns in the U.S. Typically, students spend around $1,100-$1,800 each month on rent, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
1. Housing: $700–$1,500/month
2. Groceries: $180–$300/month
3. Transportation: $40–$70/month
4. Utilities: $90–$150/month
5. Internet: $40–$60/month
6. Leisure & Social Activities: $120–$200/month
One of the perks of staying in student apartments in State College is access to dependable and reasonably priced means of transport. The area is not big and is planned in such a way to house a huge number of students, so traveling around anytime wouldn't be a problem.
| Mode | Description | Nearest Major Stop | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride Smart by Lyft | No-fare routes including the Blue Loop (B-Loop), White Loop (W-Loop), and Red Link serving the campus and downtown. | Schlow Library / HUB-Robeson | £0/week |
| CATABUS (Community) | Fixed-route service connecting residential complexes to campus. One-way fare is $2.50. | Pattee Transit Center | £6/week (with Pass) |
| Spin E-Bike Share | App-based electric bikes with 300+ units across campus; popular for "last-mile" trips. | Old Main / Beaver Ave | £5/week (Variable) |
| Cycling | Extensive bike paths and dedicated lanes; most amber properties provide free, secure bike storage. | Nittany Lion Shrine | £0/week |
| Ride Smart by Lyft | Subsidized program providing eight $10 credits per month for late-night weekend rides. | Downtown Pick-up Zones | £0-£10/week |
1. Rise at State College → Penn State University Park: 5 mins walk
2. The Valley → Penn State Main Campus: 10 mins via CATA Route V
3. The View → Innovation Park: 8 mins via CATA Route H (Nearest Stop: Toftrees Ave at The View)
Student Transit Tips: Free RIDEpass: Many properties in State College include a complimentary CATA RIDEpass in your rent, allowing for unlimited travel on all community routes at no extra cost.
State College is a great place to live, filled with student energy. You really get surrounded by students everywhere you go, making it really easy to get to know new people, enjoy the attractions, and live a full social life. For instance, students often hang out in downtown in great cafes like Irving's Bagels and Webster's Bookstore Café. Besides that, many students are familiar with dining places like The Corner Room and Federal Taphouse, where they can enjoy their meals while getting together with their friends. Nature lovers amongst the students can find nice spots for unwinding, like Penn State's Arboretum and Mount Nittany, while also accommodating their love for hiking and weekend outings.
The fact that State College is a university town is reflected in its social life, with students frequently finding their way to pubs and music venues. These places often feature live performances and student socials. In addition, the city holds popular cultural events such as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, during which artists, performers, and guests from the entire region come together. THON, a well-known charity event run by Penn State students, is another great thing to see. One way students at State College experience the area is by visiting the local attractions in their free time. These include hiking and admiring the panoramic views at Mount Nittany or watching a game at the famous Beaver Stadium located on the Pennsylvania State University campus.
State College has a well-deserved reputation as a top academic hub in Pennsylvania. Thanks to its excellent schools and research facilities, the city is a magnet for not only local students but also visitors from abroad. Here are the top universities in State College, PA.
| University | Location | Approx. Student Enrollment | QS World Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University | State College, Pennsylvania | ~48,800 | #82 |
| Lock Haven University | Lock Haven, Pennsylvania | ~3,000 | Not Ranked |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | ~5,000 | Not Ranked |