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Penn State Altoona
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  • This is Penn State Altoona
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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. International Student Services
  5. Housing Information

Questions to Ask Your Landlord

  • How close to the campus is the rental property?
  • Is the rental property within realistic walking distance to the campus?
  • What is the most direct walking route? How long should it take to walk to campus?
  • Where is the closest public bus (Amtran) stop to the rental property if I need to be able to ride to the campus?
  • Do I need to sign a housing lease? If yes, what is the specific time frame the lease covers?
  • Do I pay monthly, by the semester or yearly for the rental property? How much? When is it due?
  • Do I have to pay a security deposit? If yes, how much will it be? What exactly does it go towards or cover? Will it be refunded at the end of the rental term?
  • Do I have to pay a damage deposit? If yes, how much will it be? What exactly does it cover? Will it be refunded at the end of the rental term if no damage has occurred?
  • Is the rental property furnished? If yes, what exactly is provided?
  • Do I pay any utility cost (heat, electricity, cable tv/internet, etc.) charges in addition to my rental fee? Which utility companies must I contact if I am responsible for having service established? (Landlords will need to inform student renter as to which utility companies are used at the rental property)
  • Are roommates assigned? Do all roommates sign the lease? What if one roommate leaves early-do the others have to then pay extra?
  • Are there laundry facilities on-site? If not, where is the closest public laundromat?
  • Does the landlord inspect the property regularly? Is notice of inspection prior to taking place required?
  • Are pets permitted? If yes, are there any restrictions? Is there an extra financial charge?
  • If I am 21+ years of age, is alcohol permitted at my rental property? (Note: The legal age for alcohol consumption in Pennsylvania is 21 years of age or older.)
  • If I live in off-campus housing, can I still buy a University meal plan to use in the dining hall locations on campus? [The answer is YES: contact the Office of Housing and Food Services at 814-949-5408 for additional information.

For a complete listing of off-campus housing rentals through the Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association, please visit the Altoona Student Housing site.

Remember

You may ride all Amtran busing in Blair County free of charge by showing your Penn State Altoona identification card. You should attend all New Student Orientation and Welcome Week Programming. There will be valuable information covered for you in these programs.

Tips to Consider

Make certain you receive a signed copy of the lease agreement; get any and all promises made by the landlord (for example, new locks, repairs to be made before you move in, furniture upgrades, etc.) in writing. Take photos and create a written listing of any deficiencies before moving in to prevent being charged at the end of your lease. Don’t sign the lease agreement until you are absolutely certain it is where you wish to reside; make certain you can afford the rent and any additional utility costs and are comfortable with the accommodations. Inspect the property, preferably with a witness, prior to moving in; is everything in good condition (appliances, locks, windows, etc.), were all upgrades completed as promised, is all as stated in your lease agreement, etc.? Discuss with your landlord as to which are the utility companies for your property; contact the companies and your landlord prior to arrival to make certain all are in working order.

International Student Services

  • New International Student Checklist
  • Housing Information
    • Questions to Ask Your Landlord
    • Residence Hall, Room, and Roommate Assignment
    • What to Bring
    • What to Buy After You Arrive
  • Transportation and Arrival Information
    • Private Taxi Service
  • SAFE and AWARE
  • Information Technology
  • English Composition Courses for International Students and English Language Learners
  • Employment in the U.S. for International Students: Advice for Penn State Altoona International Students
  • University Events
  • Staff Directory

International Student Services

Contact us at [email protected]

Penn State Global Links

Penn State Global
Pre-arrival Information

Penn State Altoona Links

Division of Student Affairs
Housing and Food Services (on-campus housing, meal plans, and Lion Cash)
New Student Orientation (NSO)
Academic Advising
Welcome Week
Center for Student and Civic Engagement
Health and Wellness Center
Information Technology
Learning Resources Center
Bursar's Office (tuition payments)

Other Resources

Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association (off-campus housing information)

See Also

  • Student Affairs
  • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • flickr
  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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