Many of our students live off campus, whether in their familial home, a housing complex, or an apartment with a lease. We understand that some first-year students prefer to live on campus, but our on-campus housing interest exceeds the spaces available. When on-campus housing is filled, students may be added to the housing waitlist. Waitlist students are not required to live on campus if housing becomes available later.
Information regarding off-campus housing—some within walking distance of campus—is available through a private provider web page. Students on the housing waitlist may want to consider off-campus housing as a supplemental housing plan through the Cooperative Agreement lease option offered by several landlords. For additional information, visit Altoona Student Housing and click on Student Housing Co-op Lease Providers.
Off-campus Living Reminders
Student Vehicles on Campus
All Penn State Altoona students, including First-year students, are permitted to have vehicles on campus, per Penn State Altoona parking policies. Learn more about parking on-campus.
Campus Facilities/Support Services
Students living off-campus have access to the same campus facilities and support services as the students who live on campus. At Penn State Altoona, we do not distinguish any services based on where someone lives. So, Ivyside Eats Food Pantry, Adler Athletic Complex, Sheetz Family Health and Wellness Center, Eiche Library, the computer center, all student events, and organizations, etc. are for our off-campus and commuter students too!
Paying for Off-campus Living Expenses
For financial aid purposes, the estimated cost of education for all students who are not commuting from home includes a housing and food allowance equal to the on-campus housing and food charges. Financial aid exceeding direct Penn State charges, such as tuition and fees, is deposited directly into a student's checking or savings account. These funds can be applied to off-campus living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, etc. Financial aid programs do not require documentation of off-campus living expense payments. Details regarding the refunding of financial aid exceeding direct charges are available on the Office of the Bursar website.
LionCash+
Students living off-campus may also choose to use the flexibility of LionCash+ with their Penn State id+ card as an alternative to or in conjunction with the Campus Meal Plan. LionCash+ can be used at the on-campus locations noted below and also at those Altoona locations found on the LionCash+ website, as well as at University Park and State College locations.
Campus Meal Plan
Students living off-campus may purchase a Campus Meal Plan through the Housing and Food Service Office. A meal plan can be used to eat in any of the three Food Service locations on the Ivyside campus (Port-Sky Café, Common Grounds in the Slep Student Center, or Coasters in the Hawthorn Building), as well as any food service facility operated by Penn State Housing and Food Services at any Penn State campus.
Public Transportation
All Penn State Altoona students may utilize the Amtran public transportation simply by showing your Penn State ID. Visit Amtran website and download the "My Stop" app to learn more!