The Ultimate 2021 Guide to State College Apartment Life
January 14, 2021
A Complete Guide to Living Your Best Penn State Apartment Life
When the time arrives to find your very first State College apartment, you are most likely excited, stressed and uncertain where to begin. Finding the right apartment close to Penn State will require some work, but the final result is more than worth the effort. There are steps you should take to make certain your move is efficient, easy and within your budget. All of the steps you need to take are outlined below to help ensure your success.
Establishing a Budget
The first step on your Penn State apartment journey is establishing your budget. You need to do this before you start looking for your apartment. You do not want to end up in a situation where you are unable to pay your rent. You also need to consider everything you need to do to maintain your apartment. Start with your upfront costs. These are payments you only need to make once before you move. The majority of apartments include some or all of the following up-front costs.
Application Fee:
You will need to fill out an application for your apartment, In many instances, you will need to pay for the cost of a credit check and a background check.
Holding Fee:
Before you sign your lease, there is often a fee for holding your unit for a specific amount of time.
Move-In Fees:
You will most likely have to pay both your first and last month's rent before you can move in.
Pet Fees:
If you plan on bringing your pet with you, expect to be charged either an additional fee each month or a pet deposit upfront. This covers any potential damage caused by your pet.
Security Deposit:
A security deposit covers any potential damage to your apartment. If your apartment is in good condition when you leave, your deposit should be refunded.
Moving Expenses:
You may need to hire a moving company to move your things to your new State College apartment. Make certain you include this expense in your budget.
In addition to up-front costs, you also need to budget for recurring expenses. These are payments you will need to make on a monthly basis. The generally depends on the amenities provided by your building and any arrangement made regarding utilities. You may need to pay for some or all of the following.
Rent:
You need to determine the maximum you can afford for rent. If you have a steady income, you can use a rent affordability calculator to determine your budget. If your income is not consistent, you will need to ask your parents to co-sign your lease.
Amenities:
Some apartment buildings include the amenities with your rent. Others offer additional services you will have to pay for.
Utilities:
In most cases, your roommate will share some of the utilities such as water and trash. You will most likely need to also divide up cable, internet, gas and electric bills. You can find breakdown costs for utilities online according to state. Make certain this is included in your budget.
Your Apartment Checklist
Once you have established a budget, you need to make a checklist for your college apartment. Conduct an online search to find out the average cost of an apartment in the city you are moving to and find out which amenities are included. You will see a search bar with options for filtering. This enables you to search for different types of apartments, neighborhoods and amenities. Once you know the average rental costs, you need to determine the following.
Apartment Size:
If you plan to live alone, decide if you prefer a studio apartment or a one-bedroom. You will have more space in a one-bedroom, but a studio is less expensive. If you are going to have roommates, you need to know the number of bedrooms you will require.
The Area:
Will you be traveling to Penn State using public transportation or do you have a car? If you have a vehicle, you can move into any neighborhood. If you need access to public transportation, make certain your apartment is close to a bus station. Consider the type of neighborhood you are interested in such as the heart of State College or a peaceful Park Forest apartment. You can find the ideal neighborhood by conducting a little research. Remember to check the safety statistics.
The Length of Time:
You will need to rent your State College apartment for a specific period of time. This is generally monthly, every six months or annually. There are benefits and disadvantages to each option. You will receive better rent with a longer lease. If you sign a monthly lease, your rent can increase on a regular basis and your lease can end on the whim of your landlord. A yearly contract protects you from eviction but does not offer as much flexibility as renting monthly.
Necessary Amenities
You need to find a Penn State apartment offering the amenities you really need. You should also decide which ones would be nice but are not required. This will help with your budget while providing more flexibility. Consider all of the following amenities and the importance for your specific needs.
Furnishings:
Moving is exhausting. Make it easier on yourself by buying your furniture after you move in. You’ll be able to fit your new apartment out with exactly the look you love, without needing to do any heavy lifting.
Appliances:
Decide if you want an apartment with a washer and dryer in your unit, a laundry room or if you are willing to drive to a laundromat. Are you willing to wash your dishes by hand or do you need a dishwasher?
Air Conditioning:
If you are planning on staying in State College over the summer months, you will definitely need air conditioning. If you’ll be leaving Happy Valley for the summer, you need to decide if air conditioning is necessary.
Fitness Center:
If you work out on a regular basis, you need to decide if you are willing to travel to a gym or if you need an apartment building in State College with a fitness center or gym.
Pet-Friendly:
If you are moving with your furry friend, you must find an apartment building that accepts pets.
Outdoor Areas:
Do you want an apartment with no green spaces, or one in a more leafy environment? Having outdoor areas to relax is a great way to stay mentally prepared for class.
Parking:
If you have a vehicle, look into an apartment offering a parking space. In certain areas of State College, finding a spot on the street is difficult. You may need to park several blocks away from your apartment.
Finding the Ideal Apartment
Although finding the right Penn State apartment is not easy, following the correct steps simplifies the process. You need to consider more than one apartment before you make a decision to ensure you receive the best deal possible. You can find an apartment every month of the year. To make certain you find the best apartment for the price, start looking a minimum of 60 days before you plan on moving.
Once you find a college apartment in State College that is suitable for both your needs and budget, you need to take a look in person. When you get there, ask about the property history, the neighbors and the neighborhood. Make certain everything is working properly when you walk through the apartment. Take the time to perform a thorough inspection to make certain you receive what you were promised and will not need to make any repairs after you move. You should check all of the following.
• Turn on all of the appliances to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Inspect the floors and walls for leaks, cracks and holes. Take pictures of anything you find as proof the issue was there before you moved in, then report the problem to your landlord.
• Turn on the air conditioning and heat to make certain they are working correctly. Make sure you check the thermostat as well.
• Make certain that the light switches are functioning correctly.
• Check the doors and windows for drafts.
• Open and close all of the cabinets to find any issues or squeaks.
• Check the bathroom to make certain everything is working properly. Flush the toilet, check the water pressure, turn the faucet on and make certain the drains are in working order.
• Walk around the building to get a better idea of the specifics of the neighborhood and property.
Signing Your Lease
Once you find the ideal apartment, ask for a walk-through as quickly as possible. If necessary, you can pay a fee to hold the unit until you are ready to move. You will need to have specific documents before you can sign your lease and move in. In most cases, you will need your credit and rental history, Since you are a college student, the landlord will expect limited to no credit. You may need to provide a co-signer such as a parent. You may also need to provide the following documents.
• Social security number
• Birthdate
• Bank statements or pay stubs to verify your income
• Information for your co-signer if applicable
• Personal references
Do not sign the lease until you have read the document thoroughly. If you do not understand something, do not be afraid to ask questions. Carefully check the terms and make certain anything specific you discussed is included. If there is something in the lease you did not agree to, you can ask to have it removed. If the landlord refuses, you need to decide if you can live with it or if you need to find a different apartment. You should ask all of the following questions.
• What are the payment options such as credit or debit card or check?
• How are repairs conducted and what is the process for emergencies?
• Does my rent include any utilities and if so which ones?
• Can my apartment be entered without notification and when?
• Do you charge late fees and what are the terms?
• When I move out, how much notice is required?
• Is there a guest policy and if so what are the specifics?
• Is my rent prorated if I move in during the middle of the month?
• Can my apartment be sublet when I am not at Penn State?
• What is the length of time required to refund my security deposit?
Finding a Roommate
If you intend to live with a roommate, your best option is choosing a friend you have known for a long time. If this is not possible, you need to find a roommate you can live with peacefully with as few issues as possible. Start by deciding the kind of relationship you are interested in. Do you want a roommate you can be friends with or just someone to pay 50 percent of the rent? If you are looking for a friend, discuss your interests and goals to ensure you are similar enough to form a bond.
If there is even the potential for a personality clash, find a different roommate. A good example is if you enjoy meat, there can be issues if your roommate is vegan. If you prefer quiet evenings to study, do not choose a roommate unable to study without loud music or the television or radio. The idea is to find someone with a similar lifestyle and interests. If organization and cleanliness are important to you, do not choose a roommate who is disorganized and vice versa.
If the expectations of you and your roommate are not similar, there is a good chance you will both be unhappy. You should be able to talk to your roommate openly and honestly. You need to be able to discuss both good and bad topics and situations without any aggression. The ability to compromise is critical for your peace and harmony. You also need to have similar values and morals or you will have issues you will most likely be unable to resolve.
There are several different options for finding a roommate. Ask your friends if they know anyone planning on attending Penn State looking for a roommate. Check State College message boards and Penn State social media groups. You can also look at roommate apps to make your search a lot easier. When you find someone you believe you can live with, you need to ask them questions to help determine compatibility.
Renter Protections and Scams
If you find anything that appears to be too good, be extremely careful. Make certain you only check reputable websites.
Take the time to learn about State College, including the average pricing for apartments. There are steps listed below to protect yourself from scams.
• Before your look at the apartment, ask the person for identification to ensure they work for the property management company.
• Do not give out any personal details until you have seen proper identification.
• Do not make a payment with a wire transfer or cash. You need to use a type of payment that can be tracked and followed.
Laws for Renter Protection
If anything should go wrong, it is important to understand your legal rights. Renter protection rules vary according to the state. You also receive protection on a federal level including for any type of discrimination and disabilities. Federal law states all reasonable accommodations must be made if you are disabled. Safety is required including anything potentially dangerous to your health. The landlord is required to make all necessary repairs as quickly as possible when safety is involved.
Your landlord is legally unable to evict you unless you have violated the terms outlined in your lease. In this instance, you must be informed of what you have done wrong. You will receive a notice allowing you to participate. The state laws determine when the notice will be received.
If the case is won by your landlord, there will be an eviction and you will have to move. You will probably be required to pay late fees and the amount necessary to pay for the damage you are responsible for. If you damage your apartment or break the terms outlined in your lease, your landlord can legally keep your security deposit. The legislation for each state dictates the amount of time your landlord has to refund your security deposit.
Renters Insurance
Despite the additional cost of renters insurance, it is highly recommended. Renters insurance will save you both money and time. Some buildings will require you to have this kind of insurance before you are able to move in. You can expect to pay between $15 and $25 per month for renters insurance. The compensation for liability damage is generally $100,000, with $30,000 allowed for property damage. In the event of a disaster, replacement costs for your belongings and medical expenses are covered.
If anything happens and you are forced to leave your apartment, most renal insurance policies will pay for a temporary rental or the cost of spending a few days in a hotel. Even if the damage was your fault, you will still receive compensation.
Moving Out
Eventually, you will graduate from Penn State and move out of your State College apartment. It is a good idea to know what you will need to do at this time to ensure you are ready to move out.
• Your first step is figuring out which items and furniture you will need for your new apartment. If you have roommates, make certain you know which items belong to them.
• All of your utilities need to be arranged to ensure you have what you need when you move including electric, gas and cable.
• If you have a vehicle, visit a mechanic to make certain no repairs are necessary. Any routine maintenance should be taken care of at the same time.
• Once you have decided what you will be bringing to your new apartment, purchase the packing supplies you will need either locally or online.
• All of your subscriptions and memberships need to be transferred to your new location or canceled. You can find new options for anything you canceled once you move.
• Purchase any important items for your new apartment including cleaning supplies, toilet paper and trash bags.
• Take a good look at everything you own and decide what you want to take with you. You can donate anything you are not going to need. If you are limited in space in your new apartment, consider donating anything you would like to have but do not really need. Your essentials should be packed first. Anything you can replace easily and inexpensively can be discarded.
• Pack the most important items you use every day into a separate kit. You can use this while you are unpacking. Make certain you include everything you will require immediately including personal care items, medications and phone chargers.
• Give your new address to your friends, family and anyone important in your life.
Share this post
As the rental landscape shifts heading into 2026, students searching for apartments in State College — especially near Penn State University — need to be prepared. Understanding key trends, planning early, and knowing what to look for will help you secure a great place. Here’s a guide to what’s new and what remains essential. 1. Early Leasing Is Even More Important Data shows that in the student-housing sector, preleasing rates are strong . For example, national markets reported preleasing in the Yardi 200 dataset at 85.3% by June for the 2025-26 cycle. Multifamily Executive+2Student Housing Business+2 For students looking at student apartments near Penn State , that means you’ll want to start your search well in advance — think fall of the previous year for a lease starting in August/September 2026. 2. Expect More Focus on Value and Flexibility – With rising costs and more choices, renters increasingly look for value-driven options (utilities included, furnished, shorter lease terms). – Reports indicate the student housing market is seeing affordability pressures and shifts in renter preferences. Student Housing Business+1 3. New Supply Means More Options — But Also More Competition According to a national student housing supply report, by fall 2026 there are ~30,000 new beds across 37 campuses scheduled. RealPage In the State College market, this means students may have more options but must act quickly and choose wisely to get the best units (location, amenities, price). 4. Location, Amenities & Tech Still Matter While the basics remain the same (proximity to campus, safe neighborhood, cost), in 2026 you’ll see stronger emphasis on: High-speed internet and good study spaces (students are more digital-and-remote friendly) Community and wellness features (quiet zones, outdoor space, mental-health friendly design) — trends flagged by design/architecture firms. Gensler Smart pricing and lease transparency: how much is included, what you’re really paying for. 5. Be Smart About Lease Terms & Budgeting When renting in 2026 in State College, students should ask: What is included in the rent (utilities, internet, parking)? Is the lease individual (you’re on your own) or joint (all roommates responsible)? What are subletting or summer lease options? Are there incentives (early-leasing discounts, move-in specials for 2026) your property manager is offering? Conclusion Renting a student apartment in State College in 2026 is going to be about being early , informed , and strategic . Students who start their search early, understand what’s included in rent, and pick properties that highlight value and convenience will have the edge.
Renting your first apartment in State College, PA is a big step — especially if you're a Penn State student moving off-campus. With dozens of student apartment complexes, private rentals, and housing options near campus, it’s important to know what to expect before you sign a lease. Here's a helpful guide for first-time renters navigating the State College student housing market. Apartments Rent Quickly — Plan Ahead State College is a true college town. That means thousands of Penn State students are all looking for apartments at the same time — usually for August move-ins. Many properties begin leasing nearly a year in advance , so start your search in the fall semester if you plan to move the following summer or fall. Pro tip: Waiting until spring means you may be choosing from limited availability. Expect to Pay First and Last Month’s Rent (and Maybe More) When signing a lease for State College apartments, you’ll likely need: First month’s rent Last month’s rent Security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent) Application fee Pro tip: Make sure you budget for these upfront costs. Ask your landlord or property manager exactly what’s due at signing so there are no surprises. Not All Apartments Are Furnished Some student apartments near Penn State come fully furnished — especially larger complexes aimed at undergraduates. But many privately owned units do not. Always ask: Is furniture included? Is there a bed, desk, or couch? Are appliances included (microwave, fridge, etc.)? Pro tip: If you’re bringing your own furniture, factor in moving costs. Parking Might Cost Extra Parking in State College can be limited, especially downtown or near campus. If you’re bringing a car, check: Is a parking spot included in rent? Is it on-site or off-site? Is there guest parking? Pro tip: Some properties offer assigned spots , while others rely on street parking or municipal lots. If you don’t need a car, you may be able to save money by skipping parking altogether. Learn the Lease Terms Carefully Many apartments in State College are leased by the year — not by the academic semester. Read the lease carefully and ask: What is the lease length? Are sublets allowed in summer? Who is responsible for utilities? Are there quiet hours, guest policies, or other rules? Pro tip: Some properties offer individual leases (you’re only responsible for your rent), while others offer joint leases (all roommates share responsibility). Utilities Aren’t Always Included Make sure you ask what’s included in the rent: Heat Water Electricity Internet/Wi-Fi Trash service Pro tip: All-inclusive rent can be easier for budgeting, especially for students, but it may be slightly higher. Work With Local Property Managers Instead of only using big national apartment websites, check listings from local property managers in State College. They often have: Earlier access to listings Better knowledge of the student rental cycle Competitive pricing Pro tip: Working with a local team makes maintenance and communication easier once you move in. Final Thoughts: Renting in State College as a First-Time Renter Finding your first student apartment near Penn State can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Start your search early, ask the right questions, and work with a trusted local property manager to find a place that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Smart, Stylish, and Stress-Free Guide To State College Apartments