Winter Prep: What Every State College Apartment Needs
October 26, 2020
With winter around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how you'll prep your State College apartment for the cooler months ahead. Fortunately, there are many wintertime products and hacks that can keep your space feeling light and bright throughout the year. Some of the best tips and finds are listed below to make it easy for any Penn State student to get through winter successfully.
1. Humidifier
When your heater is on more frequently because of cooler weather, a humidifier is helpful to have around. It can help prevent dryness that normally leads to dry skin, difficulty breathing, and even dry mouth. A humidifier can also help keep you feeling better if you happen to get sick with a cold. Fortunately, most of these are small in size so you can easily fit one on a side table in any room of the apartment.
2. Alarm Clock with Light
During the winter, it can be harder to wake up in the morning when it's darker outside. To help boost your mood and make waking up less of a struggle, a lighted alarm clock can be helpful. These transition from dim to bright light so you wake up more naturally. This may help improve your mood while also keeping your space lighter and brighter in the darker morning hours.
3. Instant Hot Chocolate
Nothing will warm you up like hot chocolate during the winter months. Instead of taking an expensive trip to a local coffee shop, you can make your own at home. Instant hot chocolate is surprisingly good, costs pennies per package, and is easy to whip up with milk or water. It's also easy to store in any size apartment, so you won't need a lot of storage space in your pantry. Want to mix your own? Just combine a 1 to 1 ratio of sugar and cocoa powder. Delicious!
4. Under-Bed Storage
If you don't have a lot of space in your apartment, then storing your summer clothes to make room for winter clothes can be a struggle. Fortunately, with under-bed storage bins, you can tuck clothes and linens away with ease. These slim bins slide under most beds easily and are clear so you can see what's in them without taking everything out.
5. Cozy Slippers
Cozy slippers are the best accessories to have in your apartment in the winter. Even if the temperature inside is warm, some nice slippers will help keep you feeling toasty and comfortable all day long. The padding in these can also help soothe sore feet after a long day of school or working.
6. Welcome Mat
When it starts to snow or rain in the winter, a welcome mat will help keep mud off of your apartment floors. While you can have guests take their shoes off to come inside, it's still a good idea to have them wipe their shoes so they don't track dirt or mud in the hallway.
7. Stocked Pantry
Some days, it can be too cold to head to the store or out to grab a bite to eat. To avoid unnecessary trips, stock your pantry with goods that can be cooked easily. This can include pasta, canned vegetables, and meal kits kept in the freezer. It Should be easy to find affordable foods you can keep stocked at all times.
A Cozy Winter Ahead
Winter doesn't have to be a dark and cold time in your college apartment. With the right light, storage, and food in your pantry, it'll be much easier to enjoy the months ahead. In fact, by preparing ahead of time, you may find yourself perfectly comfortable when you least expected to.
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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