For Indian students, housing is one of the first major decisions after admission, and at UPenn, it’s not optional in the beginning. The university follows a structured College House system, where all undergraduate students are required to live on campus for their first 2 years. Here are the key highlights of the University of Pennsylvania's accommodation:
Penn does not have designated on-campus housing for graduate students. Most graduate students often find better value in off-campus accommodations.
(Exchange rate: $1 = ₹93.85 as of April 22, 2026)
Check out: Indian graduate student experience at UPenn
1.1 First-Year College Houses at the University of Pennsylvania
1.2 Upperclass College Houses at the University of Pennsylvania
Penn's living options are curated to ensure there's something for everyone. First-Year Houses are designed specifically for students living on campus for the first time, where they can be surrounded by peers in a similar situation.
All undergraduate students at Penn are required to live in on-campus housing for their first four semesters, regardless of the number of course credits or class standing. This makes understanding the College House system essential - it's not optional for the first and second-year students.
The College Houses offer distinct room types, amenities, and communities. Options range from traditional single and double rooms that share a common hallway bathroom to suites and apartments offering more privacy and, in some cases, a living room and kitchen.
Penn's College Houses are divided into three categories: First-Year Houses, Four-Year Houses, and Upperclass Houses.
Also read: Student accommodation in USA
These are available exclusively to incoming first-year students. Here's a breakdown of each:
Fisher Hassenfeld College House: Located in the historic Quadrangle, this is one of Penn's most iconic dorms. It has singles, doubles, and triples with communal bathrooms — the classic college dorm experience.
Hill College House: Renovated in 2017, Hill College House offers one-room doubles and houses all first-year students assigned to it. It has 53 single rooms and 218 double rooms.
Kings Court English College House: Kings Court English College House is a first-year community with a beautiful garden courtyard and low-rise buildings. It offers one-room singles and doubles in a traditional dormitory style.
Lauder College House: A popular choice among students who want more privacy. Lauder is known for suite-style rooms, making it attractive for students who value a quieter, more private residential experience.
Du Bois College House; Du Bois College House offers first-year students a three-bedroom suite containing private bedrooms, a living room, a cooktop, and a fridge. It is one of the more private options for incoming students.
Gregory College House: First-year students in Gregory College House live in four-person configurations. It offers suite-style living and is a four-year house, meaning you can stay here beyond your first year.
Stouffer (Mayer) College House: Stouffer College House is composed of two distinct buildings - Stouffer and Mayer Halls. Mayer Hall offers a limited number of single efficiency apartments and one- and two-bedroom doubles and has primarily upperclass residents.
Once students complete their first two years, they can move into Penn's Upperclass Houses, which offer more apartment-style living.
Harnwell, Harrison & Rodin College Houses: Harnwell, Harrison, and Rodin collectively make up Penn's three high-rise dormitories, each containing 24 floors of residential housing, as well as rooftop and lobby study lounges.
Gutmann College House: A newer addition to Penn's housing portfolio with modern facilities and private bathrooms throughout.
Radian: A leased apartment building incorporated into Penn's housing system. All units in Radian have private bathrooms. It offers a more independent living experience while still being part of Penn's managed housing network.
Check out: UPenn costs and financial aid for Indian students
Penn's College Houses operate on two room rates for the 2026-27 academic year. All first-year student rooms are priced at $13,644 (₹12.80 lakhs). Upperclass rooms have two rates: $13,644 or $17,898 (₹12.80 lakhs or ₹16.79 lakhs), depending on the room type selected. Here is the full breakdown:
| Room Type | Description | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Room (All Types) | Singles, doubles, triples — all first-year rooms same rate | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Single Room (1 BR) | Standard single room, shared or private bathroom | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Double Room (2 BR) | Two-bedroom shared room | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Double Room (2 BR + Living Room) | Two bedrooms with shared living space | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Double Apartment (1 BR + LR + Kitchen) | One bedroom with living room and kitchen | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Quad Apartment (3 BR + LR + Kitchen) | Three bedrooms with living room and kitchen | $13,644 | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Single Apartment (1 BR + LR + Kitchen) | Private bedroom, living room, and full kitchen | $17,898 | ₹16.79 lakhs |
| Double Apartment (2 BR + LR + Kitchen) | Two private bedrooms, living room, full kitchen | $17,898 | ₹16.79 lakhs |
| Triple Apartment (3 BR + LR + Kitchen) | Three private bedrooms, living room, full kitchen | $17,898 | ₹16.79 lakhs |
| Quad Apartment (4 BR + LR + Kitchen) | Four private bedrooms, living room, full kitchen | $17,898 | ₹16.79 lakhs |
Note: All units in Du Bois, Gregory, Stouffer-Mayer, Harnwell, Harrison, Rodin, Radian, and Gutmann College House have private bathrooms. The higher rate ($17,898) applies to apartment-style units with private bedrooms, full kitchens, and baths.
If you live on campus, a dining/meal plan is mandatory for most first and second-year students. For the 2025-26 academic year, the meal plan costs $6,744/₹6.32 lakhs per year (approximately $3,372/₹3.16 lakhs per semester), giving full access to Penn's dining network across 18 locations on campus. The 2026-27 rates are expected to be similar. First-year students choose between two required plans:
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Third and fourth-year students, and most graduate students, move off campus. Philadelphia's University City neighborhood (where UPenn is located) offers a wide range of options.
Average rent in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood is approximately $3,255 (₹3.05 lakhs) per month, though individual rents vary widely by room type and location.
Monthly rent for off-campus student accommodation near Penn ranges from $600 to $2,563 (₹56,308 to ₹2.40 lakhs) per month, depending on location, room type, and included amenities. Top-rated options include properties on Wallace Street, Brandywine Street, University Village, and Spring Garden Street, all within walking distance of campus.
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room / Shared apartment | $600 - $900 | $7,200 - $10,800 | ₹6.75 - ₹10.13 Lakhs |
| Studio apartment | $1,200 - $1,600 | $14,400 - $19,200 | ₹13.51 - ₹18.01 Lakhs |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $1,500 - $2,000 | $18,000 - $24,000 | ₹16.89 - ₹22.52 Lakhs |
| 2-bedroom apartment (per person) | $900 - $1,400 | $10,800 - $16,800 | ₹10.13 - ₹15.76 Lakhs |
| Luxury / high-rise apartment | $2,000 - $2,600+ | $24,000 - $31,200+ | ₹22.52 - ₹29.28 Lakhs |
Popular Off-Campus Areas for UPenn Students:
Based on the student reviews on community platforms (Reddit, Quora) and YouTube, these are the popular off-campus areas for UPenn students:
- University City: The most convenient neighborhood, directly adjacent to campus. Most apartments are within walking distance. Expect higher rents due to proximity.
- Spruce Hill: A quieter, tree-lined residential area popular with graduate students. A mix of Victorian rowhouses and modern apartments.
- Powelton Village: Situated north of campus, Powelton Village mixes historic charm with affordability. It's well-connected to UPenn with buses, trolleys, and bike lanes.
- West Philadelphia (beyond 43rd Street): The most affordable option, with rents starting as low as $500–$600/month for shared rooms. Slightly longer commute but well-served by SEPTA transit.
Notable Off-Campus Properties:
- 3737 Chestnut: Six-minute walk to campus, luxury building, washer/dryer in every unit, pet-friendly
- The Chestnut: 29-story complex with 405 units, a six-minute walk to Penn
- Domus: Located across from Penn Law, pet-friendly, stainless appliances, in-unit washer/dryer
- University Village: Well-rated, walkable, popular with graduate students and families
Here’s a quick comparison of on-campus vs. off-campus housing to help Indian students decide what suits them best.
| Factor | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $13,644 - $17,898/year (room only) (₹12.80 to ₹16.79 lakhs) | $7,200 - $31,200/year (varies widely) (₹6.75 to ₹29.28 lakhs) |
| Meal Plan Required | Yes (mandatory for 1st & 2nd year) | No |
| Commute | Zero - everything is walkable | 5-20 mins, depending on location |
| Community | Built-in social environment | More independent |
| Indian Grocery Access | Requires travel | Easier in the University City area |
| Flexibility | Fixed contract | More flexible lease options |
| Best For | First & second-year UG students | Graduate students, 3rd/4th year UG |
Did you know? UPenn provides free transportation for students through its Penn Transit Evening Safety Shuttle service year-round, except for university holidays, which makes off-campus living much more manageable, especially in the evenings. The evening shuttle operates from 7:30 PM to 3 AM on weeknights and from 6:30 PM to 3 AM on weekends. University City also has Indian grocery stores nearby, making it easier to find familiar ingredients and spices.
Must read: Private housing Vs. off-campus apartments in USA
Choosing accommodation at the University of Pennsylvania depends on your stage of study and budget.
Start on-campus to build your network and adjust, then move off-campus later for better value and independence.
Ques. Is on-campus housing guaranteed for first-year students at UPenn?
Ans. Yes. The University of Pennsylvania guarantees housing for first-year students. You can submit preferences, but final room allocation is done by the university.
Ques. Which College House is best for first-year students?
Ans. It depends on your preference:
Ques. Do first and second-year students have to live on campus?
Ans. Yes. On-campus housing is mandatory for the first 4 semesters.
Ques. Does UPenn offer on-campus housing for graduate students?
Ans. No dedicated housing. Most graduate students live off-campus near the university.
Ques. Is the area around UPenn safe?
Ans. Generally yes, especially near campus. Stick to well-lit areas, and use Penn’s free night shuttle and safety services.
Ques. Can I live with my spouse on campus?
Ans. Yes, in limited cases under special housing policies. But families with children are not accommodated.
Ques. What is the cheapest off-campus option near UPenn?
Ans. Shared housing in areas like West Philadelphia or Powelton Village starts from around $550–$900/month (₹50K–₹85K).
Ques. When should I start looking for off-campus housing?
Ans. Start by Jan–Feb for August move-in. Good options fill up fast.
Ques. Are utilities included in off-campus rent?
Ans. Usually not included. Expect to pay extra for electricity, gas, and internet.
Ques. Is Center City a good place to live for UPenn students?
Ans. Not ideal. It’s more expensive and farther from campus. Most students prefer University City.
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Shared apartment between 3 people. Rent is approx: $1000/month
Good experience, a lot of like minded people but wish there were more networking events.
I loved on campus with some roommates for all four years because my parents thought that would be the safer option and the on-campus residential buildings were slightly closer to the buildings.
I heard about Penn from some of my friends who were older than me. I only applied to Penn and Princeton, and Penn was my first choice because I have just heard so many wonderful things about it. I thought if I didn't get into Penn during its early decision round, I would apply to Princeton during regular decision.
Good scholarship, ivy league so a lot of connections and opportunities not available from other local colleges, great diversity in the college so I won't feel out of place, close to my home so I can visit my friends and family with ease.
I live in a 3Bed 3Bath apartment and pay 800$ per month for my rent. The infra of apartments is awesome and there are modern appliances that come with the apartment. As it is a big city there are options starting from as low as 500$/month to 2000$ or even higher per month for luxurious housing.
I chose it because of the research group. I was interested in doing theoretical mechanobiology.
The cost of living depends on how far you would like your apartment to be. It ranges from 500 USD per month to 1000 USD per month. There are all types of facilities available includeing Indian stores to buy spices, etc. UPenn gives free transportation for students from 6pm to 3am throughout the year.
University of Pennsylvania is an IVY league university and this brand value is a huge boost for job lookout. UPenn is ranked highly in every type of W
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