<p>Can current students share a bit of info regarding avg. cost of apts/rooms at PSU. I'm finding that the cost seem to or will be more than dorm costs. 12 month leases, plus electric, transportation and food. I realize that prices can vary from the quality of the apt and the location, but please share any info that could make off campus housing seem more affordable. I'm getting bits and pieces from my son. I can not make an informed decision without costs that may not have not come up during our very brief discussion. Isn't he supposed to have had his Fall housing taken care of for 2015 by the end of this October/November? </p>
<p>@PERplexD We own a house in State College that we rent to students. In general, apartments and rental homes are more expensive than dorm rooms, but you get a lot more as well. You can still get a dining plan, but students who live off campus tend to buy groceries and eat at home, which can save. If you rent close enough to campus, there are the campus buses or people walk. You don’t have to have a car. Our house is a 3 BR and rents for about $550-$600 a student per month. Three unrelated people can live there. This is down West College about 5 blocks from campus. We include water, sewage and parking. Electric, heat, cable and internet is the tenants responsibility. Not sure if that helps you figure costs at all. It’s probably a trade off between space and price. Dorms are less expensive but what you are paying for per square foot is not! If you have any specific questions about off campus housing, let me know. Our property management company is also awesome and they will answer any questions you have about average costs if you call them. Nittany Property Management 814-231-3100. Some of the other management companies are a PITA, so be careful and read reviews. </p>
<p>@PERplexD have a daughter who is a senior there. Last year she rented at Hetzel Plaza a 2 bedroom with 1 1/2 bathrooms right on College Ave and she loved it. Rent was $2200 per month shared by 4 with cable and electric added $50 for each girl per month so total for rent and utilities was about $600 per month. Downside it was a 12 month lease and they only rented it to one girl during summer so we had to pay the majority of summer months when the girls weren’t there. That’s the biggest downfall and I blame the girls for not having it rented sooner since 2 of them thought they were taking summer classes. But we did know this going into the lease. If cost is the deciding factor than living campus dorms are definitely cheaper. However, for the money living in an apartment that’s so convenient and the freedom it brings with a living area and kitchen was a great experience and no comparison to dorm living. As for food yes we did have to add to the Lions Cash and she shopped at Walmart once a week for the basics so eating is a bit more expensive but there is the off campus meal plan. Living off campus has so many places to choose from that it wasn’t worth a meal plan she just used her Lions cash when she did need to swipe in or get a snack. I know friend son is dealing the ARPM and another the Apartment store for off campus housing options at this very moment so it’s not too late. </p>
<p>Thank you both for the helpful information.
Lots to think about. Space is definitely a factor in the dorms. I’m pretty sure he set on moving out along with his friends. I’m thinking he told me around $850 rent, which just makes me a bit crazy. He mentioned that he was thinking of moving into ENG frat house about a month ago. It would be shared room, but much bigger with a large sized refrigerator, cooking facilities in the house, etc. for half the cost. I was fine with this. This past weekend they (he and his friends) came up with a new plan at the more expensive place. I’m annoyed that weren’t included in housing decisions when we are the ones paying the Bills! </p>
<p>@PERplexD $850 seems a bit high but many frat houses have their own cook who shops and makes meals for them and maybe some other costs are included. That’s equivalent to Center Court and Campus Tower really nice buildings where they have their own bathroom and bedroom. My D this senior year has her own room in her sorority house off S Pugh and I’m paying $620 rent monthly plus another $30 in utilities. Also $800 per year for a parking spot but have come to realize a car isn’t necessary in state college. </p>
<p>It is a landlord’s market here in SC – the scramble to find apartments is intense right now, and prices reflect that. The savings is on food, but if your student doesn’t cook and instead eats out, you aren’t saving much. Some of the apartments are grossly overpriced and overfull, so shop carefully. </p>
<p>My DD found a place around S. Sparks Street for $385 per student (2 br - 2 people per room), 9 month lease, basically a dorm with a small kitchen and living area. It’s been much cheaper than room/board in dorms even with us giving her money for food. Next year, she found one right next to campus for $535 per student, 12 month lease. I’m not sure if it’s 1 or 2 bedrooms, but it’s only for 2 people. I think this is still cheaper than a dorm/meal plan, although they will have to try to sublet it for the summer. She likes the fact that they can cook and have a separate living room. She wasn’t a fan of dining hall food :)</p>
<p>Thanks again for all the info.</p>
<p>My son is going get us more info either tonight or by tomorrow. </p>
<p>Just curious how much money do you set aside for groceries? I guess I’m looking for what is a good budget for off campus kids. I want to give him a realistic amount and have him learn to stay within his budget.
My son can cook fairly well, but I don’t see that happening every day due to class schedule or study time. I’m pretty sure there will be some heat up pre-cooked meals purchased for convenience and meals out. </p>
<p>So far, we give my DD $50 per week. It must work for her because she hasn’t asked for more. She may be spending some of her own money if she goes out though. I plan on talking to her over Thanksgiving to make sure she’s eating well and to make sure $50 is a good amount since we were just guessing.</p>