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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
The Daily Pennsylvanian

The different types of off-campus housing

The DP breaks down the pros and cons of where to live

From the Hub, to the Radian and Domus, Penn students have more and more variety in their off-campus housing choices.

House
Pro:
-Private front door and building
-Larger living room and kitchen
-Often includes basement, deck and/or back yard

Con:
-Can be farther away from campus than other locations
-Usually not furnished
-No common amenities, such as a gym, internet or cable

Potential landlords: Campus Apartments, Palmer Properties, University Enterprises

Apartment
Pro:
-May include some furniture
-Top floors often have views of Center City
-Many are close to campus
-Many include amenities, such as a gym and utilities

Con:
-Usually fewer bedrooms
-Smaller living room
-No basement or backyard space
-May be difficult to move furniture up to high floors

Potential landlords: University City Housing, The Radian, Domus

Divided/converted house
Pro:
-Feeling of a house but with fewer roommates needed
-Some have shared decks and/or backyards
-Wide range of sizes and bedrooms
-Many are former houses that have been newly renovated

Con:
-Front door and hallway shared with neighbors
-Can be farther away from campus than larger apartment buildings
-Many do not have common amenities, such as a gym, internet or cable
-Usually not furnished

Potential landlords: Apartments at Penn, University City Associates