Hill College House: In-Depth
3333 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6193 • House Office: 215.898.5237
http://hill.house.upenn.edu
"The most social House"
People travel from all over the world just to stare at HILL COLLEGE HOUSE. That’s because it was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, who built a grand drawbridge leading into a vast interior courtyard surrounded on all sides by modest student rooms and shuttered communal lounges.
This unique structure has a surprising impact on the residents; they respond to the large public spaces by socializing mostly outside of their rooms, as Saarinen intended. The “suite life,” as it is often called, inspires close interactions with neighbors and provokes friendly competition in athletics, games, and the arts. “The most social House,” is what students like to say of Hill, or as one survey respondent wrote, “More accurately, my suite rocks.” There are a total of 17 suites, each with about 20-40 students.
Hill is a vibrant, lively community with a big first-year population to whom the faculty and staff are deeply committed. We offer experimentation and fun, given the playful nature of first-year residents and our outgoing faculty who are willing to dress up for the NSO Toga Party or flip pancakes at midnight for students nervous about exams. Hill t-shirts are some of the wittiest on campus.
Students clearly help us run the House. Our Manager Board consists of upperclass students who oversee the major operations and activities. First-year students can shape the day-to-day House operations through House Council and various other committees. Likewise, student committees organize community service programs and excursions to New York City, Washington, D.C., and all the famous Philadelphia sites. Theater, orchestra, and ballet tickets are plentiful.
Not only are we a campus landmark, we are located near major academic buildings, libraries, retail shops, and athletic fields. Everyone loves the convenience of our dining hall, our working pottery studio and comfortable library where students bring their laptops to work. The Upper East Lounge is a popular social space equipped with a grand piano for cultural and musical programs. The Underground is one of the largest recreational rooms you’ll find on campus, complete with pool tables, ping-pong tables, air hockey, and a cozy workout facility.
Hill provides an energetic, wide open, and supportive home to kick off your first year.
Coat of Arms and House Motto: Habitare in unum, meaning "to live together as one," describes the special strength of Hill College House because of its unique architecture and lively spirit.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT US
- - Predominantly freshman House that is largely run by students
- - Unique architecture fosters close-knit community
- - In-House dining hall - no need to go out in the winter!
(Anonymous) Student Quotes from past College House Surveys
"The Hill library and computer center are great places to get work done."
"Hill is a very happy friendly place to live."
"It's really nice to live in Hill. Everyone in the halls is friends with each other and they support each other. I liked how during Christmas almost every hall put up Christmas decorations."
"We can gather every night, and everyone's usually out and willing to get along."
"Hill's community atmosphere is one of the best for freshmen on campus. Halls get to know each other really well from the onset of the year and continue to get close throughout the year. Oftentimes, these friends are the first and only that freshmen have for the first semester of college, which is vital to their happiness. The dining hall also allows for interactions amongst floors, and I personally have gotten to know many people in other areas of the House through this meeting point, and even through the Hill library. I love the Hill, family-like community!"
"I have to say that I was not terribly excited to be living in Hill when I got my housing assignment over the summer. But now that I'm here, I would not change it for anything in the world. I have made some of my closest friends just within my suite, and I have so many other people that I probably would not have gotten to know had I not been living in Hill that I am now really good friends with. It is so easy to make friends and feel like part of a community in Hill. I absolutely love it."
"Even though I didn't choose Hill College House, I wouldn't have chosen any other one now that I live there. The sense of community in unparalleled, and I am sure that the friends that I made now will be my lifelong friends. Even though Hill isn’t the most beautiful or luxurious place to live, one gets over that aspect over time because the social atmosphere makes up for all of its shortcomings."
"Hill is the BOMB! At least my hall is! We all love each other and we're like a little family and I know a lot of my friends in the Quad are jealous when they come over of how friendly/family-like we are! I'm so glad I live in Hill."
"I am really good friends with a lot of my suite mates and the people on my floor. I often study in the lounges with them and have a lot of fun. Some of the House events gave me an opportunity to meet new people who live in my House."
"I feel like most people living in Hill love living in Hill, myself included... I love the lounges and think that they are one of the most important aspects of Hill because they bring everyone together."
"I love the social environment at Hill. I feel that it provides a unique freshman experience that no other college house does."
"The ITAs in Hill have always been lovely and awesome and helpful."
"I was pleasantly surprised with the conveniences that Hill provides. It has a good location with the dining hall downstairs. It also has convenient and long hours for the computer lab and the mailroom."
Residential Programs
 Exploring PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia is a city with a rich history, full of culture, nightlife, and educational opportunities. In the Exploring Philadelphia program, residents learn about the city they will call home for the next four years through trips to sporting events, restaurants, theatre, shopping destinations, and historical sites. Recent trips have included the Philly Fringe Festival and the famous Pat's Cheesesteaks. Residents can also take advantage of exposure to local politics and service opportunities, learning the social and political structures of the city. Each year is different, as the focus of events is largely driven by program member interest. Goals: Exploring Philadelphia aims to introduce new students to the city, so that they can fully appreciate and take advantage of its attractions not only in their first year, but for their entire four years at Penn. To apply: No essay is required. Please find the code for this program on the Housing application and mark it as your first choice.  View on the Residential Programs page |
|
Freshman Leadership at Penn Members discover what it means to be a leader and contemplate whether these definitions change as the world expands in the new millennium. Research includes the examination of different leadership styles as well as ethics and moral and civic responsibility. Leaders from different parts of campus life will visit the program to explain their own vision of leadership and to offer guidance to program members. Goals: The program aims to provide members with opportunities to meet and work with campus leaders; to develop their own leadership skills through a variety of group activities; and to begin to define, through community discussion, their own philosophy of leadership. To apply: No essay is required. Please find the code for this program on the Housing application and mark it as your first choice. View on the Residential Programs page |
|
Medical Care and Medical Challenge Ideal for students interested in the many fields of health care, this program takes an interdisciplinary look into traditional and nontraditional methods in modern medicine; the business and ethics of health care in America and the world; bio-technology and health preservation. Students from all four undergraduate schools are welcome. Members interact with graduate, pre-health, professional students, and faculty at Penn. Goals: This program sets up an environment in which students interested in the health professions can explore various major and career options through encounters with the many students and faculty at Penn engaged in some aspect of healthcare. To apply: No essay is required. Please find the code for this program on the Housing application and mark it as your first choice. View on the Residential Programs page |
Staff in Residence
Faculty Master |
Prof. Kent Bream |
 |
Associate Master |
Adele Fava |
|
House Dean |
Ms. Stephanie Weaver |
 |
College House Fellow |
Prof. Lisa Lewis |
 |
College House Fellow |
Dr. Jane Willenbring |
 |
House Coordinator |
Heather Durham |
Population
Total number of residents: 534
Freshmen in residence: 458
Number of GAs: 17
Roomtypes
Traditional dormitory style, with singles, doubles, and large singles. Freshmen may select singles or doubles.
Dining Location
Hill College House Dining
