Harnwell College House

 "Live well at Harnwell"

Named after Gaylord Probasco Harnwell, Penn’s president from 1953-70, our high-rise College House cultivates friendly, open communities in which cultural and intellectual exchange is balanced by civility and mutual respect. Enriched by our Program Communities (Arts House, Ancient Studies, Latin American Residential Program, International Program, and Asian/Asian American Program) we feature a wealth of artistic and inviting endeavors and a House calendar filled with engaging activities. In keeping with our namesake, who was dedicated to academic and civic responsibility to Penn and beyond, Harnwellians are united in our individual and joint pursuits of self-reflection and growth, which drives us to represent what living well really means.

Our Rooftop Lounge (RTL) is a premier space on campus where we host our House traditions, such as weekly Probasco Family Dinners as well as our annual Arts House Showcase. The RTL is also home to resident-led programming, such as yoga, movie nights, dance and improv workshops and study breaks. On our mezzanine, you will find meeting spaces, a stunning dance studio, and multiple music practices rooms with pianos. The Library and Computer Lab, both located on the first floor, offer the options of cozy study nooks with quick access to computers and our student technology staff. At Harnwell, you are encouraged to engage in community spaces, utilize the amenities to develop personal interests, and connect back to your House-mates.

Harnwellians enjoy a comfortable residence with 12 apartments on each floor, which fosters privacy and independence while also connecting as a united community. Floor lounges provide a space for residents to mingle and study, with the floor-to-ceiling windows evoking the cosmopolitan essence of high-rise living. Collaborative programming between RAs and residents creates experiences that can only happen as residents of our House: touring the Irvine Auditorium organ, dining with the Consul of Mexico, competing in a House scavenger hunt, and civically engaging with local organizations. In Harnwell, you’ll have the best of both worlds: a place to connect to your academics and your social life; a place to make your own.

Beyond the building, our home is defined by its people. Intelligence, integrity, and initiative are the hallmarks of not only our residents, but also RAs and Managers. Their dedication and kindness set the tone for our caring community. Residents are provided the opportunity for leadership roles through paid employment in the House Office and opportunities to collaborate on events with faculty, staff, and RAs. With a dynamic Senior Staff at the helm, unique opportunities to interact with residents abound – such as providing research guidance, extending invitations to dine in faculty apartments, and surprising residents with pop-up events (Polaroid pictures, anyone?). The House provides a nurturing environment to help our residents to excel to great things, such as a 2015 President’s Engagement Award recipient and a 2016 Rhodes Scholar.

What does it mean to live well at Harnwell? It means becoming part of a House that’s a home, where you can grow and contribute holistically as you pursue your intellectual endeavors at Penn. Live well. Live well at Harnwell.