Dear new Quaker,
Welcome to Penn! We're thrilled you're here.
Your College House isn't just a place to sleep and keep your stuff. It's where you'll meet your go-to study buddies, find your group chat, and build friendships that carry you through your successes, the challenges, and the truly unforgettable moments. It's a place to connect, recharge, and most importantly, be yourself.
The College Houses & Academic Services team is here to support you as you figure things out, try new things, and feel like you belong from day one. Whether it's finding a quiet place to focus, getting help when classes get challenging, or simply being surrounded by people who know your name, you House is your home base at Penn.
No matter which House you end up in, you'll find opportunities to meet people, learn, and build a community that feels right for you.
As you think about living on campus, take a moment to ask yourself:
- What kind of space helps me feel comfortable?
- Where do I see myself meeting people and making connections?
- Who am I—and where will I feel most at home?
Three options, three experiences
There are basically three options to consider for your first-year living on campus at Penn:
- First-Year Houses, where you'll live with other first-year students as you ease into your new life on campus; first-year Houses are great places for shared experiences and discovering Penn with other people in your class.
- Four-Year Houses, where you'll live with a mix of first- and second-year students as well as some juniors and seniors; four-year Houses are perfect spots for connecting in a multi-year community from day one.
- Living in a Program Community, where you'll engage with students and faculty who want to explore a specific subject or discipline together during the academic year.
And don’t worry: there’s no wrong decision here. No matter which College House community you move into this fall, you’ll find everything you need to succeed and thrive at Penn.
