8/10/24

A Penn Insider's Guide to the Best Dorms on Campus

So, you got into Penn! First off, HUGE congrats. Now comes the fun/slightly stressful part: figuring out where you’re going to live for the next year. Choosing a dorm at the University of Pennsylvania is a big deal, & honestly, it can shape a huge part of your freshman experience. The good news? There really isn’t a “bad” dorm at Penn, but they all have VERY different personalities.
I’m here to give you the real-deal, no-fluff breakdown of the best dorms at UPenn. We're going beyond the official university descriptions & into what students actually think & say. We'll talk about social scenes, room sizes, locations, & all the little quirks that make each college house unique.

Finding Your Fit: What's Your Dorm Personality?

Before we dive into specific dorms, let's think about what you're looking for. Are you all about the social life & making a ton of friends right away? Or are you more of a quiet, study-focused person who wants a peaceful retreat after a long day of classes? Maybe you're somewhere in between. Here’s a quick breakdown of the general vibes:
  • The Social Butterfly: If you want to be in the heart of the action, you're probably going to be drawn to The Quad. It's the quintessential, movie-style college dorm experience.
  • The Modern & Suite-Style Seeker: If you value modern amenities, your own space, & maybe even a private bathroom, then you'll want to look at the newer dorms like Gutmann, Lauder, & the recently renovated Stouffer.
  • The Tight-Knit Community Lover: For those who want a balance of social life & a strong sense of community, Hill & King's Court English House (KCECH) are fantastic options.
  • The Upperclassman-in-Training: If you want to mingle with students from all years & get a taste of apartment-style living, the four-year houses like Gregory or the high-rises are where it's at.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of each of these options.

Freshman Year: The Lay of the Land

For your first year, you'll likely be in one of the designated freshman or four-year college houses. Here's a deep dive into the most popular choices.

The Quad: The Legendary Freshman Hub

Let's start with the big one: The Quad. It's not just one dorm, but three interconnected college houses: Ware, Riepe, & Fisher Hassenfeld. When people talk about the "classic" Penn freshman experience, this is usually what they're picturing. It's a gorgeous, sprawling Gothic-style complex that looks straight out of a movie.
  • The Vibe: SUPER social. The Quad is the epicenter of freshman social life, & it's always buzzing with energy. If you're looking to meet a lot of people & always have something to do, this is the place to be. It has a reputation for being the "party dorm," so keep that in mind.
  • The Rooms: The rooms themselves are a mixed bag. Some are surprisingly spacious singles, while others are cozy doubles or even triples. A cool perk is that many rooms have their own sinks. However, be prepared for communal bathrooms. The university has been renovating the bathrooms in the Quad, which is a much-needed upgrade.
  • The Location: The location is pretty central, right on campus & close to many academic buildings. It also has its own dining location, McClelland, which is super convenient.
  • The Bottom Line: If you want the quintessential, social, & sometimes chaotic freshman experience, the Quad is for you. You'll make a ton of memories & have stories for days.

Hill College House: Modern & Communal

Hill is another fantastic all-freshman dorm, but with a totally different feel from the Quad. Designed by the famous architect Eero Saarinen, it’s a modern, low-rise building with a massive central atrium that serves as a social hub.
  • The Vibe: Hill is known for its strong sense of community. The layout of the building, with its central atrium & lounges, is designed to encourage interaction. It's social, but in a more laid-back, "let's hang out & study together" way than the Quad.
  • The Rooms: The rooms at Hill are notoriously small, especially the doubles. That's the trade-off for the great community & modern amenities. The bathrooms are also recently renovated & semi-private, which is a big plus for many students.
  • The Location: Hill's location is a huge selling point, especially for engineering students. It's on the east side of campus, right next to the engineering quad & a short walk from 30th Street Station. It also has its own dining hall, which is considered one of the best on campus.
  • The Bottom Line: Hill is perfect for students who want a strong community, modern amenities, & a convenient location, & are willing to sacrifice a bit of personal space to get it.

King's Court English House (KCECH): The Hidden Gem

KCECH is a bit of a hidden gem among the freshman dorms. It's located a little off the beaten path, but that's part of its charm. It's made up of two connected buildings, King's Court & English House, & it has a reputation for being a bit quieter & more studious than the Quad.
  • The Vibe: KCECH is known for its wholesome & tight-knit community. It's less of a party dorm & more of a place where you'll get to know your hallmates really well. The house staff is also known for putting on a lot of fun events, like trips & movie marathons.
  • The Rooms: The rooms in KCECH are generally larger than in other freshman dorms, with some students even getting walk-in closets. The bathrooms are mostly communal, but there are some private options available.
  • The Location: KCECH is a bit more secluded, which can be a pro or a con depending on what you're looking for. It has its own dining hall, which is a big convenience. It's also close to the gym & some popular food trucks.
  • The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a close-knit community, spacious rooms, & a slightly more low-key social scene, KCECH is an excellent choice.

The New Kids on the Block: Lauder & Gutmann

In recent years, Penn has added some AMAZING new dorms to the mix, & freshmen have been lucky enough to get to live in them.
  • Lauder College House: Originally a four-year house, Lauder is now an all-freshman dorm. It's incredibly popular because of its suite-style living. Everyone gets their own single room, & you share a living room, bathroom, & even a TV with your suitemates. It's a great way to have your own space while still being able to socialize with your friends. The downside? Some students say it can be harder to meet people outside of your suite. Lauder also has its own dining hall.
  • Gutmann College House: Gutmann is the newest & arguably the nicest dorm on campus. It was built in 2021 & is usually for upperclassmen, but due to renovations in the Quad, some freshmen have been able to live there. The facilities are top-notch, with beautiful study spaces, a massive kitchen, a fitness room, & more. Like Lauder, it's all suite-style, with single rooms & shared living spaces. The rooms are a bit on the smaller side, but the amenities more than make up for it.

A Note on Having a Car on Campus

Now, a quick word to the wise about bringing a car to campus. Parking in a city like Philadelphia is notoriously difficult & expensive. On-campus parking is limited & can be quite pricey. If you're considering bringing a car, you'll need to factor in the cost & hassle of finding a spot.
This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects you with local homeowners who are renting out their private driveways & garages for parking. It's often a more affordable & convenient option than traditional parking garages or street parking. You can find a safe & secure spot for your car without the stress of circling the block for hours. It’s a pretty cool solution for a common student headache.

Upperclassman Housing: The High-Rises & Beyond

After your freshman year, you'll have a whole new set of housing options to choose from. The most popular choice for sophomores & upperclassmen are the three high-rise apartment buildings: Harnwell, Harrison, & Rodin.
  • The Vibe: The high-rises offer a more independent, apartment-style living experience. You'll have your own kitchen (in most apartments), bathroom, & a bit more privacy. They're still very social, with each building having its own community & events.
  • The Rooms: The rooms are typically suites with single or double bedrooms, a common living area, & a bathroom. The views from the upper floors are incredible.
  • The Amenities: The high-rises are packed with amenities, including rooftop lounges, fitness rooms, music practice rooms, & more.
  • The Bottom Line: The high-rises are a great choice for upperclassmen who want more independence & apartment-style living without the hassle of moving off-campus.
Of course, there are other upperclassman options too, like Gregory College House, which is a four-year community with a strong sense of house identity, & Du Bois College House, which provides a community space for Black students on campus.

What About Storage?

Another thing to think about, especially if you're moving from far away, is storage. Dorm rooms can be small, & you might find that you have more stuff than you have space for. This is another area where a service like Prked can come in handy. Beyond parking, Prked also helps people find affordable & convenient storage solutions by connecting them with homeowners who have extra space in their garages, attics, or basements. It's a great way to store your extra belongings without having to pay for a pricey storage unit.

The Final Verdict

So, what's the best dorm at Penn? The truth is, it depends on YOU. Each dorm has its own unique charm & community. My best advice is to think about what's most important to you in a living situation & then do your research.
  • If you want to be at the center of the social scene, The Quad is your best bet.
  • If you value community & modern amenities, check out Hill.
  • For a quieter, more tight-knit community, KCECH is a great choice.
  • And if you're all about that suite life, Lauder & Gutmann are at the top of the list.
No matter where you end up, you're going to have an amazing time at Penn. Each dorm offers a unique opportunity to meet new people & make lasting memories.
Hope this was helpful, & let me know what you think! Good luck with your housing selection
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