Housing & Dining

There’s more to Penn than academics—like where you’ll be living!  

Wondering what dorm life is like here at Penn? Well for starters, as soon as you step foot on campus, you’ll be immersed in Penn’s thriving residential community. As a first-year student, you’ll be part of one of six Undergraduate College Houses that reflect the spirit of the University and the varied interests of our Quakers. 

And if that’s not enough to convince you that our resident life is amazing, our first-year college house offerings each have their own personality and unique programming. And we’re not just talking your basic college house activities. Think scenic rooftops, autumn apple picking, late-night brunches and more. So, when we say your Penn resident experience is one you’ll never forget, we really mean it. 

Program Communities

Students may choose to enrich their College House experience with one of our themed program communities. Penn’s thriving program communities include areas related to World Culture and Language, the Arts, Identity and Self, STEM, and Leadership Development. Each program offers the opportunity to live with others who share a common interest, and to enjoy formal and informal discussions, film screenings, meals, site visits throughout Philadelphia, group service work, and more. 

Dining

If you haven’t heard, Philly has a famously good food scene (yes, BEYOND soft pretzels and cheesesteaks). And here at Penn, our dining options right on campus are no exception to mouthwatering meals. 

Our food is alive with flavor and nutrition, prepared from scratch using authentic, locally sourced ingredients. We're dedicated to plant-forward ingredients, and environmentally friendly and humane farming practices. The result is so good, it’s award-winning! We also have plenty of options to meet all your dietary and religious needs. So, whatever your heart (or stomach) desires, Penn will have something for every palate. 

Chef at Penn Dining Hall
Top University Dining
- The Daily Meal
Student filling his plate at Penn Dining Hall
6th Best College Dining Experience
- College Rank
Students with plates at Hill College House's dining hall
#2 in Sustainable Dining
- AASHE Sustainable Campus Index