Special Living Options
Penn State Behrend offers opportunities for students interested in living with others who share common interests and goals. Special Living Options (SLOs) are open to students who have an interest in one of the themes. Students interested in an SLO can contact the Housing and Food Service Office for more information about how to request an SLO.
The following SLOs are available at Behrend:
Ally House
Ally House provides an open, safe, and inclusive living environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally students. Ally House fosters a community dedicated to gaining greater knowledge and understanding of sexuality and gender issues. Student programs support these goals. Ally House is open to first year and returning students and is located in Almy Hall.
Discover House
Discover House is a living-learning community designed by the Behrend Academic & Career Planning Center on behalf of the Division of Undergraduate Studies for students who want to make the most of their Penn State experience. In Discover House, a student learns about the University opportunities and academic programs so he/she can make an informed choice of major and create an exciting academic plan. Discover House students receive individualized attention from advisers and are offered special monthly programs and opportunities. It is an ideal environment to begin university life and transition to the on-campus living environment. Discover House is in Perry Hall and is for DUS students.
Engineering House
This Interest House in Niagara Hall gives engineering students the opportunity to interact with other engineering students. Residents also learn about the resources and services the college offers to help them achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Open to first year and returning Engineering students only.
Global Boarders
This international-focused special living environment in Trippe Hall offers the opportunity to build valuable cultural competency skills. Global Boarders is an international-focused community of students seeking close interaction with peers who live or have studied abroad, hope to study abroad, or want a culturally diverse living-learning environment. The Black School of Business will offer academic enrichment and unique out-of-class opportunities for Global Boarders participants, both first year and returning students.
Honors House
The Honors Special Living Option is available to students who share similar academic goals and are enrolled in the Honors Program. Fostering the scholars' growth through activities with faculty, the Erie Honors House is run in conjunction with The Schreyer Honors College. Behrend students also have the opportunity to participate in the Hall Council and the Community Standards Board. A majority of Honors students, both first year and returning, are assigned to Ohio Hall.
Living in a Free Environment (LIFE) House
Designed for students who wish to live in a substance-free environment, residents of this interest house complete a Community Living Agreement to articulate their commitment to a substance-free lifestyle. Student leaders and RAs plan a variety of social activities that complement a substance-free lifestyle- and work together to ensure that the living environment remains free of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. LIFE House is open to first year and returning students and is located in Almy Hall.
Tree House
Tree House is a special living option located in Trippe Hall for students dedicated to living a sustainable lifestyle. Students interested in making daily choices with the environment in mind can now interact and live together. Students will learn from like-minded people and regularly come together to learn from one another, to do our best to lead lives of environmental consciousness. Be part of a group that engages our community in raising awareness and encourages others to make changes each day to live as sustainably as possible.