Rent + What's Included

One of the most affordable housing options for students + young pros to find community

Designed for Community

more than a home… find your family of support!

We take care of the hard part: finding creative, driven + purpose-lead individuals who are seeking meaningful connection + community. All you have to do is apply!

Meals & mentors

We host a family dinner every Sunday and Wednesday as a chance to catch up with friends, meet new mentors, and pitch project ideas for the house. Network from the comfort of your kitchen!

Facilitated events

From TEDx speaker dinners to private house concerts – we partner with lots of organizations in town to host creative + purposeful events. We bring the creativity to your living room.

House retreats

A highlight of each year – we host semesterly retreats for the house to connect twice a year. All expenses are covered – so just show up to relax, unwind and have fun!

Pursue passion projects

Collaborate with your housemates on projects. Indoor beehives. Spinning greenhouses. Recording studios. We’ve built them all! Good ideas can receive $1000 from our friends at 3 Dots.

Diverse housemates

Live with people who think differently and challenge you to be your best self. Surrounded by peers + mentors to support you on your journey, we fill the house with a multitude of perspectives.

Connect to opportunity

Use our in-house slack group and app to find out what’s happening in the home and with alumni around the world. Get the inside scoop on resources and opportunities.

We are committed to diversity and anti-racism as we grow our community. We seek to be a space welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and that is inclusive of all abilities and walks of life. We continuously strive to improve upon our past efforts, lift up those around us, and find ways to engage new voices.

“I’ve lived in a bunch of different places since I’ve been in State College, and this is the first place that has felt like home.”

Hazel Platt
Alum, 2015 – 2017

“I’ve lived in a bunch of different places since I’ve been in State College, and this is the first place that has felt like home.”

Hazel Platt
Alum, 2015 – 2017

House Features

5,000 sqft of creativity + convenience

The co.space was designed to make living in community as convenient as possible. The property has been completely renovated and features new additions every year.

Fully furnished

Everything you need to get settled – plus a few surprises! (no need to bring your own rock climbing wall… we’ve got you covered)

Centrally located

Located in downtown State College at (view on google), we are a quick 5 min walk to Penn State’s campus. No need to worry about a bus pass.

High-end kitchen

Top-end appliances, granite countertops, and a walk-in fridge. The heart of our home is perfect for cooking large community meals.

Free laundry & supplies

No need for supply runs – we stock all of the cleaning supplies for the house. Plus take advantage of unlimited use of in-house laundry!

High-speed wifi

Commercial-grade wifi throughout the house. Never worry about submitting an assignment online or (who are we kidding) streaming netflix…

Built for collaboration

Outdoor movie theatres on the porch. Giant dining room table for potlucks. Living room VR for ideation sessions. We’re built to collaborate.

Apply to Live Here Schedule a Visit

“I met my best friends and most creative collaborators at the co.space!”

Chris Danilo
Alum, 2015

“I met my best friends and most creative collaborators at the co.space!”

Chris Danilo
Alum, 2015

Unbeatable Value

co.spacers can save over $300 every month compared to similar alternatives

One monthly fee gets you all that you need to find meaningful community. We take care of the annoying bills and supply runs so you can focus on what matters – making memories!

		Apartment	Uni Dorm
Rent (per person)	$795 (double) or $895 (single)	$660	$995
Utilities	✅	$170	included
Laundry	✅	$30	$30
Cleaning Supplies	✅	$85	$55
High-Speed Wifi	✅	$80	included
Tech & Furnishings	✅	$1000’s upfront	included
Centrally Located	✅	$80 (bus pass)	yes
Semesterly Retreats	✅	❌	❌
Add to the Property	✅	❌	❌
Total Cost	$795 – 895 All-inclusive	$1105 + furnishings	$1080

No need to worry about large upfront security deposits

We partner with Obligo to provide tenants with a flexible security deposit alternative. Instead of paying a cash deposit at the time of signing your lease, you have the option to go deposit free by paying a small monthly fee. Learn more here.

All leases are signed for 12 months starting Aug 19 of that year. Parking is an additional $70/month (limited to 10 spots). There are 8 double rooms in the home for students and 5 single rooms which are dedicated to young professionals and assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. Occasional sublet opportunities are available throughout the year – please get in touch to inquire.

* If you have financial concerns, please get in touch to discuss options. Whenever possible, we aim to make sure money is not a barrier to participation.

** Comparable prices are based on estimates of nearby properties with similar amenities.

Unbeatable Value

co.spacers can save over $300 every month compared to similar alternatives

One monthly fee gets you all that you need to find meaningful community. We take care of the annoying bills and supply runs so you can focus on what matters – making memories!

Rent (per person)
Utilities
Laundry
Cleaning Supplies
Commercial-grade Wifi
Tech & Furnishings
Centrally Located
Semesterly Retreats
Freedom to Add to the House
Total Cost

$795 (double) or $895 (single)
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
$795 – 895 All-inclusive

Apartment
$660
$170
$30
$85
$80
$1000’s upfront
$80 (bus pass)
❌
❌
$1105 + furnishings

Dorm
$995
included
$30
$55
included
included
yes
❌
❌
$1080

No need to worry about large upfront security deposits

* If you have financial concerns, please get in touch to discuss options. Whenever possible, we aim to make sure money is not a barrier to participation.

** Comparable prices are based on estimates of nearby properties with similar amenities.

“The best decision I made in my entire college career!”

Katie DeFiore
Alum, 2017 – 2018

“the best decision I made in my entire college career!”

Katie DeFiore
Alum, 2017 – 2018

What Others are Saying

Featured as one of the leading organizations for catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship in State College, PA

What would it look like to create a space where spontaneous conversations, connections and impact happened on a regular basis? That’s the driving idea behind co.space.

International City/County Management Association – 2017

“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve walked down in my pajamas, half dressed and found someone really interesting in my living room…

…and I sat down to have a conversation with them and I make connections and that’s something I just wouldn’t have living anywhere else,” McGee said. He chose to live here because he wanted to be surrounded by people who are inspiring and involved and who would push him to accomplish his goals.

WPSU / NPR – 2013

Read for more info

This home gave me a safe place to find community during the pandemic and live with people who helped me grow.

“The co.space feels so much more intentional than any place I’ve lived in the past. The people who live here want to be here. And they want to be a part of the community that is created here. People live here because they truly embrace the ideals and the goals of the co.space which is to create a community and to develop projects that will benefit the house, and the region as a whole.

Onward State – 2021

Read for more info

Voted one of the most impactful social innovations to emerge in higher education

400 entrepreneurial leaders in higher education met at Arizona State University for the AshokaU Exchange. Can only two days of inspiration, learning, and sharing in a collaborative environment lead to impact? The answer? Unmistakably, YES.

AshokaU – 2012

Read for more info

What sets the co.space apart from any other communal living environment (well, beyond the cave shower) is a focus on supporting residents’ individual journeys.

Retreats focus on personal and collective goals, a journey board tracks co.spacer’s next steps and guest dinners introduce residents to “changemakers” from the community and beyond.

Centre Daily Times – 2012

Read for more info

…an intentional community of “changemakers” that entices more enterprising young professionals to stick around after graduation.

20 co.spacers collectively form a uniquely intentional community, each delving into his or her personal passions but making those interests, struggles and fears known publicly so that the housemates can offer support and accountability.

State College Magazine – 2016

Read for more info

“What if we could design spaces that increase the likelihood of having powerful conversations?”

Featured on the TEDx stage, our founder explores the motivation and design principles behind creating the home. Peak inside creating the co.space!

TEDxPSU – 2014

What would make for the worst living experience you could possibly imagine… then think of the total opposite of that!

Everything from the home’s layout to its furnishings encourages creativity. Almost every room has a white board to draw or write down ideas. “We’re always trying to spark new ideas,” said Spud Marshall, chief catalyst at the co.space.

Daily Collegian – 2014 + 2017

Read for more info + Read for more info

Recognized as one of the leading social enterprises accelerating efforts towards a green economy

The co.space was highlighted as one of 14 winners in the international Green Economy Eco-Business Innovation Initiative (GEEBIZ). The award is managed by Peace Child International, a UK-based NGO empowering + inspiring young leaders.

Peace Child International – 2013

Read for more info

Winner of the ‘Millennial Civic Engagement Summit’ for creating lasting change in communities

With support from the Knight Foundation, co.space was awarded funding and recognition as one of the top projects to emerge from the ‘Millennial Civic Engagement Summit’.

Mobilize.org – 2012

Read for more info

1 2 3 4 5 6

Questions

Don’t see an answer? Get in touch through our contact page.

How does co-living work?

Co-living is an exciting trend around the world where people share a living space while creating intentional community. You can learn more at our friends coliving.com. For our home, we have a mix of students and young professionals who live in the home, as well as visiting scholars and guests through our guest room.

All students share a room with one other student. Tenants can request to room with a specific person if they’d like, or we can facilitate introductions to help you find a good fit. Often times roommate pairs end up turning into life-long friends.

The property has 3 floors and a basement. The second and third floors each have two full baths and the basement room has a private full bath. The rest of the house is designated as common spaces and can be used by anyone.

The property is overseen by two House Managers who live in the home. Most importantly, House Managers serve as a mentor and and supporter to those in the home. They help oversee the safety and wellbeing of the residents and serve as the contact persons for any disputes or issues that arise within the home.

How does the roommate situation work?

We put a lot of care and intention into helping tenants find great roommate matches. All undergrad students share a double room in the co.space with another roommate. We understand that you may have had a poor experience in the past finding a good roommate match, and why that may make you feel hesitant about living in a community with roommates.

Once you’ve been accepted into the home, we set up a couple opportunities for you to find a good match. First, we host a winter meet and greet where you have a chance to connect with everyone else who has been accepted. Then we check in with everyone to ask about roommate preferences, and create tailored recommendations of who else in the house we think you would pair with well. We take into consideration sleeping, study, social, and personal preferences when suggesting pairs.

Over the years, we’ve had great success finding good roommate pairings for everyone! Since everyone in the house is intentionally applying to be a part of the community, you can rest assured knowing that everyone cares about creating a healthy and enjoyable living space for everyone involved, including your roommate.

How are you handling Covid-19?

We are committed to ensuring that the house is as safe as possible during these times. We have implemented a few specific policy changes:

Visitors: We are asking that all visitors are fully vaccinated, or wear a mask when visiting inside.
Increased Cleaning: In addition to our normal cleaning routine and supplies for the home, we have installed hand sanitizing stations at every entrance and floor of the home. An automatic temperature scanner is at the front door to check people’s temperature.
House Meetings to Discuss Behavior: We meet regularly as a house to discuss everyone’s social interaction outside the home. Those who have had higher levels of activity outside the home that week are encouraged to be more cautious in the home and isolate as need be.

Covid-19 is a scary reality we are all learning to live with. Although we have had to change some of our norms in the home, one of the things that has not changed has been our culture of support. When folks need to self-isolate in our quarantine room, the house is able to cook for that individual and care for them in safe and nurturing ways. We are all experiencing the grief, uncertainty and anxiety caused by Covid-19 and our hope is that living in community, when approached from a place of care and compassion, is a way to find some critical support during these times.

How do house meals work?

Each co.spacer cooks three dinners per semester for the house, so that every Sunday and Wednesday there is a house meal. Chefs cook in pairs – so if you’ve never cooked for a large group – no worries!! Chefs spend no more than $5/person for dinners and our custom co.app coordinates all of the details so chefs know how many to cook for each week (as well as what food allergies there might be). At the end of the semester, we balance the budget based on how many meals each person ate and their total grocery bills.

What are time expectations?

Residents are expected to attend the following activities throughout the year:

Retreats (which happen on a weekend at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters)
House dinners & meetings (activities vary, but they always happen every Sunday from 7-9:30 and Wednesday from 7-8:30)

We realize that there may be days where you are not able to attend, but we have found that those who make a commitment to being fully invested in the house take away the most value from the experience. So although we do not set required time expectations, it is safe to budget for roughly 4-6 hours a week.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that intentional communities are incredible opportunities for both personal and professional development. The time invested into the co.space will serve as more than a line on your resume, but rather as a life-changing experience and community to call home.

Additionally, we encourage all students to be actively engaged in other extracurriculars and academic work. The resources and expertise of the university are designed to complement the real-world network and connections that the co.space will provide for you, so view them as supporting, rather than competing, resources.

What is included with the retreats?

All co.spacers are invited to participate in two retreats per year (September and January). The retreats are fully funded (food, accommodation, and activities) and are a chance for the house to define what they want the community to look like each year. Facilitated activities and discussions are lead by the House Managers and co.space staff. Alumni of the home consistently share that the retreats are some of their favorite times during the years – as they are incredibly important at bonding our community, clarifying our personal and collective intentions for the year, and offering a chance to retreat from the normal stress/activity of life.

Is parking available?

There are 10 parking spots for the home. Upper-class students will be given priority with remaining spots given via lottery to others. Parking is an additional fee per month.

Are there short-term leases available?

Very rarely do we have short-term leases available. Occasionally, we have tenants and applicants who plan to study abroad or take an internship for a full semester. In these situations, during the application process, we work on finding matches of individuals who are only looking for housing for only a semester at a time.

Please apply and mark in your application that you only plan on being in town for one semester so that we can best find a way to fit you into your home given your availability.

What are the policies on alcohol and partying?

The general rule regarding partying is that if you can do it at any other home downtown, then do it there. But if there is something unique about what you want to host at the house (like a TEDx after-party or special musical performance) and it is ok’d by the community, then the co.space is a great spot for it.

Residents sign a House Manifesto that outlines the responsibility that individual residents take on with regards to the possession and consumption of alcohol on the co.space property. These policies are designed for the safety of all residents and to ensure that all residents and guests of the home act responsibly and do not abuse the use of alcohol.

The co.space is not a social party fraternity, and residents should strongly consider how their behavior is affecting the dynamics of the entire community. The co.space is not solely student housing and should therefore respect the needs of older tenants.

Am I a good fit for the home?

We look for individuals who are curious, committed and confident. We look for people who understand the importance of living in community. And most importantly we look for people who give a damn and want to do something about it.

…she probably wouldn’t have [launched her project] if she lived in an apartment…

Past pitch dinner projects include bee colonies, a free library on the front lawn, a wall that any of the residents can paint on, climbing walls, and an indoor herb garden hung around the kitchen’s entrance. “You are the creator of your own destiny, and little projects like that are a really good way to do it” said house manager Dustin Betz.

Onward State – 2016

Read for more info

Passionate about social entrepreneurship transformative education community development race relations sustainable agriculture social justice eradicating poverty ethical leadership alternative energy and looking for your family?

Apply to Live Here Schedule a Visit

Passionate about social entrepreneurship transformative education community development race relations sustainable agriculture social justice eradicating poverty ethical leadership alternative energy and looking for your family?

Apply to Live Here Schedule a Visit

One of the most affordable housing options for students + young pros to find community

Designed for Community

Meals & mentors

Facilitated events

House retreats

Pursue passion projects

Diverse housemates

Connect to opportunity

“I’ve lived in a bunch of different places since I’ve been in State College, and this is the first place that has felt like home.”

“I’ve lived in a bunch of different places since I’ve been in State College, and this is the first place that has felt like home.”

House Features

Fully furnished

Centrally located

High-end kitchen

Free laundry & supplies

High-speed wifi

Built for collaboration

“I met my best friends and most creative collaborators at the co.space!”

“I met my best friends and most creative collaborators at the co.space!”

Unbeatable Value

Unbeatable Value

“The best decision I made in my entire college career!”

“the best decision I made in my entire college career!”

What Others are Saying

Featured as one of the leading organizations for catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship in State College, PA

“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve walked down in my pajamas, half dressed and found someone really interesting in my living room…

This home gave me a safe place to find community during the pandemic and live with people who helped me grow.

Voted one of the most impactful social innovations to emerge in higher education

What sets the co.space apart from any other communal living environment (well, beyond the cave shower) is a focus on supporting residents’ individual journeys.

…an intentional community of “changemakers” that entices more enterprising young professionals to stick around after graduation.

“What if we could design spaces that increase the likelihood of having powerful conversations?”

What would make for the worst living experience you could possibly imagine… then think of the total opposite of that!

Recognized as one of the leading social enterprises accelerating efforts towards a green economy

Winner of the ‘Millennial Civic Engagement Summit’ for creating lasting change in communities

Questions

…she probably wouldn’t have [launched her project] if she lived in an apartment…

Passionate about social entrepreneurship transformative education community development race relations sustainable agriculture social justice eradicating poverty ethical leadership alternative energy and looking for your family?

Passionate about social entrepreneurship transformative education community development race relations sustainable agriculture social justice eradicating poverty ethical leadership alternative energy and looking for your family?

Follow Along Online

State College co.space, LLC