The Philadelphia Center

Housing

Housing: How it all Works For The 16 Week Semester Program

Our Housing Process is one of the many wonderful things about The Philadelphia Center that makes your semester unique and valuable.  Not only will we help each student find their professional direction, but we also help them find their way in a new city!

Is every student guaranteed housing?
Yes.  Since 1967 we have helped over 6,000 students find safe, affordable housing in the City of Philadelphia.

Where do participants live?
Students live in the heart of Center City or in one of the many amazing neighborhoods that makes Philadelphia…Philly.  Our experiential Housing Process helps each student develop self-reliance and confidence by living independently and learning to thrive in a stimulating new environment. 

Where do students stay during the first week of orientation?
During orientation week students stay in a hotel one block from The Philadelphia Center.

How do students become familiar with Philadelphia during the first week?
On the first full day of the program, our staff and faculty take all of the participants on a walking tour of Philadelphia to explore many of the nearby neighborhoods: Center City, Italian Market, Chinatown, Bella Vista, Old City, South Street, Avenue of the Arts, Art Museum, University City and more.

How do students learn about housing leads?
At the conclusion of the walk, our housing coordinators will provide each student with a comprehensive list of housing leads, places that we know are available for short-term rental, along with surveys from previous students and listings of apartments currently available throughout the city. Most students live in houses or apartments managed by property owners and realtors with whom we have established relationships. Throughout the entire process, each student will be in constant communication with our housing coordinators, staff, and faculty.  Please remember that we have been doing this for over 40 years so we are well versed in helping students find a place to live.

How much time does each student get to find a place to live?
By the end of the first week of the 16 week semester program, each student needs to decide a)who they are going to live with and b)where they are going to live.  Each housing group will have signed a short-term lease for the semester

Will The Philadelphia Center review the lease?
Yes.  We review all leases prior to signing.  Throughout the entire process, each student will be in constant communication with our housing coordinators, staff, and faculty.

How much does it cost to live in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast. Many students find they actually spend less on rent and groceries than they would on room and board on their home campuses.  For more information on estimated living expenses click here to review our budget survey.

What does a student do after a lease is signed?
Upon signing a lease, students then begin to arrange for utilities to be connected.  Additionally, students also decide how they want to furnish their apartment or house.  Some locations are furnished.  For those students that require furniture they can easily rely upon our long-standing relationship with a furniture rental company or go treasure-hunting at local thrift-stores.

What skills does a student learn by living independently in Philadelphia?
Living independently in Philadelphia is a very unique component of The Philadelphia Center’s 16 week semester program.  Finding your own place will give you the skills to negotiate an array of responsibilities including: budgeting living expenses, meeting realtors, viewing apartments, signing a lease, arranging for utilities, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, and much more.

How can I contact The Philadelphia Center?
Please click .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to email us with questions on housing.