How do I make a choice between the engineering housing options at University Park?

The housing options all offer the opportunity to make friends in your major, find study groups, and participate in additional activities. All are good, so you should read about each one and decide which has the best fit for you.

What do these living options offer?

This varies by house and even by year. Here are some typical activities:

E-House (Engineering House)—Student participation in house governance, academic and social programs, special engineering academic and career development workshops, study groups, faculty adviser

EASI 1st Year (Engineering and Applied Science Interest House)—Student governed, study groups, first-year seminar, academic and social programs, faculty adviser

FISE (First Year in Science and Engineering)—Tutoring, program assistants, academic and social programs, multicultural living environment

Where are the options located?

E-House—McKee Hall, West Halls Residential Areas

EASI—Beaver Hall, Pollock Residential Area

FISE—Pennypacker Hall, East Halls Residential Area

Should I still submit the Housing Request form if I have submitted my E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE form online or by mail?

Application to E-House, FISE or EASI is a DUAL PROCESS for first-year students and it is important to complete both parts. Application is made simultaneously to the College of Engineering and Penn State Housing and Food Services. The College of Engineering application requires an essay. Transfer and continuing students request special housing only through their housing contract.

If I have already submitted my Housing Request form, do I STILL need to submit the E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE application to the College of Engineering through the online form or by mail?

Yes, if you are an entering first-year student. If you submit only through the Housing Request form you will not be considered for placement unless space remains. Typically the housing options fill up with dual submission applicants.

No, if you are a transfer or continuing student.

Are these options guaranteed to accepted-first year students in engineering?

No, and they are limited so it is important to apply early. Date of application receipt is one of the selection criteria. The earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting a spot.

How competitive is the application process?

Selection for E-House (first year students only)/EASI 1st Year/FISE is based upon the date the application is received, a student's qualifications, and the essay. If you are interested in the special housing option APPLY and APPLY EARLY or you may not have a choice. NOTE: It is important to get your housing contract in as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in Supplemental Housing.

What are the benefits of the engineering-related special housing options?

One of the greatest advantages is your peer group—you will be surrounded by students just like you: smart, active, interested in studying engineering, ready to work hard, motivated, and new to Penn State! It can be frustrating and discouraging to have a roommate who does not have to work as hard as you. If you are surrounded by roommates and neighbors who have the same courses and homework and who are working as hard as you are, it makes life easier. You will also have easy access to study groups and tutors.

Will my peer group be too limited if I am in an all-engineering or all-engineering and -science residence hall?

E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE students are people just like you. They have a variety of interests, are involved in sports teams and extracurricular activities throughout campus, and like to have fun as well as work hard. Think of it as a home base—a place to study and live.

I'm not sure if I'm coming to Penn State, but if I do, I would like to live in E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE. Should I wait to apply for housing?

Send in the E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE application 1) to the College of Engineering as soon as possible and 2) the contract to Housing and Food Services. You may submit your E-House/FISE/EASI form before you submit your contract to Penn State Housing and Food Services.

When will a decision be made?

In May, a College of Engineering committee will review the E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE applicants and make recommendations to the Housing Assignment Office based on essay and application receipt date.

When will I be notified?

Applicants will be notified by mail when Penn State Housing and Food Services official notifications for all students of housing assignments go out at the end of July or early August.

What if I am not selected for E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE?

All first-year students are guaranteed housing on campus and great majority of entering first-year students are housed in the East Halls Residential Area. Students who have not been selected for E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE will join other first-year students in the residence hall selection process. There is some movement in housing assignments during the summer, so you may get into E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE even if you weren't in the first cut.

Isn't East Halls really far away from everything?

Not so far. In fact, nothing is further than a 20-minute walk on this campus! And the Campus Loop and Link buses are free of charge. The vast majority of students in East Halls are first-year students, all with similar questions, first experiences, and interests. East Halls is designed to be a first-year student area with staff, programs, and personnel specifically chosen to create a good first-year experience. It also has an excellent commons area and is near the Jordan Center and athletic facilities.

What is E-House House?

The Engineering House is on most floors of McKee Hall in the West Halls residential area. This engineering housing option is available to students at any level of their undergraduate academic career. Students from FISE are eligible to move to E-House in their second and subsequent years. Students in E-House are expected to make a commitment to participate in the special academic and social programs that are offered. Only those who participate are guaranteed space in E-House for the following year.

As a sophomore, junior or senior, how can I get into E-House or EASI House?

Make your request through the housing contract process.

What is EASI House?

The Engineering and Applied Science Interest House is on the 7th floor of Beaver Hall in the Pollock-Nittany residential area. EASI is available to students at any level of their undergraduate academic career. Since upper-class students have first option for EASI housing, the spaces for first-year students are limited, but available (twenty percent of all residence hall spaces are reserved for first-year students). Many EASI 1st Year/FISE residents select EASI after their first year.

What is FISE House?

The First Year in Science and Engineering Special Living Option is on the top four floors of Pennypacker Hall in the East Halls residential area. FISE is available only to first-year students. Students from FISE are eligible to move to E-House in their second and subsequent years or many select EASI or other housing options.

Can I stay in E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE as a sophomore?

EASI 1st Year students who are active in EASI activities may opt to stay in Beaver Hall as a part of EASI house or apply elsewhere, and E-House students who are active in E-House activities may opt to stay in McKee Hall as a part of E-House or apply elsewhere. FISE students must relocate out of Pennypacker Hall as it only houses first-year students. FISE participants can apply to join E-House in McKee Hall or EASI house in Beaver Hall or apply elsewhere. Refer specific questions regarding housing in the second year to Penn State Housing and Food Services.

Where do I get an application for E-House/EASI 1st Year/FISE

You can apply online, call 800-848-9223, or e-mail undergradhousing@engr.psu.edu.

Are these housing options all co-ed (meaning that both women and men participate)?

Yes, but there are defined sections set aside for men and women in each house.

Are there women-only engineering-related housing options?

All engineering housing options offer floors or sections for women housing. WISE House (Women in Science and Engineering) is for women only and is a four-year option. For more information, go to Special Living Options at Penn State.

Are there other engineering-related housing options?

Yes, WISE House (the Women in Science and Engineering Interest House), STS (Science, Technology and Science House) and EASI (Engineering and Applied Science Interest House) are all engineering-related and all are good options. There are a variety of other good options as well. To explore these, go to Special Living Options at Penn State and/or Special Living Options at University Park.

For specific room and housing related questions (what do the rooms look like, how are roommates selected, etc.) go to Penn State Housing and Food Services.