Temple University Housing: Options, Costs, and Considerations

Choosing where to live is a crucial part of the college experience. For Temple University students, a variety of housing options are available, each with its own unique benefits and costs. This article explores both on-campus and off-campus housing choices, providing information to help students make informed decisions about their living arrangements.

On-Campus Housing

Living on campus at Temple University offers a vibrant and immersive experience. More than 7,500 students live on or near Main Campus, taking advantage of the convenience and community that on-campus housing provides.

Benefits of On-Campus Living

Community: On-campus housing fosters a strong sense of community. Residents can easily connect with fellow students through programs, events, and shared living spaces.
Convenience: Living in a residence hall places students at the center of campus life, close to classes, libraries, dining halls, and student activities.
Resources: University Housing provides resident assistants, community councils, peer mentors, resident coordinators, and resident directors who facilitate programs and events.
Guaranteed Housing for First-Year Students: On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year students who commit to Temple by the specified deadline.

On-Campus Housing Options

Temple University offers a variety of residence halls and apartment-style housing. Some popular options include:

Temple Towers: These towers consist of East and West wings, each with six floors. Temple Towers feature social lounges and a TV room for students to enjoy. Undergraduate study abroad and exchange students staying on-campus will stay in Temple Towers in the Global Living Learning Communities (Global LLC).
Morgan Hall: Morgan Hall offers both single and double rooms. Each kitchen includes a convection oven that doubles as a microwave, and residents have access to a community laundry room.
1940 Residence Hall: This hall features double rooms, a game room, and a computer station with printing access.
Graduate Housing: DBMD and Graduate study abroad and exchange students will stay in Graduate Housing, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Center City, approximately 2.5 km from Main Campus. The residence hall is apartment-style and is easily accessible to Main Campus by public transportation.
Living Learning Communities (LLC): LLCs are residential communities for students who share a common interest. These communities offer increased access to academic resources and social benefits. LLC options include Architecture, sustainability and environmental design, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Fox School of Business, College of Engineering, Entrepreneurs and innovators, Global, Honors Program, Klein College of Media and Communication, Performing and Cinematic Arts, Science and Technology, School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Thrive: Wellness.

Costs of On-Campus Housing

Housing rates vary depending on the type of room, residence hall, and amenities. Keep in mind that rates for university housing may increase periodically. It's important to check the university's housing website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Important Considerations for On-Campus Housing

Housing License: The housing application is a binding agreement, and students are responsible for all terms and conditions outlined in the housing license, including cancellation penalties.
Roommate Success Plans: Roommates may be asked to complete Roommate Success Plans to codify expectations and promote respectful living.
COVID-19 Protocols: In the event of a positive COVID-19 test, students may be asked to isolate themselves, either at home, in their current room, or in designated isolation housing.
Microwaves: Personal microwaves are generally not permitted in residence halls. However, microwaves are available on each floor of traditional and suite-style buildings. Students can also rent a refrigerator and microwave combination (a MicroFridge) through Campus Specialties.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are available in every residence hall, typically on every other floor. The cost is approximately $1.75 per load.

Off-Campus Housing

Many Temple University students choose to live off campus, particularly after their first year. Off-campus housing offers greater independence, more space, and potentially lower costs.

Benefits of Off-Campus Living

More Freedom and Space: Off-campus apartments offer more freedom and space compared to on-campus dorms.
Cost Savings: Renting an apartment can be more affordable than on-campus housing, especially when sharing with roommates.
Year-Round Housing: Off-campus apartments are available year-round, providing a consistent home for students.
Personalization: Students can personalize their living space with their own decor and pets (depending on the apartment's policies).
Fully Equipped Kitchens: Off-campus apartments typically have fully equipped kitchens, allowing students to cook their own meals.
Private Bathrooms: Many off-campus apartments offer private en-suite bathrooms for added privacy.
Premium Community Amenities: Some apartment buildings offer amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, entertainment centers, and study rooms.

Popular Off-Campus Housing Options near Temple University

uhomes.com: This platform offers a variety of apartments near Temple University, with options for studios, single rooms, shared rooms, and multi-bedroom apartments. Prices range from approximately $479 to $2,000 per month, with some options including bills.
University City Associates: Located a few miles from Temple, these apartments offer various floor plans.
Campus Apartments Philadelphia: These apartments are another option in the University City area.
Paloma University City: This complex offers apartments with a range of amenities.
Standard at Philadelphia: This luxury high-rise features swimming pools, saunas, gyms, and free coffee & tea.
The Mark Philadelphia: This high-quality student apartment complex offers a swimming pool and floor-to-ceiling windows.
University Village Temple: This gated community is located a short walk from campus and offers complete security facilities and learning facilities.
The Greenery: This luxurious student housing option offers package pickup via an on-site Amazon Hub Locker and 24/7 CCTV.
Avery Philly: This option includes bills and offers high cashback.
University Apartments: These apartments are pet-friendly and offer a gym and elevator.
Kardon Atlantic Apartments: This pet-friendly apartment is within a short walk of campus.
The York Philadelphia: It is close to Temple's main campus and the Cecil B. Moore subway station, and it takes only 10 minutes to walk to campus each day.
The Nest: Temple University apartments near the bus and railway stations.
EVO at Cira Centre South: Best apartments with free coffee & tea and a sky garden.

Best Neighborhoods for Temple University Housing

North Philadelphia: Close to Temple University, North Philadelphia is a multicultural and vibrant neighborhood with relatively low rent and easy access to the city center. Living in the Temple Patrol Zone can make walking to campus convenient and safe.
Northern Liberties: This bustling neighborhood is popular with upperclassmen and graduate students, offering a strong sense of community with local shops, restaurants, and parks.
Center City: Center City Philadelphia offers a rich array of attractions and nightlife, with easy access to Temple University via the Broad Street Line.

Costs of Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing costs vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the apartment. Rent can range from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000 per month. It's important to factor in additional expenses such as utilities (internet, electricity), groceries, and transportation.

Important Considerations for Off-Campus Housing

Lease Agreements: Housing contracts are legally binding agreements, so students are responsible for the entire duration of the lease, even if they are studying at Temple for only one semester.
Transportation: Consider the proximity of the apartment to campus and transportation options. If you don't have a car, living near campus or a SEPTA subway or bus line is essential.
Safety: Research the safety of the neighborhood and consider living in the Temple Patrol Zone for added security.
Roommates: If you're planning to live with roommates, discuss expectations and living habits beforehand to ensure a harmonious living environment.
Utilities: Find out which utilities are included in the rent and which ones you'll be responsible for paying.
Amenities: Consider which amenities are important to you, such as laundry facilities, fitness centers, and pet-friendly policies.

Dining Options and Meal Plans

Temple University offers a variety of dining options and meal plans to suit different needs and preferences.

Temple Dining Halls and Meal Plans

Temple has several dining halls and cafÃ©s across campus offering a wide variety of foods, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. While meal plans are not required for all students, they provide flexibility and convenience.

Meal Plan Options

Temple offers a range of meal plans, from unlimited meal swipes to a set number of meals per week. Prices range from approximately $530 to $1,800 per semester depending on the plan.

Campus Food Trucks

One of the most unique and beloved features of Templeâs campus is the dozens of food trucks lined up along key streets. These trucks serve everything from Korean barbecue to falafel, bubble tea, tacos, dumplings, smoothies, and classic Philly cheesesteaks.

Read also: Is Temple a Good Fit?

Grocery Shopping and Cooking Options

If you like to cook, youâll find many grocery stores near campus, including international markets with familiar foods from home. Students living in apartment-style housing can prepare their own meals, and community kitchens are also available in some residence halls.

Frequently Asked Meal Plan Questions

What are meal plans like at Temple? Temple meal plans are convenient and flexible, allowing you to use your meal plan for standard meals, coffee, snacks, and more at dining halls and a la carte dining spots on campus.
What meal plans are offered? Temple offers a range of meal plans, including Unlimited, Weekly 12, Weekly 15, Block 50, and Block 100.
Am I required to have a meal plan? If you are a first-year student living in on-campus housing, or a transfer student residing on campus, you are required to purchase a minimum meal plan of 10 meals per week.

Additional Resources

uhomes.com: For off-campus housing options and information.
Temple University Housing and Residential Life: For on-campus housing information, applications, and important dates.
Temple University Dining Services: For meal plan options and costs.
Temple University Off-Campus Services: For assistance with navigating local real estate.
Temple University Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS): For housing accommodations for students with disabilities.

Read also: Affording Temple

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