- Convenience: Stay close to classes, dining, and campus events.
- Community: Make lifelong friends and grow as a leader.
- Support: Get easy access to community advisors (CAs), safety, wellness, and academic help.
Welcome to your home away from home.
The Office of Residence Life and Housing is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging living environment. We extend learning beyond the classroom through well-maintained facilities and intentional programs that foster community, belonging, civic responsibility, and diversity.
At PennWest University, we create safe, inclusive, and vibrant residential communities
across our California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses. Our housing options and support
services are designed to help undergraduate and graduate students succeed and feel
at home.
Why Live On Campus?
Find Your Home Away from Home
Did You Know?
Living in student housing is more than just convenience — it's a game-changer! Stay close to classes, campus events, and key resources. Make new friends, get involved, and build a strong support system. Students who live on campus are more likely to graduate on time and thrive both socially and academically.
Campus Residency Requirement
All incoming undergraduate students — including first-time freshmen and transfer students are required to live in university housing for four consecutive semesters unless they are commuting from the home of a parent or guardian within the approved commuting distances listed below.
Transfer students bringing in fewer than 48 credits from a previous institution are
also required to live on campus.
Commuting Distance Guidelines
California Campus
Within 50 miles of:
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419
Clarion Campus
Within 30 miles of:
840 Wood St.
Clarion, PA 16214
Edinboro Campus
Within 50 miles of:
405 Scotland Rd.
Edinboro, PA 16444
Residency status is based on the student's permanent address at the time of acceptance to PennWest University.
View Campus Residency Requirement Policy
View Commuting Student Notification Form
Housing Resources
Contact Residence Life and Housing
PennWest Residence Life and Housing Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and can be reached via phone or email during normal business hours.
California Campus
250 University Ave.
140 Building B
California, PA 15419
724-938-4444
calreslife@pennwest.edu
Clarion Campus
840 Wood St.
218 Becht Hall
Clarion, PA 16214
814-393-2352
clarionreslife@pennwest.edu
Edinboro Campus
405 Scotland Rd.
215 Frank G. Pogue Student Center
Edinboro, PA 16444
814-732-1553
bororeslife@pennwest.edu