ōLiv Highland offers by-the-bed, or individual, leases, which are common in student housing near Penn State.
What Is an Individual Lease?
With an individual lease, your student signs their own lease for their assigned bedroom and shared use of the apartment’s common spaces. They are responsible for their own monthly installment, not the full apartment.
If a roommate transfers, moves out, or misses a payment, your student’s financial responsibility does not increase because of that roommate’s lease.
Academic-Year Lease Planning
Student housing lease terms generally align with the academic calendar, which can help families plan around move-in, move-out, and payment timelines. Review your student’s lease carefully for current dates, renewal details, and lease term information.
Learn MoreHow the Guarantor Process Works
Most students do not yet have the income or credit history needed to qualify for a lease on their own. A guarantor, often a parent or guardian, agrees to help cover the financial responsibilities of the lease if the student cannot.
Because ōLiv Highland uses individual leases, a guarantor’s responsibility is tied to their student’s lease only.
What Guarantors Are Responsible For
Guarantors are typically responsible for:
- Monthly installment payments if the student cannot pay
- Charges or damages tied to the student’s lease
- Lease obligations connected to the student’s assigned space
- Not the financial obligations of any roommates
ōLiv Highland offers fully furnished apartments near Penn State with a range of layouts, including studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4+ bedroom options, plus select Townhome and Mansion upgrade options.
Standard Apartment Features
Apartments at ōLiv Highland are designed to help students settle in without needing to bring large furniture items.
Apartment features include:
- Fully furnished apartments with modern, custom-designed furniture
- Bedroom furniture, including a Full XL bed, desk, chair, and built-in dresser
- Independently keyed bedrooms with solid wood doors
- Full-size washer and dryer in each apartment
- Premium stainless steel stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator
- Quartz stone countertops
- Designer cabinetry and architectural track lighting in the kitchen
- Walk-in showers with glass enclosures
- High-speed WiFi throughout the building
- USB ports in kitchens and bedrooms
- Smart thermostat
Select apartments may also feature private bedrooms and bathrooms, blackout shades, walk-in closets with built-in organizers, and upgraded finishes.
Optional Upgrade Options
Students who want an elevated living experience may be able to choose a Townhome or Mansion upgrade, depending on availability.
Upgrade features may include:
- Private outdoor terrace with furniture
- Smart home technology
- In-unit sound system
- Custom quartz kitchen backsplash
- Upgraded cabinets and countertops
- Upgraded furniture package
- Upgraded lighting
- Light dimmers in bedrooms and living room
- Upgraded refrigerator with water and ice dispenser
- Upgraded closet organization
- 65-inch flat screen TV
Contact the ōLiv Highland leasing office for current availability and upgrade pricing, as rates are subject to change.
What Families Should Plan For
Even with furnished apartments and included WiFi, families should still plan for costs outside the monthly installment.
Common items to budget for include:
- Monthly installments based on the selected floor plan and lease term
- Utilities billed through Conservice and added to the resident’s ōLiv account
- Optional resident parking, if your student plans to bring a car
- Renter’s insurance, unless your student provides a qualifying policy
- Groceries, household supplies, cookware, bedding, and personal items
- Pet-related charges, if your student plans to bring an approved pet
Contact the ōLiv Highland leasing office for current fee and pricing information, as rates are subject to change.
Where your student lives can affect how they study, build routines, and connect with others. At ōLiv Highland, residents have access to spaces and resources that support academic focus, wellness, and community.
Academic and Study Spaces
Residents have access to study-friendly spaces throughout the building, including:
- Private and group study lounge
- CoLabs with computers and printers
- High-speed WiFi throughout the building
- Solid wood bedroom doors that help limit distractions while studying
These spaces give students options when they need to focus, work on group projects, or take care of coursework in or outside their apartment.
Fitness and Recreation
Residents also have access to wellness and recreation amenities that support daily routines outside the classroom.
Amenities include:
- Rooftop sundeck with pool and hot tub
- Grill and outdoor gaming areas
- Fitness center with yoga room
- Spa with sauna
Resident Events and Community Connection
At ōLiv Highland, residents can take part in programming designed to help them meet people, get involved, and feel connected.
Programming may include:
- Collaborations with local brands
- Networking and professional development events
- DIY workshops
- Charity and volunteering opportunities
- Community game nights
- Grab-n-go food pop-ups
- Seasonal parties
On-Site Management and Maintenance Support
The on-site team is available to help residents with community questions, resident support, and maintenance needs. For urgent maintenance issues, after-hours support is available through the on-call maintenance process.
Move-in is a big moment for students and families, especially if this is your student’s first off-campus apartment. A little planning before arrival can make the transition easier.
Before Move-In Day
Before your student moves in, it helps to:
- Review the lease together so everyone understands key dates, financial responsibilities, policies, and move-out expectations
- Read move-in instructions from the ōLiv Highland team
- Coordinate with roommates so shared household items are not duplicated
- Focus packing on personal essentials since the apartment is furnished
Students should plan to bring items such as bedding, toiletries, cookware, dishes, school supplies, clothing, decor, and personal electronics.
On Move-In Day
When your student arrives, they should:
- Inspect the apartment carefully
- Confirm that furniture and appliances are in place
- Report any concerns or pre-existing damage to the management team promptly
- Unpack essentials first, including bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
Settling In
Once move-in is complete, students can get more comfortable by:
- Exploring the study spaces, fitness center, yoga room, spa, rooftop, and pool
- Finding the package room, trash areas, and bike storage
- Attending welcome events or resident gatherings
- Checking email and the resident portal regularly for updates
Move-Out Planning
Move-out procedures are tied to the lease term. Students should review their lease for checkout dates, key return steps, cleaning expectations, and final account details. Families can help by talking through move-out plans early so your student is prepared before the end of the lease.
ōLiv Highland is located at 240 S. Pugh St. in State College, close to Penn State and downtown.
Campus Proximity
From ōLiv Highland, students are near major Penn State destinations:
- Penn State University: a 9-minute walk
- Old Main Lawn: an 8-minute walk
- HUB-Robeson Center: a 12-minute walk
- Beaver Stadium: a 5-minute drive
- Penn State University Library: a 6-minute drive
This location can make it easier for students to get to class, meet friends, attend campus events, and enjoy downtown State College.
Biking and Scooter Access
Residents have access to free covered bike storage, which is helpful for students who bike or scooter around campus and State College.
Parking and Vehicle Access
Resident parking is available for students with paid parking spaces. Parking availability and pricing can change, so contact the ōLiv Highland leasing office for current details before your student brings a car.
Getting Around State College
ōLiv Highland is within walking distance of campus, restaurants, take-out spots, entertainment, and shopping areas. Students can build a daily routine around walking, biking, or using a vehicle if they have parking arranged.
It helps to understand how communication works before the lease is signed.
How Communication Works
- Students are the primary point of contact for account, lease, payment, and maintenance matters.
- Parents and guardians may be added as guarantors or emergency contacts when applicable.
- Privacy rules may limit what account-specific information can be shared without the student’s consent.
- If a parent or guardian needs to discuss a resident’s account, the student may need to be part of that conversation or provide permission.
How Families Can Stay Involved
- Reviewing the lease together before signing
- Talking through monthly installment dates and utility responsibilities
- Encouraging the student to check email and resident portal updates
- Discussing move-in, renewal, and move-out timelines early
- Reminding the student to submit maintenance requests promptly when something needs attention
The ōLiv Highland leasing team can answer general questions about the community. For resident-specific account questions, your student should be included in the conversation.
Your burning questions, answered.
What is a guarantor and why is one required at ōLiv Highland?
A guarantor is a person, usually a parent or guardian, who agrees to cover the resident’s lease obligations if the student cannot. Guarantors are often required because many students do not yet have the income or credit history needed to qualify on their own. Because ōLiv Highland uses individual leases, the guarantor is responsible only for their student’s lease, not any roommate’s lease.
What financial responsibilities does a guarantor have?
A guarantor is responsible for the student’s monthly installments, charges, damages, or other lease obligations if the student cannot pay. With an individual lease, that responsibility applies only to the student’s assigned space and lease terms.
Are utilities included in rent at ōLiv Highland?
Not all utilities are included in rent at ōLiv Highland. High-speed WiFi is provided, while utility bills are added to the resident’s ōLiv account through Conservice. Contact the ōLiv Highland leasing office for current utility billing details, as charges and requirements may change.
Is renter’s insurance required at ōLiv Highland?
Yes, residents are expected to have renter’s insurance or enroll in the community’s insurance program if they do not provide a qualifying policy. Contact the leasing office for current renter’s insurance requirements and pricing.
How does the roommate matching service work at ōLiv Highland?
ōLiv Highland offers free roommate matching upon request. The team reviews resident profiles and matches students based on shared interests, study habits, sleep habits, majors, and other lifestyle preferences. Students who already have roommates in mind can also request to live together.
How are maintenance requests handled at ōLiv Highland?
Residents submit maintenance requests through the Resident Portal by selecting “My Apartment,” then “Maintenance,” then “Request Maintenance.” For maintenance emergencies, residents should contact the leasing office right away. After-hours emergencies are routed through on-call maintenance.
How does move-in work at ōLiv Highland?
Move-in information is shared before arrival so residents know what to expect. Students should review their lease, pack personal essentials, coordinate with roommates, inspect the apartment at arrival, and report any issues to the management team promptly.
Can parents be listed on the lease or access account information?
Parents and guardians can often be included as guarantors or emergency contacts, but account-specific information may require the student’s consent. Students are the primary point of contact for lease, payment, maintenance, and account matters.
Is parking available at ōLiv Highland?
Yes, resident parking is available for students with paid parking spaces. Availability and pricing can change, so families should contact the ōLiv Highland leasing office for current parking information before planning to bring a vehicle.
Are pets allowed at ōLiv Highland?
Yes, ōLiv Highland is pet-friendly. Pet charges, deposits, limits, and restrictions may apply. Contact the leasing office for the current pet policy and any associated costs.
What floor plans are available at ōLiv Highland?
ōLiv Highland offers floor plan options that include studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4+ bedroom layouts, along with select Townhome and Mansion upgrade options. Availability changes, so contact the leasing office for current floor plan options.
What upgrade options are available at ōLiv Highland?
ōLiv Highland offers select Townhome and Mansion upgrade options. Upgrade features may include a private outdoor terrace, smart home technology, in-unit sound system, upgraded finishes, upgraded furniture, upgraded lighting, upgraded closet organization, and other premium features. Contact the leasing office for current availability and pricing.
Is ōLiv Highland close to Penn State University?
Yes, ōLiv Highland is close to Penn State University. The property is a 9-minute walk to Penn State, an 8-minute walk to Old Main Lawn, and a 12-minute walk to the HUB-Robeson Center.
If you have questions that are not covered here, the ōLiv Highland leasing team is the best place to start. They can walk you and your student through current lease details, availability, policies, and next steps before anything is signed.