A Parent's Guide to ōLiv Hetzel

Standard Apartment Features

Residents have access to apartment features that may include:

• Fully furnished living rooms and bedrooms
• Modern, custom-designed furniture packages
• Full XL beds
• Bedroom study desks
• Bedroom furniture, including a bed, built-in dressers, desk, and chair
• Furnished shared living areas with a sofa or loveseat, coffee table, and bar stools
• Premium stainless steel appliances
• Microwave, dishwasher, stove, oven, and refrigerator
• Quartz countertops
• Designer cabinetry
• Full-size washer and dryer in each apartment
• USB ports in kitchens and bedrooms
• High-speed WiFi and Ethernet outlets
• Wood-style flooring
• Large windows with energy-efficient glass

Amenities and features can vary by floor plan and unit. Contact the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office to confirm exact apartment features before signing.

Floor Plan Options

ōLiv Hetzel offers floor plans for a range of student needs, including studio and one-bedroom layouts, two-bedroom layouts, three-bedroom layouts, and four-bedroom or larger layouts. Availability can change throughout the leasing season, so families should confirm current options directly with the leasing office.

Optional Upgrade Packages

Students looking for an elevated apartment setup may be able to choose an upgrade package, depending on availability.

ōLiv Hetzel upgrade options may include:

• VIP Upgrade: Top-floor placement, smart home technology, smart thermostat, Amazon Echo Show, smart lighting, in-unit sound system, upgraded TV, custom kitchen finishes, upgraded furniture, upgraded lighting, and enhanced closet organization in select units
• Gameday Tech Suites: Added technology-focused features such as a smart TV, sound bar, and additional high-top table seating in select units

Contact the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office for current upgrade availability, fee, and pricing information, as rates are subject to change.

What Families Should Plan For

Families should budget for:

• Monthly installments: Rates vary by floor plan, lease term, and availability.
• Utility and service-related charges: High-speed WiFi is available throughout the building. Confirm current utility billing, service fees, and any included services with the leasing office before signing.
• Parking, if needed: Reserved parking is available in an access-controlled garage. Contact the leasing office for current parking availability and pricing.
• Renter’s insurance: Renter’s insurance is required. Students may be able to provide their own qualifying policy or use a community option.
• Upgrade packages: VIP and Gameday upgrades may cost extra and depend on availability.
• Pet-related costs: ōLiv Hetzel is cat and dog friendly. Pet policies, restrictions, and costs may apply.
• Personal expenses: Groceries, household supplies, toiletries, decor, transportation, and school supplies are not included.

Contact the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office for current fee and pricing information, as rates are subject to change.

Academic and Study Spaces

Residents have access to spaces and features that support schoolwork and focus, including:

• CoLab with computers and a printer
• Lounge space for studying and group work
• Outdoor study area
• Private and semi-private common areas for focused work
• High-speed WiFi throughout the building
• Ethernet outlets in every bedroom
• Solid wood bedroom doors in select units to help reduce distractions

These features give students options for solo studying, group projects, virtual meetings, and day-to-day coursework without needing to leave the community.

Resident Events and Community Programming

ōLiv Hetzel also offers community programming designed for connection, growth, and everyday student life. Programming may include:

• Collaborations with local State College brands
• Networking and professional development events
• DIY workshops
• Charity and volunteering opportunities
• Community game nights
• Grab-and-go food pop-ups
• Seasonal parties and themed gatherings

Residents can participate as much or as little as they choose, which gives students flexibility as they balance academics, campus involvement, and downtime.

On-Site Management and Maintenance Support

ōLiv Hetzel has an on-site team and professional management support available to help residents throughout the lease term. Community Concierges are available 24 hours a day, and the team is on-call during the day and after hours for issues that need attention.

Before Move-In Day

Before move-in, families should:

• Review the lease together so your student understands financial responsibilities, policies, key dates, and move-out expectations
• Confirm what furniture and appliances are included in the apartment
• Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicating shared items
• Pack personal essentials like bedding, towels, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, cleaning supplies, and decor
• Watch for move-in instructions from the ōLiv Hetzel team

Because apartments are furnished, students can focus on bringing the personal items that make the space feel like home.

On Move-In Day

When your student arrives, they should:

• Check in according to the instructions provided before move-in
• Walk through the apartment carefully
• Confirm that included furniture and appliances are present
• Document the condition of the apartment and shared spaces
• Report any issues to the community team right away
• Unpack essentials first, especially bedding, toiletries, and kitchen basics

Settling In

After move-in, encourage your student to:

• Explore study spaces, fitness areas, the rooftop, and community amenities
• Meet roommates and neighbors early
• Attend welcome events or resident gatherings
• Check email and resident communication channels regularly
• Build a routine for class, studying, meals, and downtime

Move-Out

Move-out timing generally follows the lease and academic-year schedule. Your student should review the lease for exact move-out dates, cleaning expectations, key return steps, and final account requirements. The on-site team can help residents understand the process before the end of the lease term.

Campus Proximity

From ōLiv Hetzel, students are within walking distance of key Penn State destinations, including:

• Penn State: a 4-minute walk
• Penn State University Library: a 6-minute walk
• Student Book Store: a 6-minute walk
• Hetzel Union Building: a 10-minute walk

This location helps students get to class, study sessions, campus events, and downtown State College without needing to rely on a car for every trip.

Walking, Biking, and Everyday Access

Living near campus gives students more flexibility in their daily schedule. Students can walk to class, meet friends downtown, pick up food, or get to nearby shops without adding a long commute.

Students who bike or use a scooter should ask the leasing office about current storage guidance, access procedures, and best practices for bringing personal transportation.

Parking and Vehicle Access

Reserved parking is available in an access-controlled garage. Availability and pricing can change, so families should contact the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office for current parking information before planning to bring a car.

Electric vehicle chargers are also available at the property.

Getting Around State College

In addition to walking and biking, students can use rideshare services and local transportation options to reach farther destinations, internships, grocery stores, appointments, and campus activities.

It helps to understand how communication works before the lease is signed. ōLiv Hetzel supports residents directly while giving families a clear way to stay involved through planning and communication with their student.

How the Process Works

• Students are the primary point of contact for lease, account, maintenance, and resident matters.
• Parents or guardians may be involved as guarantors when applicable.
• Privacy and account access rules may limit what the team can share without the student’s consent.
• If a parent needs to discuss a resident-specific account matter, the student may need to be included in the conversation.

How Families Can Stay Involved

Parents and guardians can support their student by:

• Reviewing the lease together before signing
• Talking through monthly installment deadlines and budgeting
• Confirming what is included and what costs may be separate
• Discussing roommate expectations before move-in
• Encouraging your student to submit their own maintenance requests
• Reminding your student to watch for renewal, move-in, and move-out communication
• Talking through final account steps before the end of the lease

The goal is to help your student build independence while making sure your family understands the major responsibilities connected to off-campus housing.

What is a guarantor and why is one often required?

A guarantor is a person, often a parent or guardian, who agrees to cover a resident’s lease-related financial responsibilities if the student cannot. Guarantors are commonly required in student housing because many students do not yet have the income or credit history needed to qualify on their own.

What financial responsibilities does a guarantor have?

A guarantor is responsible for the student’s monthly installments, charges, damages, or fees tied to that student’s individual lease if the student cannot pay. Because ōLiv Hetzel uses individual leases, guarantors are not responsible for roommates’ lease obligations.

Are utilities included in rent at ōLiv Hetzel?

High-speed WiFi is available throughout ōLiv Hetzel, and Ethernet outlets are included in bedrooms. Families should confirm current utility billing, service charges, and included services with the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office before signing, since billing details can vary by lease term.

Is renter’s insurance required at ōLiv Hetzel?

Yes, renter’s insurance is required at ōLiv Hetzel. Students may be able to provide their own qualifying policy or ask the leasing office about current community insurance options.

How does the roommate matching service work?

ōLiv Hetzel offers roommate matching upon request. The team reviews resident profiles and helps match students based on shared interests, study habits, sleep habits, majors, and lifestyle preferences. Students who already know who they want to live with can request to live together.

How are maintenance requests handled?

Maintenance requests are handled by the on-site management and maintenance team. Residents should follow the request process provided by ōLiv Hetzel, and the team is on-call during the day and after hours for issues that need attention.

How does move-in work at ōLiv Hetzel?

Move-in is scheduled before the lease term begins, and students receive instructions about arrival, check-in, and apartment access. On move-in day, residents should inspect the apartment, document the condition of the space, and report any concerns to the community team right away.

Can parents be listed on the lease or access account information?

Parents or guardians may be connected to the lease as guarantors when applicable, but resident account details usually require student consent. Your student is the primary point of contact for lease, payment, maintenance, and account matters.

Is parking available at ōLiv Hetzel?

Yes, reserved parking is available in an access-controlled garage at ōLiv Hetzel. Families should contact the leasing office for current parking availability, procedures, and pricing.

Is ōLiv Hetzel furnished?

Yes, ōLiv Hetzel offers fully furnished student apartments. Apartment furnishings include bedroom furniture and shared living area furniture, with features varying by floor plan and unit.

How close is ōLiv Hetzel to Penn State?

ōLiv Hetzel is located at 114 Hetzel St. in State College, a 4-minute walk to Penn State. Students can also walk to destinations like the Penn State University Library, Student Book Store, and Hetzel Union Building.

What floor plans are available at ōLiv Hetzel?

ōLiv Hetzel offers floor plan options that include studio and one-bedroom layouts, two-bedroom layouts, three-bedroom layouts, and four-bedroom or larger layouts. Availability can change, so families should contact the leasing office for current floor plan options.

Are pets allowed at ōLiv Hetzel?

Yes, ōLiv Hetzel is cat and dog friendly. Pet policies, restrictions, deposits, monthly pet costs, and approval requirements may apply, so families should contact the leasing office for the current pet policy.

What upgrade packages are available at ōLiv Hetzel?

ōLiv Hetzel offers upgrade options such as VIP and Gameday Tech Suites in select units. These packages may include upgraded technology, finishes, furniture, lighting, and entertainment features. Contact the leasing office for current upgrade availability and pricing.

Who should families contact with questions before signing?

Families should contact the ōLiv Hetzel leasing office with general questions about availability, fees, parking, utilities, insurance, pet policies, and lease terms. For account-specific matters after signing, your student may need to be part of the conversation.