Penn State Erie, The Behrend College offers a variety of on-campus housing options. From traditional residence halls, large suites, to double-room suites, there is sure to be a room that fits your need. All residence areas are located on the southern side of campus, conveniently located a short walk from the Gazebo at Dobbins, Behrend's all-you-care-to-eat food court. Classrooms, the library, athletic fields, gym, and other campus facilities are nearby. Parking lots are conveniently located near the residence area.

In recognition of the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, all residence hall buildings have been named in honor of individuals and ships that served to establish American independence from Great Britain.

Each hall provides residents with 24-hour card access building security, study lounge, laundry facility access, vending machines, a modern fire-safety system, and a central lounge. Wireless service is also available in the lobbies of Lawrence, Niagara, Perry, Ohio, and Senat Halls, Packet Community Center, and Tigress Hall laundry facilities.

Almy Hall
Almy Hall offers two-bedroom suites for four upper-class and first-year students participating in the Honors Program. Each suite provides a shared study area and a semi-private bathroom with two sinks, storage space, and separate shower and toilet stalls.

Almy Hall was constructed in 1997 and houses 132 students. The hall is named after Thomas C. Almy, who was the Sailing Master of the Schooner Somers. A native of Rhode Island, Almy died in Erie in December 1814.

Almy Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Lawrence Hall
As a traditional residence hall, Lawrence Hall offers double rooms and a common bathroom on each wing. Lawrence Hall was constructed in 1971, renovated in 2004, and houses 210 students.

Lawrence Hall is named after the United Stated Brig of War, launched on June 25, 1813, and was originally selected as Commodore Perry's flagship. Lieutenant John Yarnall of Pennsylvania commanded the Lawrence. The Lawrence was so badly damaged during the battle that it became completely disabled, and then Perry had to board the Niagara. Perry won the battle fifteen minutes later, at which time he coined the phrase "We have met the enemy, and they are ours..." James Lawrence, for whom the Brig of War is named after, made the phrase "don't give up ship" famous. He uttered the phrase as he was dying from his injuries on the U.S.S. Chesapeake on June 1, 1813.

Lawrence Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

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Niagara Hall
Niagara Hall is a traditional residence hall and offers double rooms and a common bathroom on each wing. Niagara Hall was constructed in 1968, renovated in 2004, and houses 208 students.

Niagara Hall is named after the Brig Niagara, the ship which Commodore Perry was commanding to win the Battle of Lake Erie. The brig was launched on June 4, 1813, and was commanded by Captain Jesse D. Elliott. During the battle, Perry was forced to leave his original flagship, the Lawrence, and board the Niagara. Perry immediately put the Niagara at full sail and assaulted the British line. Within minutes, the British surrendered and the Battle of Lake Erie was over. The Niagara was stripped and sunk in Misery Bay in 1833. The Niagara was raised and rebuilt in 1912, and was again rebuilt in 1939 and 1990. Today, she sails Lake Erie, acting as an emissary for the City of Erie, with a crew of mostly volunteer sailors.

Niagara Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Ohio Hall
Ohio Hall offers two types of four-person suites for upper-class students - two double bedrooms or four single bedrooms. Each suite offers a semi-private bathroom with a vanity area and separate shower and toilet stalls. Ohio Hall accommodates 263 students.

Ohio Hall was named after the one-gun schooner, Ohio, and was commanded by Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins.

Ohio Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Perry Hall
A traditional residence hall, Perry Hall offers double rooms and a common bathroom on each wing. Perry Hall was the first residential building constructed on campus in 1967, and was renovated in 2003. Perry currently houses 200 students.

Perry Hall is named after the famous Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Commodore Perry was primarily responsible for the turning point of American Independence from Great Britain. He was born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, on August 23, 1785. At age 13, Perry entered the Navy as a midshipman, and at age 20 became a lieutenant. Perry died from yellow fever on his 34th birthday in 1819.

Perry Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Porcupine Hall
Porcupine Hall offers double-occupancy suites for eight upper-class students. The suite provides two full bathrooms, each with a separate vanity and shower/toilet areas. A laundry facility is conveniently located in the basement of Tigress Hall. Porcupine Hall was built in 1991 and houses 65 students.

Porcupine Hall was named after the one-gun schooner Porcupine, and was commanded by Sailing Master George Senat.

Porcupine Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

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Senat Hall
Senat Hall, the newest residence hall that opened in the fall of 2004, provides two suite options for students: one-bedroom suite for two students and two-bedroom suite for four students. Each suite offers a semi-private bathroom with a vanity area and separate shower and toilet stalls. Senat Hall houses 149 students that are a part of the Freshman Interest Group (FIGs), and are assigned by invitation only. The Housing and Food Services office is also located in the lobby area of Senat Hall.

Senat Hall is named for acting sailing master, George Senat, who commanded the one gun schooner, Porcupine.

Senat Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Tiffany Hall
Tiffany Hall offers double-occupancy suites for eight upper-class students. The suite provides two full bathrooms, each with a separate vanity and shower/toilet areas. A laundry facility is conveniently located in the basement of Tigress Hall. Tiffany Hall was built in 1991, and houses 65 students.

Tiffany Hall was named after Cyrus Tiffany, the most highly decorated African-American during the War of 1812. Tiffany served on the U.S. Brig Niagara under Commodore Perry. He was from Newport, Rhode Island, and was originally a musician.

Tiffany Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

Tigress Hall
Tigress Hall offers double-occupancy suites for eight upper-class students. The suite provides two full bathrooms, each with a separate vanity and shower/toilet areas. A laundry facility is conveniently located in the basement. Tigress was built in 1991, and houses 65 students

Tigress Hall was name after the one-gun schooner, Tigress. The schooner was originally named Amelia, and was built in Erie. Launched in April 1813, the Tigress was commanded by Lieutenant Augustus H.M. Conklin. The Tigress and Scorpion schooners were standing watch on the entrance to the Nautawasaga River in late summer 1814, when Tigress was taken over by four boatloads of British and Indians. In 1913, the remains of the schooner were raised and placed on the town dock at Penetanquishene, Ontario.

Tigress Hall floor plan: HTML PDF

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