Where you live and what you eat play a big role in your study abroad experience. At Temple, you’ll find flexible housing and dining options that fit your lifestyle, preferences, and budget — along with the chance to explore Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods and food culture.
Temple offers a variety of residence halls and apartment-style housing for undergraduate and graduate students – for both study abroad/exchange and DBMD students. Living on campus means you’ll be close to classes, libraries, dining halls, and student activities. Rooms are furnished, include internet access, and often come with community spaces where you can meet other students and join in social events.
Undergraduate Study abroad and exchange students staying on-campus will stay in Temple Towers in the Global Living Learning Communities (Global LLC). Learn more about the Global LLC here and explore the living spaces in Temple Towers.
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.
Important reminder! Your housing application is a binding agreement and you are responsible for all terms and conditions outlined in the housing license, including penalties for cancellation. You cannot cancel your housing assignment after the start of the semester.
Many students choose to live off campus in apartments near Temple. Popular neighborhoods for students include North Philadelphia (near campus), Center City, and Northern Liberties.
If you choose to live in another area of the city, make sure it is well-connected to Main Campus via public transportation and check with Global Programs before signing a lease or contract.
Find off-campus housing options through the Temple University Off-Campus Housing Website.
Tip When searching for an off-campus lease/contract, remember to only sign a lease for the amount of time that you will be staying in Philadelphia. Housing contracts are legally binding agreements, so you will be responsible for the entire duration of the lease, even if you are studying at Temple for only one semester.
Temple has several dining halls and cafés across campus offering a wide variety of foods, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. All Global Programs students – whether you live on- or off-campus – are not required to buy a meal plan. However, meal plans do provide flexibility — you can choose one that matches your eating habits, whether you prefer dining halls daily or just a few meals per week.
Explore meal plans and costs through Temple University Dining Services. If you would like to sign up for a meal plan, please visit the My Housing link on your TUPortal.
One of the most unique and beloved features of Temple’s 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 of course, classic Philly cheesesteaks. They are affordable, quick, and incredibly popular with students and staff. Many students eat from food trucks several times a week, making them part of the true Temple experience.
If you like to cook, you’ll 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.
