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Hill College House is a vibrant and welcoming community where first-year students thrive both academically and socially. With engaging events, cherished traditions, and collaborative study spaces, Hill offers endless opportunities to connect, grow, and make lifelong memories.

Guided by our motto, Habitare in Unum—to live together as one—and inspired by the visionary design of architect Eero Saarinen, Hill fosters a true sense of unity and belonging. Whether it’s joining a late-night study session, sharing a meal with friends, or simply unwinding in one of our inviting common spaces, there’s always something happening. At Hill, a foundation of care and camaraderie makes every resident feel at home from day one.

Beyond the strong sense of community, Hill is designed with everything a first-year student needs to thrive. From private study rooms and a fully equipped computer lab to a spacious community kitchen, outdoor terrace, dining hall, and mailroom, every detail is meant to support both academic success and social connection.

Living in Hill is more than just having a place to stay—it’s about becoming part of a dynamic, supportive environment where friendships flourish, opportunities unfold, and your first year at Penn is filled with unforgettable experiences.

Faculty and Staff in Hill

Learn more about the faculty and CHAS staff who live alongside you at Hill.  From our Faculty Director Prof. Julie Sochalski (left) to our College House Fellow Dr. Fayyaz Vellani (right), living at Hill gives you the chance to get to know members of Penn's faculty in ways you might never get to inside a classroom.

Faculty Director Julie Sochalski and College House Fellow Fayyaz Vellani with students at a PMA event

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Fun Facts & Favorite Things

Hill's motto is "Habitare in Unum" — to live as one — and we take this seriously!  Here are some of our favorite parts of life at Hill.

Three women at Hill's Pajama Jam, wearing comically large sunglasses and hats

Pajama Jam is an annual party hosted by Hill College House. We invite current and former residents to come to the atrium dressed in their PJs. We provide an amazing DJ, old school snacks, face painting, a photobooth, cookie decorating and more. It gives attendees an opportunity to make new connections, take a break from studying and have a good time with Hill House Staff.

Left, a doughnut with a cookie tombstone reading RIP, right, a brownie with a cookie tombstone

Hill celebrates Halloween with a whole week of spooky Hill-o-Ween hijinks!  Join in the fun!