Calder Commons vs. Meridian on College Avenue: Full Comparison for Penn State Students
Side-by-side comparison of the two most popular downtown State College student communities — floor plans, amenities, walk times, and which vibe fits which student.
TL;DR
Calder Commons (520 E Calder Way) and Meridian on College Avenue (646 E College Ave) are the two most popular purpose-built student communities in downtown State College. Both are within a 5-minute walk of Old Main and offer fully furnished units, individual leases, and 24/7 maintenance. Choose Calder for a quieter, tucked-back setting one street off College Ave. Choose Meridian for full downtown energy directly across from campus and closer to Beaver Stadium.
Key takeaways
- Both properties are within a 5-minute walk of Old Main and the HUB.
- Calder Commons is quieter and one street back from College Ave; ideal for upperclassmen and grad students.
- Meridian on College Avenue is louder, more social, and closer to gameday walks to Beaver Stadium.
- Both offer individual leases, fully furnished units, fitness centers, and study lounges.
- Meridian's 2-bed / 2-bath with in-unit W/D is a favorite for roommate pairs; Calder's 1-bed is a favorite for solo residents.
Location and walkability
Both Calder Commons and Meridian on College Avenue sit in the heart of downtown State College and put you within a five-minute walk of the HUB-Robeson Center and Old Main. Neither requires a car for daily campus life. The difference is the vibe of the block itself.
| Destination | Calder Commons | Meridian on College Ave |
|---|---|---|
| Old Main | ~5 min | ~4 min |
| HUB-Robeson Center | ~4 min | ~3 min |
| Willard Building | ~5 min | ~4 min |
| Beaver Stadium | ~15 min | ~14 min |
| Bryce Jordan Center | ~13 min | ~12 min |
| College Ave restaurants | 1–2 min | Steps |
Vibe and social atmosphere
Calder Commons, at 520 E Calder Way, has a quieter, tucked-in feel. The building is set one street back from the College Ave energy, which is perfect if you want to be walking-distance to everything but sleep somewhere calm. It's a favorite for upperclassmen, grad students, and students in demanding majors who need quiet study time.
Meridian on College Avenue, at 646 E College Ave, is more of an all-in downtown experience. You're across the street from campus, closer to Beaver Stadium walks on gameday, and steps from the College Ave restaurants and nightlife. It attracts roommate groups who want a big social community and don't mind a busier street.
Floor plans and layouts
| Layout | Calder Commons | Meridian on College Ave |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | Strong — quiet solo living | Limited |
| 2-bed / 1-bath | Available | Limited |
| 2-bed / 2-bath | Available | Signature layout |
| In-unit washer/dryer | Select units + on-floor laundry | Available in many units |
| Individual (by-the-bed) lease | Yes | Yes |
If you want a private 1-bedroom in downtown State College, Calder Commons is one of the strongest options in the market. If you're rooming with a friend and want your own bathroom plus in-unit laundry, Meridian's 2-bed / 2-bath is the layout to tour first.
Amenities compared
| Amenity | Calder Commons | Meridian on College Ave |
|---|---|---|
| Fully furnished | Yes | Yes |
| 24-hour fitness center | Yes | Yes |
| Study lounge / conference rooms | Study lounge | Study lounge + conference rooms |
| Free building Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| On-floor laundry | Yes | Select units in-unit W/D |
| Adjacent parking garage | Yes | Nearby garages |
| 24/7 emergency maintenance | Yes | Yes |
| Courtesy patrol | Yes | Yes |
| Private tanning salon | No | Yes |
Who should choose which
Choose Calder Commons if you…
- Want a private 1-bedroom or quiet 2-bedroom
- Are an upperclassman, grad student, or in a demanding major
- Value being one street off College Ave for better sleep
- Prefer on-floor laundry and predictable amenity access
Choose Meridian on College Avenue if you…
- Want the shortest possible walk to campus and gameday events
- Are rooming with a friend and want a 2-bed / 2-bath with in-unit W/D
- Value a social community and downtown energy at your doorstep
- Want extra amenities like conference rooms and a private tanning salon
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for Penn State students: Calder Commons or Meridian on College Avenue?
Both Calder Commons and Meridian on College Avenue are top-tier downtown State College student apartments within a 5-minute walk of Old Main. Calder Commons is better for students who want a quieter, tucked-back setting one street off College Ave. Meridian on College Avenue is better for social roommate groups who want to be directly across from campus and closer to gameday walks to Beaver Stadium.
How close is Calder Commons to Penn State campus?
Calder Commons at 520 E Calder Way is roughly a half-block from campus — about a 5-minute walk to Old Main and the HUB-Robeson Center, and about a 15-minute walk to Beaver Stadium.
How close is Meridian on College Avenue to Penn State campus?
Meridian on College Avenue at 646 E College Ave is directly across the street from Penn State's campus — about a 4-minute walk to Old Main and the HUB, and about a 14-minute walk to Beaver Stadium on gameday.
Do Calder Commons and Meridian offer individual leases?
Yes, both Calder Commons and Meridian on College Avenue offer individual (by-the-bed) leases, which means each resident signs and pays only for their own bedroom. This is the industry standard for purpose-built downtown State College student housing.
Sources & further reading
- Calder Commons — Official Property Site — Calder Commons
- Meridian on College Avenue — Property Listing — Penn State Off-Campus Living