Walking into Simmons Hall, one of two honors dorms at Penn State, one immediately observes how the building is very physically different from those in East Halls.

But aside from its older style, brighter walls, wider hallways and moveable dorm furniture, this special living option is not outwardly better than the living options across campus. However, rather than an overwhelming distinction in building dimensions, Simmons and Atherton Hall, the other honors dorm, do have the benefit of a scholarly environment.

"The general perk is that honors students get to live with other kids who are in their classes," Kristi Palmer, Simmons Hall scholar advisor, said. "It allows them to meet more people who are also as interested in school and the learning process."

Debbie Swarner, Atherton's building coordinator, agrees. "Regarding academics, there is a common interest between honors students on wanting to learn more. This applies to the non-honor students living in these dorms as well, who also receive the extra benefits of such an environment."

In addition to the community atmosphere, Simmons and Atherton also offer special programs for its students through the scholar program of Schreyer Honors College.

"They are focused on culture topics and are designed to teach communication skills and life-related lessons," Swarner said of the programs.

Justin Giovannelli, Simmons scholar assistant, said, "The programs are made specially accessible to honors students. They offer special speakers and different topics of discussion."

Giovannelli said other perks of honors housing that also benefit the curriculum are the enforcement of quiet time, the after hours computer lab and extra study areas, designated for both group and silent work. The computer lab printers are also given twice the amount of paper allotment compared to other dorms, he said.

Honors students also receive scheduling priority from the Office of the Registrar. They are allowed to choose their semester classes one week earlier than other students.

"This is because they (honors students) have specific requirements to graduate within the Schreyer College," said Christine Laur, supervisor of student records. "They have to take seven honors credits both freshman and sophomore year and then 14 total honor credits during the block of junior-senior year. Therefore, they need access to these necessary courses."

Another academic perk of honors housing is that Atherton hosts the scholarship offices for the dean and assistant dean in its basement, giving students easy access to their advisers for questions concerning their majors.

This contact, in addition to the programs, study hours, location and scholar advisors are all helpful, said Melissa Graff (freshman-division of undergraduate studies), who is in the honors program and lives in Simmons.

"But one of the major benefits is the interaction with kids in my classes. I am not sure if this is a direct product of honors dorms, though, just something I am taking advantage of."