A burnt corpse flashes across the screen as men gather around the dinner table, watching an episode of CSI: NY. Their loud conversations compete with the muffled sounds of a police scanner.

It's a typical firehouse -- but some students call it home.

Alpha Fire Co., 400 W. Beaver Ave., houses five young men -- four who are students. Together with the Patton Township substation, these two buildings accommodate nine "live-ins," who reside in the firehouse for free in exchange for 186 eight-hour shifts a year.

While free room and board may sound appealing, these students must find ways to balance work, school and home in the midst of the regular chaos of a fire station.

Lt. Tony Berrena is in charge of the main station on West Beaver Avenue and the live-ins. He said the program was started in 1996 to increase the manpower and response time for the fire company. Those living in the stations are required to keep them clean and follow the live-in policies -- no members of the opposite sex and no alcohol, with a few exceptions. Guests must also be out of the station by 10 p.m., Berrena said.

Andy Filipczak (graduate-education) moved in to the Patton station during the summer.

"The free room and board is very, very helpful and played a big role in me coming back as a grad student," Filipczak said. "It really helped financially."

Before joining the fire company, he had no prior experience with firefighting. He said living in the station has made a lasting impression -- he plans to continue firefighting after he leaves State College.

"By living in, you're out quick and on the scene quick," Filipczak said.

Robin Lenz (senior-biological anthropology) has lived in the main station since fall 2007 and enjoys it. But there are some downsides, he said -- like the decline in his studies. The adrenaline of rushing to a scene has its drawbacks: His grades slipped in two classes because of absences.

Aside from missing class, he said the lack of privacy is a pain as well.

"I can't have a phone conversation without someone listening to me unless I go outside," Lenz said. "And I can't sit down and do my homework somewhere because there is always somebody annoying me." A chorus of laughter erupted from the surrounding firefighters in response.

Lenz said he enjoys living in the fire station, despite the rules -- especially the "no females in the bedroom rule."

"I've spent many nights alone because I can't bring girls back here," Lenz said, laughing.