Making State College your Home!

Nearly everyone at Penn State has their own opinions about things you must do while calling State College home. As with everyone else, I have my own thoughts about fun things to do between classes and to relax with friends in the evenings.  And so I have included 3 little nuggets of info about the hopping metropolis of State College, which according to Wikipedia (reliable??) is the 3rd safest 'Urban' area in Pennsylvania! As any of my friends know, I have a secret passion for the following.  While simple and perhaps silly, I am thrilled to share some insider info about them at Penn State. And they are...shopping, studying at Starbucks, and shows (as in musicals, but the alliteration just seemed more clever).  I am sure by the time your own four years are up in Happy Valley, you will have your own little list of favorite things and places filled with lots and lots of studying/learning, sweet memories and tons of laughs.

1. Shopping:  While Center County is definitely no Manhatten, there are still plenty of stores to quench your thirst for a few good bargains.  The Nitany Mall is just a few miles down College Ave and while accessible by bus, its much quicker to catch a ride with a friend who has a car. (5 min vs 25 min...we learned the hard way).  The mall includes a Macy's, Express, American Eagle, and the Gap.  Right off of Atherton by Wegmans is a Target, Ann Taylor Loft, and Black House White Market. And for all of you organic food gals, rumor has it that a Trader Joe's is opening behind the Walmart sometime this fall!  Of course, downtown has plenty of stores as well, such as the Clothesline and Lions Pride (PSU apparel), Urban Outfitters (new this year!), Abercrombie and Fitch, and Appalachian Outdoors (similar to REI).  At Barefoot on College you can pick up a new pair of the PSU necessities-Uggs, Sperrys, and rainboots.

2. Studying at Starbucks: While occasionally the studying part is swapped for chatting with a friend, Starbucks is the perfect living room when you are in a dorm room for the semester.  There are three in State College, one on College Ave across from Hammond the engineering building, which is perfect when you need that boost while  finishing up your EDSN 100 project!  The other is across from South Halls on Gardner St and has the most available seating.  The final one is across from Wegmans off of Atherton and, for the lucky ducks with a car at school, features a drive-thru.  So for those of you who are as much as a coffee-holic as I am, you are all set! And if you have never tried an iced chai with peppermint, order it next time...its delicious!

3. Shows: Yes, State College has plenty of opportunities for you culturally inclined girls!  Not only does the Penn State musical theater program produce professional level musicals, but each year a few National Tours come through town. I am pretty excited because "In the Heights," a new musical featuring a mix of Broadway tunes, hip-hop, and reggae is coming to the Eisenhower Auditourium (the largest theater venue..and where you just might have a final exam for a large class) this fall!  Also, an amateur student group, the Penn State Thespians put on a musical each semester.  Get your tickets here for most events: http://cpa.psu.edu/events/index.html

As you can see there are so many fun things to do at Penn State and out and about in State College! The ideas are endless-movies at the dollar theater, hiking, sporting events, the Arboretum, and concerts. Just remember, your time at this fabulous school is precious and always make the most of classes, simple memories with friends, and the excellent education such a massive university can provide.  Good luck and can't wait to meet all of you in a few weeks!

Rachel Schartner is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering. She is a Mentor for WEPO 2011, and is also involved in SWE, Reformed University Fellowship, Women's Chorale and Tennis Club. She has co-oped with DuPont in Richmond, VA.