How to Tackle the First Day at Penn State

First days can be nerve wracking, especially when it’s a completely new place and completely new experience, so here are some tips to make it easier:

1.      Penn State is huge, so getting lost happens sometimes.

a.       A good app that can help you figure out where each building is located is Campus Maps. It’s free and can give you the map to multiple campuses in the US, as well as each building on campus listed alphabetically by name.

b.      If you don’t have a class right before where you’re headed, leave some extra time to get where you need to go, just in case it takes longer than you expect or you get lost along the way.

c.       If you do have a class directly after your last one, when you have free time try to walk through your schedule so you have a general idea of where to go when.

2.      If you’re running late or just can’t find a class and ten minutes have passed, should I still go?

a.       Yes! The first day is usually when professors give out syllabi and how they expect the class to run. You can see if you like the professor and the course outline, and if you don’t, it lets you know you should switch to a different section of the class. This way, you can pick the best professor for you with a course load that suits you best.

3.       Textbooks and notebooks—should I bring them to class on day one?

a.       Bring a notebook, but wait to go to the class before you get textbooks. Some professors like to start on the material right away, so you want to be prepared to take notes if they do. They’ll also let you know whether or not you’ll need the textbook, so you can save a trip and money from the bookstores if you end up not needing them. If you do need textbooks, the Student Bookstore downtown is cheaper than the on-campus one in the HUB, so check there first before going to the HUB. If you don’t need the CD/DVD/extra item packaged with your textbook, get a rental/check Amazon and compare pricing.

4.      I absolutely need coffee in the morning or I will die—what should I do?!

a.       DON’T: Go to the Starbucks in the HUB if you’re trying to get to class in a rush. The line is almost always endless. If you’re dead set on Starbucks, the one on the second floor of the Penn State Bookstore usually has a shorter line.

b.      DO: Check out your dining hall! Most of them have early morning hours if you want to grab a sandwich with that coffee, or a separate mini-store that sells coffee and tea.

If you need any other tips, we’re here to help! Good luck and have a great year!

Gabrielle Briones is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and is a mentor for WEPO'16!