Best Hidden State College Activities

Penn State is amazing for lots of different reasons. One of them being you will never be bored if you don’t want to be. There are so many events on campus during weeknights and weekends that would certainly keep you busy. If you decide to venture away from campus, there are lots of great activities there too! As a first-year student I wish I took more advantage of the cool places that State College has to offer! Just to name a few weekend activities, there is the Funky Trunk thrift shop, The Makery, and State Theater. Check out these places with friends when you need a break from homework!!

The Funky Trunk is a consignment store on Calder Way with an awesome selection! It is the perfect mix of cute clothes and accessories while being on a college kid budget. They sell clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, room decorations and more! Realize you didn’t pack enough clothes, come here and get great deals!

Stressed about an exam or project and need to take your mind off of it, go to the Makery on the corner of Calder and Fraser. The Makery is a creative space, which offers classes and open studio times throughout the week. The classes include pottery, printmaking, and knitting. It is the perfect spot to get creative juices flowing and allow yourself to relax! Whether you are super crafty or not, this is a good activity if you’re looking for something new to try!

Interested in a concert, movie, or play? The State Theater, located on College Ave is a community owned organization that features both local and nationally known artists of all types. More than 70 years old, this theater offers eclectic performances from children’s musicals to rock concerts. Take a break from Friday night Netflix and watch a live show! It may have only cost 35 cents for admission when it opened, but it certainly won’t break the bank!

I hope you check out all or some of these hidden activities in State College and take advantage of so much more!

By: Jordyn Finkelstein

Relax and Renew: Best Places in State College For Some Me Time

College is a wildly fun time of new experiences.  As a first-year student, I enjoyed getting involved with clubs, going to football games, and hanging out with friends; however, sometimes I found myself needing some “Me time”. This is completely normal. Take advantage of all the relaxing things that Penn State has to offer.

One of my favorite places on campus is the Alumni Garden behind Hammond.  Last semester, I came to the garden to escape in between classes.  Even if I could only spend a few minutes here, the garden is a nice change of pace and scenery from the typical hustle and bustle of State College.  You can also chill in the gazebo or at the duck pond! This is a wonderful place to just sit, read a book, or listen to music.  

The Alumni Garden is typically not very crowded, and it is a central location to anyone going to and from classes on the west side of campus.  But if you spend most of your days on the east end of campus, you don’t have to hike all the way to Hammond for some relaxation in nature.  The Arboretum is full of nooks and crannies to explore and relax. This is one of the most beautiful places to be when the seasons are changing.  I encourage all of you to enjoy the Arboretum at least once in your free time.  

Many clubs take formal pictures here and some alumni get married here! The Arboretum is a great place to get plugged into the peace and quiet of nature. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

For those of you who are more artsy, Two Thousand Degrees is a paint your own pottery shop on College Ave. This is a great place to relax and use the other side of your brain.  The pottery ranges from ten to about twelve or fifteen dollars depending on how big the piece is.   The picture below is a mug I made last semester, and every time I see it, I smile and relax a bit at the fun memory of making it myself. Two Thousand Degrees is for everyone no matter how talented or untalented you think you are at art. This place is just plain fun!

If you don’t feel like leaving your room and are tired of common’s food, here is a tip: make your own food in the kitchen in the basement of your resident hall!  Most halls have a kitchen that students are allowed to utilize if they check out the key in the commons.  Put on Spotify and cook some homemade mac and cheese for a dinner party with your friends, or bake some cookies as a break before a study session. This is a great way to relax, by yourself or as a break with your friends.  

No matter how you spend your “Me time”, remember to take time for yourself.  A little time to rejuvenate here and there will help manage stress.

Enjoy your time at Penn State!

WE ARE!

By: Amanda Hildenbrand

Best Hidden Places to Study

As you begin college you’ll start to realize one thing…. sometimes it can be hard finding a good place to study.  Now your dorm is always an option but if you end up feeling like that’s just not where you want to be, here are some helpful hints to places to study in.  You’ll learn the classic spots like the Library, stacks, the Engineering Library, and Kunckel Lounge.  During finals week these places fill up fast so here is a list of some of my favorite hidden spots to study.

• Moore Building (north campus)- lots of nice nooks to study in on just about every floor
• Willard Building- this place can fill up fast too but the second and third floors usually are less busy and even have white boards
• IST Bridge- there are tables everywhere and even an Au Bon Pan
• Bridge between Life Science and Chemistry Building (center campus)- added bonus of a nice view
• The Hub at night- the place empties out around 8-9 nice spot for evening studies
• Osmond Building (Center Campus)- although it may be the physics building after classes there are rooms with great chalkboard space
• Bio-Behavioral Health Building and Nursing Science building- most people don’t think about these buildings at all
• Your turn to add here, good luck!

By: Jenny Lynskey

What’s in my Browser Favorites?

You may have already noticed that Penn State has different websites for everything.  There are so many important sites to know and I want to help by explaining what gets done where!

Lionpath.psu.edu – Hopefully you know what LionPATH is by now and understand some of what goes on here.  You use this site to schedule classes, see your grades at the end of the semester, pay your bills, accept your scholarships, declare your major and so much more.  I would recommend exploring LionPATH so you feel comfortable and can get the most out of using it.

eLiving.psu.edu – This is another site you should be familiar with.  This one is important for arranging your housing contract, and meal plan.  You should visit this site during your first week on campus to fill out your Resident Hall checklist so that you are not held responsible for any damage that already exists in your room.  Another quick reminder – you can change your meal plan at any point before the last two weeks of a semester and while dining dollars will roll over from Fall to Spring, any leftovers you have when you leave in May will be lost.

lmstools.ais.psu.edu/login/ldapfps - Canvas will probably be your most visited site during the school year.  This is where teachers will post assignments, grades, online quizzes and so much more!

idcard.psu.edu/– Here is where you can manage your LionCash.  If you are still confused, you can use LionCash in the dining halls but won’t get the same discounts as you do with dining dollars.  You can also use LionCash some places downtown which is super convenient.  Oh and this is how you pay for laundry!

psu.edu/directory – Ever need to look up a teacher’s email or office address, this is where you go.  You can also find your friend’s psu emails here as well.

Map.psu.edu – If you ever need a searchable map of campus, this is your spot.

Menus.hfs.psu.edu – For when you need to decide whether to go to Pollock or South for Lunch, here are the menus for the different dining halls.

studentaffairs.psu.edu/campusrec/strength/ - if you want to be healthy and hit up the gym, check the availability and class schedules here.

engr.psu.edu/career/students/resources/ecareer - For information about employers, internships, the career fair and much more visit this page.

Now there are a few other sites that will help guide you through your time at Penn State.

ratemyprofessors.com - While you should not take these ratings as the gospel truth.  Remember though – a hard teacher is not always a bad teacher, you are here to learn.

Amazon.com – I don’t think I need to explain this one, but you can sometimes find textbooks cheaper here than you will at the bookstore.

Gmail.com – If you don’t already have one, you should probably get one.  Google drive will be a lifesaver during group projects and you will have to fill out plenty of google forms so this is a good place to start.

orderup.com/some/statecollege/delivery/featured – So not your cheapest food option but one of the lazier ways to eat, have your food delivered to your dorm.

Hope these help you begin to start navigating your way through college life!

By: Jackie Trautman

What’s In My Backpack?

So it’s the Sunday after WEPO, and you’ve finally moved into your dorm! Your parents are gone! You’ve made a couple new friends! You’re starting to feel like you’re getting the hang of this “college” thing… when you remember that classes start tomorrow. YIKES.

Have no fear! WEPO has already given you a great head start, and with the support of your WEPO team and all your new friends, you’re totally going to rock this!

On the night before my first day of classes at Penn State, my roommate and I spent the evening picking out our outfits, planning to go to breakfast the next morning, and packing our backpacks. It helped us both relax and feel prepared for the morning, and I totally recommend you spend some time doing this too!

After two years at Penn State, the contents of my backpack have definitely grown. My friends joke that my backpack is like Hermione’s magical bottomless bag, and I have to admit, sometimes they’re right. But it’s very rare that I’m caught miles from my room without that one really important thing I need right now, so I think it’s worth it.

Here’s everything I keep in my backpack! I hope you find some helpful ideas for yours. :)

In the main compartment of my backpack, I keep:

• Laptop
• Charger – I only bring this if I know I won’t be home for a while.
• Notebooks
• Agenda book
• Clif bar – Snacks are a lifesaver, especially during the first few days when you aren’t sure how long you’ll have between classes to grab food!

In the smaller middle compartment, I always have:

• iClicker – Always keep your clicker in your backpack! You’ll never be caught unprepared for an in-class quiz.

• Headphones
• Pencil bag
• Calculator
• Flash drive
• Travel size Advil
• Hand sanitizer – Get in the habit of frequently using this! With tens of thousands of students, flu season is no joke at Penn State.
• Tissue pack
• Travel size deodorant – There’s nothing worse than being that fragrant kid in the middle of the lecture hall.
• Small hairbrush
• Small bag with feminine products

In the smallest front pocket, I keep these things so they’re easy to grab:

• Phone
• Keys & ID
• Chapstick
• Sunglasses

And in the side pockets, I never leave my dorm without:

• Water bottle – Get a reusable one to refill around campus. You’ll save some cash and the environment!
• Umbrella – If there is one thing you take away from this blog post, it is that you should ALWAYS have an umbrella at Penn State. Trust me.

By: Kahley McBeth

What’s in My Wardrobe?

State College experiences all four seasons throughout the two semesters. Here is your guide to surviving the cold winters and the rainy season.

End of Summer

August- early October

When you first move in at Penn State, it’ll feel very hot. My dorm room was so hot that I had three fans running at once.

Most people dress pretty casual to class. Athletic cropped leggings, shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers are the typical every day outfit. If you want to dress up a little bit, I suggest denim shorts or skirts, cute tops, and sandals. Don’t forget sunglasses before you head out the door!

Fall

October- end of November

Towards the end of football season, it’ll get chilly and the leaves will start to change colors (which is really pretty to see on campus).

This is the time of year when everyone breaks out their boots and jeans. I would carry a light jacket or vest with you in case it gets windy while walking to class. Cardigans and light sweaters would also be good to wear.

Winter

End of November-March

This time of the year is always the hardest for Penn State students. Walking to class in the snow is a struggle, but it won’t be as bad if you go prepared!

I highly recommend a good pair of boots for the snow (such as Hunter boots or L.L. Bean Duck Boots), a parka, and a hat. Definitely bundle up in some warm sweaters and scarves too!

Spring

March-early May

The last month of the spring semester will finally start to get warm again. It doesn’t get to summer heat yet, so some days may be chilly. This is also considered the rainy season for State College.

This time of the year has a similar wardrobe as the beginning of the fall semester. Most people go back to wearing athletic leggings or shorts with t-shirts and sneakers. I highly recommend carrying an umbrella and/or rain jacket with you everywhere you go because there’s rain at unexpected times a lot. Don’t forget to wear rain boots!

By: Liza George

The Field: Burgers, and Shakes, and Fries OH MY

Welcome to Penn State! I hope that you are settling in and falling in love with Penn State as much as I did. There is so much to explore on and off campus, but for me, I LOVED exploring new restaurants off campus. Who doesn’t love food, right?!

One place you must try out this semester is called The Field. It is off campus (nice break from the dining halls ) at the local Toftrees Golf Resort and is a farm-to-table burger restaurant. The address is 1 Country Club Ln, State College, PA 16803. If you want a good burger, this is the place to go. I always get their class Field Turkey Burger with lettuce, tomatoes, onion with a side of their home-made chips on their amazing golden bun…which, by the way, is STAMPED with “The Field”. How cool!? when you go here, you must get their bucket of fries…it’s quite a spectacle! The servers bring out a huge bucket of fries and dump it across the table… 99% chance you’ll have a week’s worth of leftovers.

Last, but not least: Dessert! You MUST try out their famous milkshakes (which are made from Penn State’s Berkey Creamery cream). You really can’t go wrong with any one you get, but I personally recommend The Sticky. it was a vanilla based milkshake with cinnamon and fudge mixed in and topped with a mini sticky bun. Absolutely delicious!

Now you have a giant food-baby and are all set to hit the books again. Enjoy your visit to The Field, you won’t regret it! The first time I ate here, James Franklin and his family were sitting across from us…maybe you’ll see him too.

By: Julia Sternberg

Meet me at the Corner Room

The Corner Room is my go to place for everything! I can go there if I am in the mood for some yummy fried food, a huge sundae or a healthy dinner! It sits on the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street and is super accessible and not very expensive. They also have a lot of room in the restaurant so I never have to wait for too long, even on crazy busy weekends.  

Another one of my favorite parts about it is it sits right across from Kunkle Lounge in Hammond Building. I am always studying or doing work in Kunkle and if I ever need something fast and good to eat, I call the Corner Room and then in about 10 minutes I just walk across the street and pick up my food.

My favorites are the mozzarella sticks, grilled cheese, and pesto chicken pasta! I truly believe that The Corner Room has the best mozzarella sticks in State College so be sure to try those sometime!! Also you can never go wrong with a yummy hot fudge sundae! Check out The Corner Room when you are in the mood for anything because they have everything! It is definitely a good place to go eat at with your new friends when you want something that isn’t dinning hall food!

By: Jessica Buchanan

Cozy Thai: A Must Try

If you’re ever feeling a little bored by the dining halls, if you’re ever in need of a spot for a nice sit-down date, if you’re ever in need of somewhere nice to go to dinner with your parents or if you ever just want some really, REALLY good food then Cozy Thai is the place for you.

Situated at 232 S. Allen Street, Cozy Thai markets itself as serving authentic Thai food that is suitable for all including vegetarians and health-minded patrons.  Let me tell you, Cozy Thai does all this and more.  In spite of the fact that it’s a rather far walk from campus, the warm atmosphere and incredible food makes every step of that walk worth it.  If you’re living on the east side of campus, there is a smaller version of Cozy Thai called Galanga located near South Halls at 454 E. College Ave.  

Personally, I prefer the Cozy Thai restaurant on Allen Street; but, if you’re really craving some good Pad Thai then either one will do the trick.  Some of my favorite dishes from Cozy Thai include:

• Pad Thai: this classic, go-to Thai dish will never fail to disappoint.  Prepared with fresh ingredients and served steaming, you can never go wrong with noodles and peanut sauce.  I typically order this dish with chicken, but I’ve also had it with tofu and it is equally as wonderful.  PRO-TIP: do not order Pad Thai if you are dining with friends that have nut allergies (especially if you’re on a date with that person).  I almost did this once by accident and would not recommend it.
• Drunken Noodles: this lesser-known noodle dish is honestly my favorite thing on Cozy Thai’s menu.  While I was studying abroad in South-East Asia, I tried to order this at several different restaurants and can honestly say that no other interpretation of this dish is quite the same.  Served in a savory, gravy-like sauce, this dish takes seemingly simple flat noodles and makes then blow your mind.  I cannot recommend this dish enough.
• Thai Spring Roll Appetizer: these are fairly straight forward but they never fail to satisfy.  Fried wrappers filled with veggies and served with a sweet dipping sauce? Yes, please!
• Chicken Satay Appetizer: this chicken dish, although not vegetarian friendly, is another favorite of mine on the menu.  A somewhat sweet, somewhat savory curried chicken served with a semi-sweet peanut dipping sauce will serve as the perfect opener to any meal you may order.  Again, don’t order this one if you’re dining with friends who have nut allergies—there are peanuts.

If you don’t really like Asian cuisine, maybe Cozy Thai isn’t the place for you; however, if you LOVE fresh food, vegetables, exciting new flavors and are honestly tired of Uncle Chen’s take out then I cannot recommend Cozy Thai enough.

By: Isabella Webster

Original Waffle Shop: Filling All Your Breakfast Needs

When your parents come to visit you during the year they are bound to ask you where you want to eat. Chances are that if your parents are there, then so are everyone else’s parents. Downtown then becomes chaotic and you can have a really hard time trying to find somewhere to eat. But your parents probably have their car with them so you’re in luck.

Take a little trip off campus and go to breakfast at one of the Original Waffle Shops. I know what you might be thinking, “Isn’t there a waffle place on College Ave?” Yes there is a Waffle House but the Original Waffle Shop is a different restaurant! There are two close to University Park, one on Atherton at 1229 North Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803 and one a little further off campus at 1610 West College Avenue, State College, PA 16801. They serve more than just waffles though. They have pancakes, eggs, omelets, french toast, bacon, and every other typical breakfast item. My personal favorite is the regular Belgian Waffle. It also comes with your choice of bacon or sausage (bacon for me please!).

They also have a ton of great combo options that include home fries if you’re a big fan of potatoes like me. It is a great place to start your day with your parents or anyone else who can give you a ride (maybe even your envoy *wink*wink*). Food is a big part of your college life and for the few times that you make it off campus, breakfast at the Original Waffle shop is a good move.  

By: Ashley Southwick

How to Eat Healthy On Campus

You will not go hungry in University Park. However, it’s all about where you eat and what you eat that matters. There are plenty of ways to eat healthy around campus but also plenty of temptations from McDonalds. If you have a meal plan then I definitely recommend taking advantage of what the dining halls have to offer. The dining halls are set up buffet style and there are always good and healthy options to choose from. There is also an app and website to look at the menu before going for every meal.  On the menu and in the dining halls are nutrition facts. There are labels above each food item with the name of the dish, serving size, calorie count, and any ingredients that would be an allergy hazard. It takes a lot of self control to not grab 3 cookies when the dining hall is all you can eat but there will be a card there saying the serving size to remind you.

By: Bridget Ray

How to Find your Way Around the GYM

The gyms at Penn State are a great resource that are super easy to use.  First of all, there is no gym fee at Penn State so all students are able to use any of the gyms available as long as you have your student ID.

 I always like to check the PSU Strength and Fitness website (or app, but the app crashes a lot) before I go to the gym to see how many people are there to make sure the gym isn’t full before I leave.  Once you arrive at the gym, there are small lockers available to store your belongings like your coat or backpack while you work out.  You set your own combination when you close it, so there’s no need to bring a lock unless you want a larger locker from the locker room where the showers are.  The fitness class schedule is posted throughout the gym and is also available online or on the app.  To go to a class, you should show up at least 5 minutes early because some popular classes will have a line to get in, and you will want to make sure you make the cut off if it fills up.  Again, you’ll just need your student ID to get in.  

Always bring a water bottle with you too.  To go into the weight room of the gym, you also will need your ID.  Within the weight room there are various sections for cardio, free weights, and machines.  Each gym is set up a little different and has different things to offer in addition to the weight room.  For example, White Building has a pool, Rec Hall has open gyms and will host all of the Penn State team volleyball matches, and IM has racquetball courts, an indoor track, and the tennis courts are right outside.  After all its renovations this summer, IM will have even more to offer too like an indoor climbing wall.  Overall, the gyms here have a lot to offer.  They are an important resource to students that I recommend to everyone!

By: Morgan McCormick

All You Can WORKOUT

Hey girlies! Welcome to WEPO and Penn State!!! You are going to absolutely love it here. There are so many fun things to do and amazing opportunities at a school this size. One of my favorite things to do during the school week (when I need to let go of some stress and frustration) is the Penn State fitness classes. You can access the schedule at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/campusrec/groupx/schedule.html

 

The class schedule changes every semester, with the addition and subtraction of a few of the classes. They are always adding something new and exciting. For example, PSU fitness added TRX last semester. For those of you who do not know what TRX is it is a suspension training system that you can use to work out with your body weight. It was founded and used in the Navy and helps with not only strength, but balance and flexibility too. Another one of my favorites is Butts and Gutts (how cute are their names).  Butts and Gutts is a 45 minute, you guessed it!, butt and core workout. 45 minutes of squats (and similar moves) can be pretty intense and you will be guaranteed to break a sweat. TMC (Total Muscle Condition) is another favorite. TMC incorporates weights to help get your heart rate up. This class switches back and forth between legs and arms. As soon as you burn one of them out you move on to the next move.

My last favorite class is Washboard Abs. Washboard abs is a 30 minute class of all abs… yes 30 minutes is soo long and you will feel the burn. (note: this class used to be 20 minutes but they switched it to 30 last semester. I would not be surprised if they switch it back.  Depending on the instructor, this could include a circuit or just different moves totaling up to 30 minutes.

Also, be on the lookout for special events like SUP (stand up paddle board) Yoga and rock climbing. I personally have done SUP and it was so much fun. The class only holds 5-10 people due to the need of the paddle boards and due to the size of the pool so make sure to act quickly when they announce it.

In the past students had to pay $60 a semester to go to the fitness centers, but for the first time ever, the university has made it free for all students! Take advantage of this opportunity and try out some of the classes. I promise you will not be disappointed.

By: Rachel Sternberg