With a quick trip downtown, it’s easy to see that State College has so much more to offer than just football games and campus rec. Some of my favorite memories from my freshman year involved activities off campus and around State College, and there is something for everyone to do!
If you are looking for something to do within walking distance (because most freshmen do not have a car):
Try some new restaurants!
Downtown State College is home to dozens of restaurants--from breakfast at the Waffle Shop, to ramen at Tadashi, or salads at Fiddlehead, there is a little bit of everything. Maybe you’ll make it a tradition to eat at The Corner Room each weekend, or maybe you’ll try a new restaurant each time you go! Whatever you do, downtown dining is one of the best ways to hang out with your friends (and take a break from dining hall food).
Go shopping!
Urban Outfitters? Check. H&M? Check. Target? Check. Small boutiques? Check. Downtown State College has everything you need if you want to add to your wardrobe. Even when my friends and I wanted to save some money, we still enjoyed wandering around the stores and trying on clothes.
Create pottery masterpieces at 2000 Degrees!
Sometimes all you need is a little art and relaxation, and 2000 Degrees is just the place for this! This little downtown storefront is a pottery painting studio where you can decorate mugs, bowls, or knick-knacks. I went to this studio a few times last year, and I made this cute little bowl!
If you or one of your friends has a car, or you are willing to Uber or ride the bus:
Visit Tussey Mountain!
If you love to ski, snowboard, or snow tube, Tussey Mountain is the place for you. It is the closest winter sports destination to PSU, and you can even take a ski class there that counts as a Health and Wellness Gen. Ed. class! Tussey has many summer activities as well, but most visitors from Penn State go for the ski slopes.
Go bowling!
Bowling is a perfect activity for any group of people. The first time I went bowling at Penn State, I went as a bonding activity for my THON committee (you’ll learn more about what that is later). There was a large group of us, and bowling was the perfect way for us all to get to know each other and have a great time.
Hike Mount Nittany!
Hiking Mount Nittany should be on every Penn Stater’s Bucket List. At the beginning of the year, many clubs will use this hike as an introductory activity and a way to meet new people, so you will have many opportunities to go. If you do miss the hikes at the beginning of the semester (like I did), you can still drive to the mountain and hike with your own group.
Olivia Brencovich
Team B Envoy
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