Hi, I have been accepted to Penn State University Park for DUS, but I’m still not sure if I want to go there. I’ve been on their campus before, and I had a really dull feeling while I was there; it seems like State College is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees.However, since I’m just a visitor, I think it would be better to get feedback from actual students. So how was your overall experience at University Park, both academically and socially? Your dorm life? What was your first impression of UP and how do you feel about it now? And how was your transition from high school to college? I’m trying to make a decision asap so if you have any advice, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks so much!!
@Sunrise97 I am an alumni of Penn State as was my husband and my daughter is going there as well this summer. I am sure you are looking for current student input, but I will give you mine as an alumni. Yes, State College the town is in the middle of Pennsylvania. But, State College itself is a vibrant town that has anything at all that you would need or want. Once you are in State College, I can’t really think of anything that you would want that they would not have. They have top name concerts (Bryce Jordan Center), bars, restaurants, shops, malls, movie theaters, etc…The town was built after the school, so the town really works right around the school and the downtown area is very walkable. When did you visit Penn State? If it was in the summer the town and campus may have seemed very quiet. It makes a big difference when 40,000+ students are there.
When we were at the accepted students day a few days ago, a participant asked one of the student panel (who was from NYC) how they adjusted to life in the small town. The student replied that he wanted both big city amenities and small town charm and he felt like he got that at Penn State. He is graduating and probably returning to NYC, but he never felt bored at Penn State.
I graduated waayyyy back in 1994. I never lived in the dorms at Main Campus so I can’t answer that. But I will say that back then the academics were great and the social life was also great. There was nothing I did not like about Penn State…and there was less to do there then than there is now! There was always something to do and a way to become involved.
Only you can answer whether it’s the right fit for you. For sure, there are different schools meant for different types of people. I, personally, could never think to describe Penn State as dull, but that’s just me! The campus is still full on the weekends (unlike other schools that lose half of their students on the weekends).
I’m sure more current students can give you a better feel as to how things are now - but I am very familiar with the area and the school so I thought I’d chime in. If you have any particular questions that I can answer, let me know. We travel to State College several times a year and we own rental property there as well.
I had never seen the campus with students on it – only visited once over the summer – and boy, was I surprised how many people there are.
Maybe it is in the middle of nowhere (that’s central PA for you) but there’s a great bus system that can get you to the mall, the airport, Walmart, whatever. There are also events held on campus (especially at the HUB) over the weekend and throughout the week.