<p>To whom who are familiar with Penn State, you may have heard the rumors that it is indeed a party school. For me, it's making me ponder if I should even attend Penn State (accepted). I am worried that because of the party-like atmosphere, I will have trouble studying and paying attention to my future goals of success. I have also heard that other than drinking yourself to death, there really isn't anything to do on campus. Please share your thoughts below, thanks.</p>
<p>All the resources for you to have a great education are there. If you lack the self-control to resist going out and partying then you’re going to have a rough time in life, not just at PSU. No one is going to pour alcohol down your throat and there are plenty of kids that choose not to participate in the drugs/alcohol scene. It has nothing to do with the school, but with your personality.</p>
<p>It is a legitimate concern to have, but honestly you aren’t really going to find any schools in the country where there is not a real party scene. It’s college, kids drink, but the partying is not going to interfere with your studying unless you let it interfere. Althhough it may seem that there is not much to do on campus I’m sure there are plenty of clubs to be involved in…</p>
<p>“I’m sure there are plenty of clubs to be involved in…”</p>
<p>There are like a thousand freaking clubs and organizations, not to mention an entire downtown with its own clubs/hangouts.</p>
<p>Exactly. College is will be what you choose to make it. If you don’t want to drink you don’t have to.</p>
<p>Allen, based on your comments, I assume that you are currently attending Penn state (or have). Can you please give me examples of what I will be able to do in the downtown area (provide names, etc)? Also, what is your planned major? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m worried if you didn’t think partying would happen at a large state school…</p>
<p>No, I’m actually starting this summer but I have several friends that are sophomores there. I visit campus alot and I promise you the downtown area has a large selection of diners, cafes, dives, bars, shops and a great social scene. I’m undecided.</p>
<p>sure its a party school, and a lot of people drink. I’ve spent the weekend at penn state numerous times, and I don’t drink. I was never bored. You just find other things to do! I love going ice skating (even though I’m bad at it hahaha), and they have a rink up there. There’s movies played at the HUB, which ive heard is pretty cool–set up like a real movie theatre. There are stores downtown…or you can just walk around–the campus is so beautiful. Besides, when you hang out with your friends, don’t you normally just end up sitting around talking (or some other small thing like playing video games i guess) anyway? </p>
<p>As to the study aspect, it’s not like people are going to be shoving a drink in your face while youre studying. Or any time, for that matter; it’s your choice. There are plenty of places to go that are super quiet; you just have to look for them. You might have to adjust your schedule because it can get pretty loud on the weekend nights, but it’s not a big deal.</p>
<p>It’s all about who you decide to surround yourself, mostly. Sure, you can’t get away from it (the effects of other people partying, be it the noise, etc.) all the time, but it definitely doesn’t influence your life if you don’t want it to. I don’t drink at all, and can’t wait to be a student at penn state.</p>
<p>Wait so you guys are telling me there’s alcohol use at penn state?!</p>
<p>Good grief, there is alcohol use at EVERY college, penn state is no different even though its a “dry campus”</p>
<p>3 words: State Patty’s Day</p>
<p>Not everyone is into State Patty’s Day.</p>
<p>I think it’s a perfectly reasonable concern to have. While no one is going to pour alcohol down your throat, you might feel left out or overwhelmed by the amount of drinking (both in number of students and degree) going on. There will be drinking every night of the week, and worse on weekends. Do all the students binge drink? Of course not, but it is a noticeable activity and that, imho, is not necessarily the case at every single school. There is a sizeable minority of students who come precisely because of the drinking rep – they don’t intend to graduate, or go to class. They intend to party until mom/dad cut the money off. I say this with love for PSU. </p>
<p>There’s plenty to do. That’s a lame excuse. It’s not New York, but there are movies, concerts, presentations, speakers, classes (exercise, art,wellness, music), athletic facilities (go swim, play bball, run), tutoring centers, volunteer work, restaurants (thai, korean, italian, austrian, american), coffeeshops, an arthouse movie theatre…And the education is very good, too!</p>
<p>I think the experience of spending a weekend here as a high school student does not compare to living here as a college student. Gauge your responsibility, comfort with alcohol use, independance, and ambition and choose accordingly.</p>
<p>Elevit - I looked at some of your other posts just to get an idea of where else you might have applied - and I see that your other choices are also large “party” schools - Illinois, Wisconsin. I don’t think there is a difference between PSU and those schools from what I’ve heard. Yes, there are parties every night of the week, but not everyone goes to those. You have to be strong enough to set your own standard - but only you can know what you are able to do. You will have the same issue whether PSU, Wisconsin or Illinois - for that you can be sure. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>I am a Illinois alum; it had a very active party scene and I doubt that has changed much. (I’ve also tipped a few beers at the Wisconsin student Union.) This thread might interest you–
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/650887-some-things-do-psu-non-party-animal-those-tired-being-one.html?highlight=things+to+do[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/650887-some-things-do-psu-non-party-animal-those-tired-being-one.html?highlight=things+to+do</a></p>
<p>Also–
[Penn</a> State Student Orgs](<a href=“http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/studentorgs/orgdirectory/]Penn”>http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/studentorgs/orgdirectory/)</p>
<p>Based on my experience with a couple different schools and visiting friends at their colleges, it is my opinion that pretty much all schools are party schools. The exceptions are places like Liberty and BYU. But I also know that you can party and do well in school. The problem comes when every night is a party. The people who get drunk or stoned all the time find themselves flunking out or finishing by the skin of their teeth and don’t get good jobs.</p>
<p>I refuse to believe any of this. That is illegal for those under 21.</p>
<p>I don’t go to Penn State but I do go to a college with a huge Greek scene and I agree with Allen. The school isn’t the reason for the party atmosphere, the kids are, and if you don’t have the ability to stand up to people and not be pressured into a scene that you don’t want to partake in, then that is your issue. I, for one, don’t party, but my friends and classmates don’t pressure me to because I can stand up to them and “just say no.” College is, indeed, what you make it, and if you want to make it one big party, thats up to you.</p>
<p>Not sure about anyone else, but I’m pretty sure Kevin12 is being sarcastic, and I find it hilareous…</p>