Penn State is more than the places students pass on their way to class or the traditions they hear about during their first week on campus. Some of the best memories come from the moments that feel a little more spontaneous. These are the experiences that make four years in Happy Valley feel bigger than just school (in my opinion as a graduating senior).
- Go To Every Sporting Event At Least Once
-
Whether you are at Pegula Ice Arena, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the Bryce Jordan Center, Rec Hall, Panzer Stadium, Jeffrey Field or one of Penn State’s other athletic venues, your options are endless!
Hockey, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, baseball, softball, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics meets and more. No matter what, there is always something to watch on campus. Even if you do not know every rule, the student sections, chants and energy make each sport feel like its own Penn State tradition.
More info: Visit GoPSUsports.com - Visit Tussey Mountain
-
Need a break from campus? Tussey Mountain is the perfect close-by escape. Ski, snowboard or go tubing in the winter, then come back for WingFest, go-karts, golf of all kinds, fishing or concerts when the weather gets warmer. It is one of those places that makes State College feel like an adventure.
Address: 301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg
More info: Visit tusseymountain.com - Spend A Day Downtown Visiting One-Of-A-Kind Shops
-
Make a full day out of downtown State College. Browse books and coffee at Webster’s Bookstore Café, Penn State gear at The Family Clothesline, outdoor finds at Appalachian Outdoors, instruments at The Music Mart, records at Stax of Trax, handmade gifts at The Makery Market and art supplies at Uncle Eli’s. When you get hungry, downtown has almost anything you could want, from chicken and pizza to bakeries and coffee shops.
More info: Visit downtownstatecollege.com for a downtown business directory, shopping guide and upcoming events.
- Visit The Arboretum
-
Looking for the perfect place to slow down for a little while? Spend a day at the Arboretum. Walk the trails, admire the gardens, take photos by the fountain, have a picnic or grab a little souvenir on your way out, whether it is a flower or a pumpkin (the arboretum is always in seasonal decor).
Address: East Park Avenue and Bigler Road
More info: Visit arboretum.psu.edu - Do A Boating Day At Bald Eagle State Park
-
Turn an ordinary weekend into a mini getaway. Take a trip to Bald Eagle State Park and spend the day boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or relaxing by the lake with friends. It is close enough for a simple day trip, but far enough to feel like you actually left the campus bubble.
Address: 149 Main Park Road, Howard, PA 16841-3508
Boat rental address: 182 Marina Road, Howard, PA 16841
More info: Visit boatsandbikesatbaldeagle.com - *HONORARY MENTION: Do THON Weekend Every Year
-
THON Weekend is not just something to check off once. It is something every Penn State student should experience every year. Whether you are dancing, cheering from the stands, supporting an org, visiting with friends or watching the final four hours, the energy inside the Bryce Jordan Center is unforgettable. It is one of the clearest reminders of what makes Penn State so special. We all come together for one primary reason: THE KIDS.
More info: Visit thon.org
By the time graduation comes around, it is easy to realize how much of Penn State exists outside the places students go every day. So, before leaving Happy Valley, make the most of the time you have here. Use the freedom of these four years to live uncomfortably and try new things with new people.