With moving back to good ol’ Happy Valley in less than a month, some people might fear that the freedom of summer might be coming to an end. No more late-night rides to the beach or going out with people to get that midnight snack. But let’s all remember that we’re going back to the Pennsylvania State University, literally one of the best universities in the world.
If you’re still on the fence about going back to school soon, here are the best reasons as to why going back to Penn State in the fall is amazing, starting from the best to the absolute best:
15. How About the classes in general?
Some of the things I love about Penn State are the classes you can take. Of course we always have to take those required classes for our major, and we have some gen eds that we have to fulfill, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun with it. Some classes are so unique that it even makes going to class early in the day worth it.
14. Yelling “We Are” at tour groups
One of the fun things about Penn State is the fact that we have these kooky traditions. Yelling “We Are,” at tour groups is just one of the few things that I thoroughly enjoy doing whenever I see the wide eyes of possible freshmen looking at our campus for the first time.
13. Old Main, man
There’s just something about those summer nights in front of Old Main that just makes someone want to smile. There’s nothing better than lying under the stars with your friends or significant other once school’s back in session.
12. Our signature midnight food stops
We’ve all had those nights where it’s 2 a.m. and you’re with your home girls and all you want is a slice of pizza, a Subway sandwich, some Taco Bell or McDonalds. Penn State has you covered. Bring on the one-dollar Canyon pizza!
11. The Willard Preacher
He’s everyone’s favorite person to love/hate. I know you all miss his rants about how we’re all going to hell. We can’t deny that he’s a source of entertainment on our way to class. And he’s going to be back there in the fall, ready to berate us again. Be on the look out for that red sweatshirt on the steps of the Willard Building.
10. The Nittany Lion Shrine
The lion shrine is a symbol of Penn State as well as the second most photographed landmark in Pennsylvania. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors alike, as well as their parents, all come here to take their pictures as a symbol of Penn State pride.
9. And the Nittany Lion himself
Need I say more? Who couldn’t be more excited to see this guy?
8. Our National Champion sports team (well, really any team)
I shouldn’t just make this towards one team. C’mon. There’s so many teams at Penn State that are so incredibly good that you somehow wonder how people can be so amazing at sports until you realize “oh wait, we’re at Penn State.” #SaquonBarkley (says my mom)
7. Mount Nittany, the Arboretum and everything else that is Penn State beauty
I truly believe there isn’t a point in Happy Valley that isn’t filled with beauty. There are so many glorious and gorgeous spots all around us that we forget about them over the summer only to see them and appreciate them more when the school year comes back.
6. West Dining Hall Cookies and Insomnia Cookies
Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Whether it’s the on-campus ones down at West Halls (of which I have had way too many) or the special place downtown, the cookies here are literally the best things you can have on a rainy day or just chilling in class.
5. Berkey Creamery Ice Cream
You didn’t think I’d write a PSU list without including this gem? This is literally going to be the first stop on my trip once I get back to Penn State, and I’m picking up a whole carton of Death by Chocolate. I’ve been missing my favorite ice cream place in the world. It’s a symbol of Penn State pride, and a delicious snack to boot.
4. THON
One of my favorites, THON is one of the many times during the year thousands of Penn Staters come together to raise money for a good cause, and the atmosphere is like no other. At THON, 15 thousand students spend 46 hours helping each other out. Multiple other events happen throughout the year to celebrate the main event as well.
3. Um, our Big Ten Championship Winning Football Team?
With the players we have and the winning streak we had last year, no doubt this year is going to be even better. And the football games are even more amazing with the stadium, the people, the spirit, and everyone screaming “WE ARE!” No one can beat this feeling of pride.
2. Oh, and we get to see these two again
Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley will be in action, again. Need I say more?
1. Making Penn State Memories with the ones we love
Really, there is nothing better than making memories with your friends, your significant other, or maybe even your parents. Penn State memories are the best, whether it’s in the classroom, in the dorms, on the fields, in the stadium or maybe even a restaurant downtown. One of my favorite memories is going to the Corner Room for the first time with my family.
When you can make those memories, make them, because those are what last a lifetime. Penn State forever.
Hope you’re excited for the new year, fellow Penn Staters! We are!
Photo credit: Kylie Schneck, Allie Maniglia