4 Things I Wish I Knew before Attending Penn State University

When I started my college experience, I selected Penn State University to start out. I did end up transferring, so here are some things that may have been useful to understand prior to going to Penn State University as a freshman.

1.) Two words: Greek life.

Legacy and tradition are rooted in brotherhood and sisterhood at Penn State University, my friends. Brace yourselves, because especially as a freshman, chances are high you are going to be spending a lot of time as a frat rat whether or not you are officially in a sorority or fraternity or not. I wasn’t even into the scene but still fell victim to their all day benders (even during the week!) which hosted live DJs and bands, an unlimited supply of bad beer, and successfully brought about the sort of happiness that can only be attained as an irresponsible, oblivious-to-the-world 18-year-old.

Soon the frustration set in for me though, as I was constantly bombarded with recruiters trying to sway me into joining. And then my close friends joined one by one and with every private event they attended and every crew neck sweatshirt boasting their letters, I wondered more and more what I was doing on a campus soaked in Greek dressing. Joining is either for you or it's not, but at any rate, it is hard to avoid on this campus.

2.) Those memories of Penn State University which I can retain, are amazing ones.

The partying was plentiful, almost daily in fact. A true test of will to figure out how to balance a social life at Penn State University and an academic life (the reason we were there in the first place, right?). From the first night in my dorm room, the agenda of all who surrounded me was obvious, as if some sort of metaphysical magnet drew in every party animal this side of the Mississippi to campus. Our livers sacrificed themselves in the name of a good time. It really just depends where your head is at and if you can handle the distractions. You can opt out for sure, and there are students who do, but they are few and far between on Penn State University’s campus.

3.) A word on academics.

Not only is it easy to be distracted by the 40,000 other students on campus (do you understand how many parties go on every Friday night?), but also the actual set up of Penn State University’s classes is worth mentioning. My Introduction to Biology course had 800 students in it.  I was a number and I never knew the professor's name. This is ideal for the student who wants to breeze through, choose to attend or not attend class, and be as mute as a mime.

However, if you're not going to fail out after one year, you're going to need to put on those boots of responsibility quickly, because there is a lack of accountability with classes this size. I talk a little more about this in my story about transferring out of Penn State. Side note: Go to class no matter how hungover you are and don’t bring your smart phone with you!

4.) The town of University Park created by Penn State's main campus.

This is to say that this place does not have much to offer for those not connected to the college. There’s a small downtown area with some restaurants and bars and what have you, but you are more than likely not going to meet anyone that doesn’t bleed blue and white.  For me, this was a bit suffocating.

You are in your isolated Penn State University college bubble with no means of escaping.  For instance, going to school in an urban setting means you have activities and opportunities on the campus and also in the city. This also means that not many people stay after their four years despite spending four years putting down some roots. There simply aren’t many opportunities for employment. Attending Penn State’s main campus is one of those situations where after four years you can officially state that you had the college experience in its most American form and are ready to move on.

Carmen G. Ruvie attended Penn State back in 2009, and now holds a degree in Sustainable Community Development in one hand and a pitchfork in the other as she gallivants around the world as an organic farmer.