5 Things You Must do as a Student at Penn State University

Top of the list is, of course, go to a Penn State University football game. Wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to this experience, meaning tailgating for a solid eight hours in advance (even if this means beer before breakfast) and feeling the full vibration of standing in the student section as everyone jumps in unison to Zombie Nation. Tailgating is the best part as parents flood the lawns outside Beaver Stadium offering free hot dogs, free booze, and a unique social situation. No doubt, you will feel an overwhelming sense of unity and pride, standing with over 100,000 others, rain or shine, all sharing the common goal of having a damn good time.

1.) Many people know THON.

It is an all-weekend dance marathon that takes place during winter in the Bryce Jordan Center. It’s held annually to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Attending this weekend to cheer on fellow sleep-deprived students who dance for 46 hours straight and interact with children going through intense chemotherapy to raise money is a memory I will never forget.

2.) And the jaw dropping numbers!

The year I was at Penn State University, 8 million dollars was raised for the fund and it is increasing by the year (this year, over 13 million!). However, not only do I advise you not to miss this climactic weekend, but it is a must to participate in a THON canning weekends prior to the main event. About one weekend a month, students vacate main campus in order to have big slumber parties at a student’s family’s home, and during the day, stand on the streets with a can for donations from generous cars passing by. It is a humbling and completely gratifying experience you shouldn’t miss.

3.) Penn State’s 225-cow herd is the starting point of the next “must do”.

This brings us to the Berkey Creamery on campus. Only four days from cow and cone, this is the freshest treat you may ever get! Famous for its ice cream, sherbet, and cheeses, the Berkey Creamery is the largest on any US campus. Give yourself some time, because with 20 types of cones and 100 ice cream flavors, this is an outing worth savoring.

So get in line, a line that often extends out of the door (especially on game days), and play your role in the creamery tradition, which dates to 1896.

Of course it’s not all sunshine. Check out my story on things to avoid at Penn State University.

4.) All those who spend time at Penn State University must climb Mount Nittany!

My friends and I made a tradition of getting into nature by forcing ourselves to take the trek on every one of our birthdays no matter how late we stayed out the night before.

This outing is versatile in the fact that you could spend two hours hiking to the top or five hours if you are feeling adventurous on some of the side paths. Truth be told, no one ever looks back regretting going on a hike with scenic views such as these, even those not too keen on spending time outdoors.

5.) Cringe-worthy, but nonetheless necessary: you must live in East Halls as a freshman to get the full experience.

This may entail a case of ringworm from the showers and dealing with trying to revamp ridiculous interior design, but it is my favorite part of my time at college. My dorm was so small that I could practically reach my hand and grab the remote control from my roommate’s bed, which naturally creates special bonds.

Also, from day one, I had an open-door policy whose popularity spread like that bacteria disease in the bathrooms, meaning my dorm room was always open for strangers to swing through and say hello. The friendships created at such a rapid rate are no doubt from the humorous times we all shared in suboptimal, yet highly recommended, living conditions in East Halls.

Carmen G Ruvie attended Penn State as a freshman in 2009. After graduating with a degree in Sustainable Community Development, she has since dedicated her being to permaculture and travel and has never looked back.