Seeking specific insights on learning, education, or all things Penn State? Dive into our blog with the search below!
Spaced Practice: The Most Effective Way to Plan Your Studying
Cramming works, for about a day. Spaced practice, studying material and deliberately coming back to it on other days, is the research-backed way to actually remember it. Here's how to build spacing into a single study session, across the week, and into a routine that makes finals week far less brutal.
The Self-Regulation Loop: Plan, Monitor, Evaluate
Studying isn't a single moment, it's a loop: plan, monitor, evaluate, repeat. Learn the psychology behind this cycle, why overconfidence is one of the biggest threats to exam prep, and how building your ability to delay gratification makes the whole process work better.
Stacked Schedule vs. Lighter Load: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Should you pack your schedule full or keep it light? Both have real trade-offs, GPA risk, early momentum, competitive major credit windows, and study abroad planning all factor in. Here's how to make the choice on purpose instead of by accident.
Where to Go for a Cup of Joe: Best Coffee Spots On & Off Campus
Whether you’re looking for a great way to start the day, an afternoon pick-me-up, or somewhere to study that will provide you with caffeine, there are plenty of places on and off campus that fit the bill.
Tierney Education Expands Academic Coaching and Tutoring Services to Pittsburgh
Tierney Education is expanding to Pittsburgh! After years of supporting college students in State College, we're now bringing personalized tutoring and academic coaching to students at the University of Pittsburgh.
The 4-Box Review System: A Smarter Way to Use Flashcards
Not all flashcards deserve equal attention. This 4-Box Review System, based on a 50-year-old spaced repetition method, helps you spend more time on the cards you actually don't know and less time re-reviewing what you've already mastered
Motivation vs. Discipline: Why Showing Up Matters More Than Feeling Ready
Waiting to feel motivated before you get to work? That's the trap. Discipline, not motivation, is what separates the students who show up consistently from everyone else, and the research on effort shows you can actually train yourself to dread it less. Here's why, plus 5 practical ways to make discipline easier to switch on.
How to Prepare for Career Fairs at Penn State
Career fairs are a great way to get things started when it comes to searching for a job or internship. Penn State offers various career fairs and networking events throughout the year, our tips will help you be prepared for upcoming and future events!
What Actually Counts as Studying?
Think studying only counts if you're sitting with a textbook the night before an exam? Reviewing notes, doing homework, and quizzing yourself all count too. Here's a simple 3-column trick to figure out what you actually know versus what just feels familiar.
5 Tips to Ace English 15 at Penn State
English 15 is an introductory writing course required for all Penn State students. Though it may seem easy on paper, it’s important to take it as seriously as all your other courses. We’ve compiled some tips from current Penn State English 15 instructors and previous students to help you succeed in the class!
Notes That Help You Remember: The 3R Method
Your notes do more than record what your professor said, they're an active part of how you learn. Here's the psychology behind why notes matter and a simple 3-step method (Record, Revise, Review) to make your studying more efficient and less stressful.
How to Change Your Gmail Address Without Losing Your Emails
Created your Gmail account years ago and wish you had a more professional email address? Google now allows some users to change their Gmail address without losing their old email or account data. Here’s what college students should know before making the switch.
Ask the Experts: What a Gap Year Really Is
Ever wondered what a gap year actually looks like, beyond the backpacking-through-Europe stereotype? We asked two accredited gap year consultants to break down what a gap year really is, who it's for, and how it can help students build motivation, confidence, and direction before (or during) college.
Your Pre-Semester Checklist: Set Up Your Semester Before It Starts
The first two weeks set the tone for the whole semester. From organizing your syllabi to calculating real study time to naming your plan for when things get hard, here's everything to knock out before your first class.
How to Use CATA: Getting Around State College Without a Car
Most students in State College don't have a car, and honestly, you don't need one. Between CATA's free routes and a handful of inexpensive paid options, you can get to class, downtown, and the grocery store without opening Uber or Lyft every time you need to go somewhere. Here's how to actually use it.
Problem Admiring vs. Problem Solving
We all face a choice when something goes wrong: sit with the problem, or figure out what to do about it. Learn why dwelling can actually get in the way of solving, and try the simple 3-minute rule that helps stuck students shift from venting to action.
Ten Things to Bring to Penn State (Besides the Obvious)
By now you've probably seen dozens of Penn State packing lists. They all cover the essentials: extra-long twin sheets, towels, shower shoes, laundry basket, fan, storage bins, power strips, and a small first aid kit. Those lists are great, so instead of repeating them, we're going to focus on the items you don't think you'll need—but will probably be glad you packed by October. These are the purchases that can make college life easier, reduce stress, and help you stay organized throughout the semester.
Don’t Miss These: Key Fall Semester Dates Every Penn State Student Should Know
Important deadlines and dates often sneak up on us. Calendar management is a key piece of ensuring a successful college experience. At Penn State, every semester is packed with key academic, administrative, and planning milestones. Knowing these dates ahead of time, and building them into your system early, can make a huge difference in how smoothly your semester runs.
How to get Penn State Football tickets in 2026
While the experience of buying season tickets has changed quite a bit over the years, the experience of going to a Penn State Football game hasn’t. From the drum major flip to the “We Are” chant to the singing of the alma mater, the student section leads the way in keeping up the exciting atmosphere.
Summer at State: Things to Do During a State College Summer
New to Penn State this summer? Enjoying some time in Happy Valley before your senior year? Locked in a solid internship downtown? No matter the reason, if you’re sticking around this summer, things will look a little different than the hustle-and-bustle of the fall & spring semesters, but there are still plenty of activities (for all ages) in the summer.