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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you're heading off to college for the first time or returning for another year, having the right tools can make a big difference. Here are 10 Prime Day deals to grab before they’re gone:

There is a lot to do when preparing to start college! The summer between high school and college is filled with excitement, nerves, and a never ending list of tasks to complete and things to buy. We understand this challenge and are here to help!

One of the hardest parts about going to class and studying for exams in the spring is being cooped up inside and missing the gorgeous weather. Penn State’s campus is blooming in April and May, and a sunny day cures any academic ails. Taking your studies outside can not only make studying more enjoyable, it can also improve your mental health and frame of mind to conquer big exams. Here are some of the best locations on campus to do so!

Being accepted to Penn State is a huge accomplishment and exciting time for students and parents. The horizon broadens, and all one can think of is the amazing four years they are going to have here at PSU. However, as time creeps closer, we as students find that we have a lot to manage and put in place before we ever step foot here--and fast. There’s matters of football tickets, housing, meal plans, roommates, and more--it feels like you always have to be one step ahead in your planning. This can be extremely overwhelming, for both students and parents.

The success of your study session can often rely on where the study session is held. Penn State Libraries are perfect because there are a multitude of study spaces that allow you to find a spot that fits your needs. These recommended and not recommended spaces are ranked based on three factors: Privacy, Noise Level, and Availability of Outlets. All of these spaces can be found at the Pattee and Paterno Library (Note: the Pattee and Paterno Library is one building and the differentiations indicate which side the of the library a space is located).

For many Penn State students, the task of needing to scan homework with their cell phone for uploading to Canvas is a frequent and sometimes daunting challenge. This blog post aims to shed light on an effective solution that streamlines this process, ensuring that your digital submissions are as polished as your academic efforts.

As one semester concludes, the anticipation for the next one begins. This blog aims to guide students in effective preparation, helping them harness essential skills and resources for a successful academic journey. Alongside strategies for note-taking, course selection, and technology utilization, consider the invaluable support that academic tutoring can offer as you embark on the upcoming semester.

Are you struggling to communicate effectively with your professors via email? If so, you're not alone. In today's workplace, digital communication skills are essential, but many students overlook the importance of honing these skills in college. As a professor who receives countless emails from students every year, I understand the challenges of communicating professionally and respectfully via email. This post is intended to provide you with some practical tips to help you improve your email communication skills and make the most of your college career.

At one point, the differences between the ACT and SAT accentuated their rivalry.  But both have been redesigned recently so that now, they are more like comparable alternatives in friendly competition. Both are still the major college admissions tests and criteria for national merit scholarships; both still test what students learn in high school. But here the differences begin and with those differences, the likely reason why which test to take became--and still is—a question for so many students. 

Are you ready to join the millions of people using Gmail as their primary email provider? Creating a Gmail account is quick and easy, and best of all, it's completely free.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up your own Gmail account:

As an educational consultant, one common concern I encounter when working with educators is how to best prepare for the start of a new semester. To assist my clients, I often share resources that have proved helpful in the past, such as the pre-semester checklist I used when I was a faculty member at Penn State. If you'd like to receive a free download of this checklist and other valuable educational resources, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter. One important item on the checklist is to send a welcoming email to your students. Below is a sample email that I used, which you are welcome to use as a template.

Starting a new semester can be overwhelming, especially if you're not prepared. One way to set yourself up for success is to make sure you're organized from the get-go. When you're organized, you'll be able to find what you need quickly and easily, which will save you time and stress. Plus, being organized can help you stay on top of your assignments and deadlines, so you can focus on learning and succeeding in your classes.

You need to focus on these 3 sections of the syllabus.