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.

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.

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.

The spring semester moves quickly, and missing key dates can create unnecessary stress. From add/drop deadlines to finals, study abroad applications, and commencement, this post breaks down the most important Penn State Spring semester dates. A little planning now can make a big difference later.

There isn’t one “correct” way to get through college. While some students finish in three years, others take five or six. The path to graduation is unique for each person; sometimes, dropping a course can be an essential part of navigating that journey. Here are some reasons students might consider a late drop (LD).

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!

Penn State has an amazing faculty of advisors who are dedicated to helping students navigate their Penn State journey from their first day to their last. They act as resources for all things academic, but can also guide students through other challenges or questions they may have that pop up during the semester.

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.

Penn State has endless online resources and websites for academic success and making the college experience easier to navigate. But, having so much information at your fingertips can sometimes be overwhelming and overstimulating as a student. There are thousands of engaging classes to choose from at the start of a new semester, but that also comes with many steps students must take to know what they need and register successfully.

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).

Navigating the academic landscape can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding policies that can impact your GPA and academic standing. Penn State has introduced a grade forgiveness policy that offers a helping hand to undergraduate students striving to improve their grades and, ultimately, their GPA. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know about this policy.

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.