Altoona

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Check-In Schedule

We are excited to welcome students to Penn State Altoona.

Room assignment, roommate information, and arrival scheduling is now available in eLiving. Watch your email for arrival reminders and additional instructions.

Friday, August 18

Incoming First-Year Students
Arrive during your scheduled arrival time
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Science Lot

Sunday, August 20

Upper-Class Students
Arrive during your scheduled arrival time
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rider Lot

Students hoping for after-hours move-in must confirm with staff prior to arriving on campus.

Check-in Information

Before arriving to campus:

  • Beginning 24 hours before your scheduled arrival time, log on to eLiving and complete pre-arrival check-in. This step will initiate card access to the building and help speed up the process at arrival.
  • Set up your mobile id+ card using the instructions at idcard.psu.edu/mobile-id-card.

At check-in:

Bring yourself and your photo ID (Incoming students who haven't already picked up their id+ Card will receive it when they check-in); you may not send a friend or family member to check in for you.

Move-in Tips

  • Members of your family may unload your vehicle while you check in.
  • Please move your vehicle to a designated parking lot as soon as it is unloaded.

Directions to Campus

Your To Do List

What To Pack
Learn what to bring and what to leave behind.

Pack light when you come for Arrival! Don't bring all your belongings on your first trip to campus. Use our What to Pack list as your guide. You may want to wait to see how much storage space you have and then plan on bringing additional items at another time.

Roommate and Room Assignment
Get to know your roommate.

Once room assignments are available, log on to eLiving to see where you are living. Contact your new roommate and try to talk several times before move-in day. Share academic plans, common interests, and what each of you will contribute to your room’s set-up.

Penn State id+ Card
Load it with LionCash.

Add LionCash funds and set up your mobile credential before you leave home.

Immunization Records
Upload your records.

All incoming students must submit immunization records prior to arrival on campus. Visit University Health Services to upload your records.

Setup Your Devices
Get connected.

University housing offers access to the Penn State Network. Visit Getting Connected to learn how you can get your devices registered before arrival.

Pay Your Bill
with LionPATH.

The Bursar will process your semester bill and post it on your LionPATH account. Bills are generated monthly and specify a bill due date. Room and board charges will be added to your semester bill.

What to Pack

  • Alarm Clock
  • Baskets for toiletries and storage
  • Bed risers
  • Bedding (Twin XL)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laptop, printer, and cables
  • Desk lamp, desk supplies
  • DVD player and cables
  • Face mask and hand sanitizer
  • Fan (portable), box fan for window
  • Financial items (checking/savings account, credit/debit card, health insurance card, Social Security card, driver's license, etc.)
  • First-Aid kit (band-aids, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cold/cough medicine, COVID at-home tests (4), pain relievers, thermometer)
  • Food items (can opener,  coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of dishes and flatware, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
  • Games (cards, board games)
  • Game consoles and cables
  • Hangers
  • Laundry bag/basket and detergent
  • Padlocks for desk, laptop, and bike
  • Paper products (paper towels and for suite residents, toilet paper. We provide just the first roll.)
  • Reusable water bottle/coffee mug, reusable shopping bag(s)
  • Room decorations^
  • Sewing kit/safety pins
  • Snow shovel to store in your car
  • Smart TV or TV plus streaming device
  • Toiletry items
  • Towels
  • Umbrella, rain boots

 

 

What to Leave Behind

Please refer to your HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information.

  • Air Conditioning units, including portable units and "swamp coolers"
  • Alcohol+
  • Appliances
  • Ashtrays*
  • Candles and incense
  • Ceiling fans
  • Firearms
  • Grills
  • Halogen lamps
  • Heaters
  • Pets (small fish tanks are allowed)
  • Vacuum cleaners (available for use from RA)
  • Waterbeds
  • Window Treatments (blinds, draperies)
  • Wireless Routers

 

^Posters and photos must be hung with plastic tack.

+ Alcohol is prohibited on campus, regardless of the resident's age

* Smoking is prohibited on campus, including in all residence halls, common areas, and dining facilities.

WHAT'S IN YOUR ROOM

During Arrival

Beyond the checking in and moving into your home away from home, you’ll find plenty of on-campus activities as well as areas to explore or grab a tasty bite.
Refer to the following links for What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay as you prepare for Arrival.

What To Do
Engage in the activities.

Check out the Welcome Week schedule to view events and activities happening on campus during and after your arrival. Along with the Welcome Week activities there are many other things to do while visiting Penn State.

Where To Eat
Satisfy your cravings.

We provide a top-notch variety of on-campus dining options that are available during arrival or check out one of the many local restaurants.

Where To Stay
Get rested.

Need to make hotel accommodations? Local hotels have rooms reserved for Welcome Weekend. You can also visit the Blair County Visitors Bureau's website to view options. This site also provides information about local restaurants and activities, so you can learn more about the area during your visit!

Beyond Arrival

It's no secret that the transition from living at home to living on campus is fairly monumental. 
The following resources are provided to kick start your on-campus experience with the right information.

Academics 

Academic advising is a key to your success at Penn State. Visit Academic Affairs for more details regarding advising as well as information about the advising portal, StarFish and the student information system, LionPATH.

Housing

Learn about your room, living on campus, contract details, medical accommodations, room and board rates, and more by visiting liveon.psu.edu/altoona.

Jobs

Job opportunities provide more than a paycheck, they provide vital networking and professional experience that will enrich your time on campus. Take the time to discover some of the exciting places to work on campus.

Residence Life

Residence Life provides students with a safe, comfortable, secure and nurturing living-learning environment that is conducive to students' academic pursuits and personal growth while fostering a sense of community, civic responsibility and an appreciation of diversity.

Student Life

Vibrant is one way to describe student life at Penn State. Discover clubs, organizations, support towards your academic goals, and more about Student Life.

Contact Staff

Housing and Food Services

[email protected]
814-949-5400
Port Sky Cafe 
3000 Ivyside Drive
Altoona, PA 16601-3760

Residence Life

[email protected] 
814-949-5710
Spruce Hall
3000 Ivyside Drive
Altoona, PA 16601