University Park 2024 Fall

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Housing Arrival

WE ARE excited to welcome you to campus!

We want your housing arrival experience to be simple and stress-free. Preparation starts before you actually arrive on campus, with you reviewing move-in information, completing the to-do list, getting packed, and so much more!

Remember to dress comfortably and bring some water and snacks. Be prepared for inclement weather, it's been known to rain during Arrival. Consider bringing a change of clothes for the ride home.

Arriving to college is a new experience, have fun with the adventure and try not to be overwhelmed. Plan to take some photos to document this exciting step of your Penn State journey.

Review these important steps to help you get ready to #LiveOn!

Housing Arrival Schedule
To-Do List
Packing Information
Arrival Day
After Arrival
Contact Us

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Housing Arrival Schedule

Review the Housing Arrival Schedule, listed below, to determine which Arrival Day that you'd like to select. University Housing is available starting Monday August 19.

Welcome Week activities begin the afternoon of Saturday August 24. Students are requested to join activities and get involved, starting around 3:00 p.m. Parents and families should plan on leaving campus by 2:00 p.m.

August 19 - 21

Early Arrival

additional fees apply

Mon Aug 19 &
Tues Aug 20

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & After Hours**
Findlay Commons Building

Wed Aug 21

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bryce Jordan Center

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. & After Hours**
Findlay Commons Building

Learn More about this option, which any student may utilize

August 22 - 24

OFFICIAL ARRIVAL DAYS

Thur Aug 22 &
Fri Aug 23

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Bryce Jordan Center

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. & After Hours**
Findlay Commons Building

Sat Aug 24

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bryce Jordan Center

Students cannot check-in
between 2:00-5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. & After Hours**
Findlay Commons Building

August 25 & after

Late Arrival

Sun Aug 25

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. & After Hours**
Findlay Commons Building

Mon Aug 26 & after

24 hours/day
Housing Area Commons Desk

** Findlay Commons Desk is open 24 hours/day; students may arrive after 10:00 p.m. and still check in to housing.

HOUSING ARRIVAL EXCEPTIONS

Nittany Hall

Nittany Hall is unavailable for students to move in early. Students may arrive after 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, August 21 - early arrival is NOT available.

White Course Apartments

Undergraduate students who have a HFS Contract and are assigned to Dunham, Garban, and Grubb Halls will Schedule Move-In based on the Housing Arrival Schedule at either the Bryce Jordan Center or Findlay Commons Desk in East Halls through 8:00 a.m. Monday August 26.

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday August 26 (and after that time/date), all check-ins will then be located at the Weston Community Center from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m..

Graduates and Students with families who have a White Course Apartment LEASE will check-in based on the lease begin date at the Weston Community Center from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Special Programs and Early Arrival

Official Housing Arrival Days are Thursday August 22 - Saturday August 24.

University Housing opens on Monday August 19 for students who may need to arrive early. There is an additional fee for this service.

You do not need to request permission to arrive early to campus - simply Schedule Move-In for the date/time that works best for your schedule!

Employee assisting with parking for student arrival.

Early Arrival

University Housing is available starting Monday August 19; students may arrive early for an additional fee. This includes students participating in special programs.

Special Programs & Early Arrival

Student employee assisting at check-in for fall arrival.

New Student Orientation

Students scheduled for New Student Orientation (NSO) during Arrival Week will be able to move directly into their fall room assignment prior to attending their NSO session

New Student Orientation Arrival

International Students

Learn more about resources provided by the university are can assist you with your transition to Penn State.

International Students

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Your To-Do List

Important steps that you'll want to complete prior to your Schedule Move-In time.

Fall Semester Room Assignment

Fall semester room assignments post in eLiving at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET Tuesday July 16.

Login to eLiving > My Info > My Room

View Room Assignment

Room Exchange eBoard

Students interested in a room change or living with a different student may use the Room Exchange eBoard in eLiving, which will be available from 12:00 p.m. (noon) July 16 through 12:00 p.m. (noon) August 6.

Login to eLiving > My Info > Room Exchange eBoard

Schedule Move-In

All students must Schedule Move-In in eLiving, which is available only after room assignments are posted in July.

Schedule Move In

The availability of dates/times is dependent upon the building.

To Schedule Move-In:

Login to eLiving > My Info > Schedule Move-In
Select a date/time that works for your schedule. No confirmation will be sent.
You can modify your date/time as necessary
It is recommended that you and your roommate do not move in at the same time to allow for space to unpack

Penn State id+ Card

Your Penn State id+ Card is an important component of your Penn State experience, and provides access to your Campus Meal Plan, LionCash, residence hall building and room door access, PNC Banking, fitness facilities and classes, and library services. Your Campus Meal Plan, residence hall building access, and room door access (if applicable) will be activated during the check-in process.

Incoming first-year students need to submit a photo ID before attending New Student Orientation (NSO). The Penn State id+ Office will then ensure that your id+ card will be ready for you to pick-up during NSO! Learn more about the first-year student process for receiving your id+ card.

Submit Your Photo

Deposit LionCash Funds

You can add LionCash funds online at any time.

Mobile id+ card

The mobile id+ card is Penn State's primary credential and allows students to use their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device to access campus buildings, securely make purchases with a Campus Meal Plan or LionCash, and so much more.

Having your mobile id+ card set up in advance of arrival will ensure a smooth transition and easy access to your building and room.

Activate Your Mobile id+ card

Download the Penn State GO app

Penn State GO is great resource for students, parents, and families. The app offers easy access to websites, bus information, dining, maps, and so much more! Students will be able to login after they attend New Student Orientation. Parents and families should select the "parents and families" experience on their profile.

Upload Immunization Records

In addition to the immunizations required and suggested by the University, students living in University Housing must also submit the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Submit your immunization records through myUHS.

Delegate Access

Identify an individual in LionPATH as a delegate with whom University staff can discuss your Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract details.

Semester Bill

Housing and Food charges, tuition, and other University fees will be added to the student's account in LionPATH, which is managed by the Office of the Bursar. The semester bill is expected to be issued at the beginning of August for payment and will be due on August 22.

Students will need to Grant Authorized Payer Access to those who may be assisting with paying the bill.

Renter's Insurance

It is recommended that students consider either purchasing a Renter's Insurance policy through various insurance companies, or adding coverage on to a homeowner's insurance policy, to cover the belongings of a student living in University Housing. The University is not responsible for a student's belongings in the event of damage, theft, fire, sprinkler discharge, water leaks, etc., as indicated on the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.

Mailing Address

Receiving mail and packages is exciting! To receive your items in a timely manner, review the proper layout of your mailing address, which is based on your fall room assignment. Items may be shipped in advance of your arrival but cannot be received prior to August 12.

Bicycle Registration

There are many bicycle routes on and around campus catering to the avid bicyclist. All bicycles on campus must be registered online with Transportation Services.

Get Connected

Penn State offers a great Wi-Fi service across campus, including all residence halls. Learn more about connecting your cell phone and laptop at wireless.psu.edu.

Streaming Devices, TVs, Game Consoles

If you plan to bring a streaming device, TV, or game console, you will need to set up the device through Roomgear for it to connect to the Penn State Network. Note: you can only access Roomgear once you have moved in to Housing.

Parking Permits

Arrival: each student may park one vehicle in their designated residence hall unloading area for 20-minutes to unload (flashers required). Trailers and second vehicles may not be parked near the residence halls and must remain in the long-term parking lots. Second trips to the housing area are not permitted. If you have a second vehicle or items from a shopping trip, your vehicle can be parked at either the Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East lot or campus parking decks. CATAbus will also have the loop and link service available. Passengers can walk or use the shuttle to the housing area.

Academic Year: Students with at least 29.1 completed Penn State-earned credits may register online for a parking permit. Students who do not meet the minimum credit requirement but have an extenuating circumstance that may support having access to a vehicle on campus may apply online for an exemption online. Visit Transportation Services for more information.

Welcome Week Activities

Welcome Week activities Saturday afternoon, students are encouraged to be ready to participate by 3:00 p.m. - which means, parents and families should head out by 2:00 p.m.

The Welcome Week site provides information on events, common questions, hours of operation, campus maps, dining, and much more. Along with the Welcome Week activities there are many other things to do while visiting Penn State.

Social Media

Stay up-to-date by following important social media accounts related to your LiveOn experience.

Facebook

X

Instagram

Parents and Families

The Penn State Parents Program can assist you during your student's transition to Penn State.

Hotel Accommodations

Parents and family members who need to stay can find several hotel accommodations nearby.

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Packing Information

Get packed! Learn about what is available in your room, what to pack, and what to leave at home.

What to Pack

What to Leave Behind

What's In Your Room

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What to Pack

Please refer to the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information. Only one vehicle is permitted to unload, so be careful not to overpack.

Baskets for toiletries and storage
Bed risers (only needed in traditional residence halls)
Cleaning supplies and paper towels
Computer, printer, and cables
Desk lamp, desk supplies
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, aspirin, thermometer)

Food items (can opener, bottled beverages, coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of silverware/plates/bowls/glasses, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
Games (cards, board games)
Game consoles and cables
Hangers
Laundry bag/basket and detergent
Padlocks for desk, laptop, and bike
Room decorations^

Sewing kit/safety pins
Sheets, pillow, and blanket - for extra-long twin bed (80" x 36")
Toiletry items
Toilet Paper for students living in Nittany Apartments and Eastview Terrace
Towels
Umbrella, rain boots

Items available for check-out at the Commons Desks:

Cleaning Supplies
Recreational Equipment (basketballs, Spikeball, volleyballs, ping pong paddles, pool cues, etc.)
Vacuum cleaners
Tool Kit

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What to Leave Behind

Please refer to the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information. Since only one vehicle per student is permitted to unload, be careful not to overpack.

Air Conditioning units, including portable units and "swamp coolers"
Alcohol+
Appliances, air fryers, griddles, instapots, rice cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, etc.
Ashtrays*
Candles and incense

Ceiling fans
Firearms
Fitness Equipment
Grills
Halogen lamps
Heaters
LED strip-lighting
Pets (small fish tanks up to 5 gallons are allowed)

Pianos
Skates, skateboards, and scooters
Vacuum cleaners (available for check out at the commons desk)
Window Treatments (blinds, draperies)
Wireless Routers

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What's In Your Room

Residence Halls

Twin bed with mattress (purchase XL bedding - 80" x 36")
Bookshelf
Bulletin board (available in traditional residence hall rooms only)
Chest of drawers
Closet or wardrobe
Desk with chair (Note: not all desks are equipped with a task light)
Wi-Fi service
Mirror
Window treatment
Microfridge (refrigerator/freezer/microwave unit - one per room)
Smoke detector (one per room)
Trash can (one per room)

Nittany and White Course Apartments

Bedroom includes: XL twin bed with mattress (some Nittany Apartments offer a XL Full Size bed with mattress), carpeting or vinyl plank/laminate flooring, chest of drawers, closet, desk and chair, smoke detector (one per room)
Living/Dining includes: carpeting or vinyl plank/laminate flooring, coffee table, couch, two easy chairs, two end tables, one floor lamp, two table lamps, table and four chairs
Kitchen includes: garbage disposal, refrigerator, oven, microwave.
General includes: Wi-Fi service, carpeting or vinyl plank/laminate flooring, window coverings (curtains or roller shades), and heating/central air conditioning.
Laundry: washer and dryer unit provided in White Course apartments only. Nittany Apartments have a laundry facility available in Nittany Community Center

^Please visit your residence hall building page or the Room Decoration Guidelines in the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations to learn more about what product to use to hang items in your room

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

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

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Arrival Day

Here's what to expect on your Scheduled Move-In day.

Get Ready

Visit the Travel Information page for details about travel options and directions.

Review the Housing Arrival Schedule to confirm the Arrival Check-In Location where you will check-in for housing
View directions to the Arrival Check-In Location - some streets on campus and within the local area may have the flow of traffic altered to accommodate the flux of students returning to campus.
Staff will be available at the Arrival Check-In Location and throughout campus to help you with questions, directions, or concerns.

Get Packed

Be sure to review the What to Pack, What to Leave Behind, and What's in Your Room sections to finalize your package list.

As you prepare to travel to University Park, take these suggestions into consideration:

Only one vehicle will be permitted into the unloading zone. Return trips are not permitted - be careful not to overpack unnecessary items.
Pack light - you may not need everything as soon as you move in. Consider shipping winter clothes later in the semester. Previous residents have shared that heavy duty large storage bags are the easiest way to pack and transfer items. Consider packing your car so that larger items can be removed first and put into the cart, and then lighter items can be placed on top.
Large carts are available in every residence area to sign-out to use for unloading your vehicle.

Vehicle and Parking Information

Each student may park temporarily for 20-minutes in their designated residence hall Unloading Zone.
Use the Unloading Zones links below on your mobile device for navigation directions to your unloading zone
After unloading, your vehicle can be parked at either the Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East or Beaver Stadium - Stadium West lots or campus parking decks. CATAbus will also have the loop and link service available. Passengers can walk or use the shuttle to the housing area.
Large vehicles/U-Hauls/trailers/RVs are NOT permitted in the parking areas near the residence halls. Parking areas are limited and do not provide enough clearance to maneuver large vehicles into spaces. With the vehicle and pedestrian congestion in the residence hall areas, large vehicles simply cannot be accommodated for safety reasons. These types of vehicles must remain at Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East.

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Arrival Check-in Locations

Click the Arrival Check-In Location listed below to expand the selection.

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Arrival Check-In Location: Bryce Jordan Center

Arrive at Gate B of the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) at your Scheduled Move-In time. Parking is available at Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East. You will not be required to pay for parking at this lot during the Arrival event.

Family members are invited to the visit the Parents Program Welcome tent, located inside of BJC near Gate B. Restroom facilities and various information tables will also be accessible inside of Gate B. Parents and family members will not able to accompany the student for the housing check-in process and should wait near Gate B. You can also visit the Welcome tent that will be located at the corner of Pollock and Shortlidge Roads.

When you check-in, you will receive your room key and specific directions from the Bryce Jordan Center to a temporary unloading zone near your residence hall. You will receive ONE temporary 20-minute parking pass that is valid for one trip only for unloading your belongings. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle to the long-term parking at Beaver Stadium - Stadium West

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Arrival Check-in Location: Findlay Commons, East Halls

Findlay Commons Building is located in East Halls, 459 Bigler Road, University Park PA 16802.

There are multiple entrances into Findlay Commons. Once you enter the building, follow directional signs for "Housing Arrival Check-In."

The check-in process generally takes about 5-10 minutes, however, could be longer if there is a line of students waiting.

After checking in, you will be able to walk to your residence hall, which may be 10-20 minutes away. There will be laundry carts available to use to put personal items in.

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Arrival Check-In Location: Housing Area

When you arrive to campus, proceed to parking closest to your Housing Area, and then walk to the Commons Building. If you utilize a parking deck, please be aware that some do have height restrictions.

Once you are in the Commons Building, proceed to the Commons Desk to officially check-in for housing. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle to the long-term paring at Beaver Stadium - Stadium West.

Below is your official Commons Desk location for the fall semester:

East Housing Area: Findlay Commons
Includes: Bigler, Brumbaugh, Curtin, Earle, Geary, Hastings, Martin, McKean, Packer, Pennypacker, Pinchot, Snyder, Sproul, Stone, Stuart, Tener
Eastview Terrace: Redifer Commons
Includes: Brill, Curry, Harris, Miller, Nelson, Panofsky, Young
Nittany Apartments: Pollock Commons
Includes: Nittany Apartments and Nittany Hall

North Housing: Warnock Commons
Includes: Beam, Holmes, Leete, Robinson, Runkle
Pollock Housing: Pollock Commons
Includes: Beaver, Hartranft, Hiester, Mifflin, Porter, Ritner, Shulze, Shunk, Wolf
South Housing: Redifer Commons
Includes: Atherton, Chace, Cooper, Cross, Ewing, Haller, Hibbs, Hoyt, Lyons, McElwain, Simmons, Stephens

West Housing: Waring Commons
Includes: Hamilton, Irvin, Jordan, McKee, Thompson, Watts
White Course Apartments: Weston Community Center
Includes: Dunham, Garban, Grubb

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Vehicle Unloading Zones

Using your mobile device, select your building name to use Google Maps, then click "Directions" and/or "Start" for navigation to the unloading zone:

(hyperlinks will be added in August)

East Housing Area:
Bigler, Brumbaugh, Curtin, Earle, Geary, Hastings, Martin, McKean, Packer, Pennypacker, Pinchot, Snyder, Sproul, Stone, Stuart, Tener
Eastview Terrace:
Brill, Curry, Harris, Miller, Nelson, Panofsky, Young
Nittany Apartments:
Nittany Apartments and Nittany Hall
North Housing:
Beam, Holmes, Leete, Robinson, Runkle
Pollock Housing:
Beaver, Hartranft, Hiester, Mifflin, Porter, Ritner, Shulze, Shunk, Wolf
South Housing:
Atherton, Chace, Cooper, Cross, Ewing, Haller, Hibbs, Hoyt, Lyons, McElwain, Simmons, Stephens
West Housing:
Hamilton, Irvin, Jordan, McKee, Thompson, Watts
White Course Apartments:
Dunham, Garban, Grubb

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After Arrival

Now that you are settled in your new home, review important reminders to help you make the most of your #LiveOn experience.

Maintenance Needs

If you experience any issues with your room for a maintenance issue, you can submit an online FixIt Request. Housing Operations will respond to your request in a timely manner. Emergency situations should be addressed with your RA or contact the Housing Operations office immediately.

Room Inspection Form

Complete your Room Inspection Form in eLiving within 7 days of check-in to confirm that you have inspected your room and documented any findings. Housing Operations will conduct a room inspection at the end of the semester, after you have moved out, and you could be liable for any damages identified that were not listed on the Room Inspection Form.

Connection Issues?

Let us help! Support is available 24/7. or visit a Help Desk it.psu.edu/support/

Computer Support

Penn State IT Support offers great resources for students - data science applications, computer recommendations, learning tools and resources, computer labs, media commons, and so much more!

Laundry Facilities

Download the Speed Queen app to make doing laundry easier! Locate the laundry facility in your residence hall or area. Don't forget to load LionCash funds on your id+ Card - the machines only accept LionCash for payment.

Get a Job!

Working during your first-year on campus is a great way to create a structured schedule, meet new friends, build your resume, and earn some money to spend! There are many positions available within Housing and Food Services for students that offer a flexible schedule, a competitive wage, and a great work environment.

Living with a Roommate and In a Community

Living with a roommate is a great experience and helps you learn more about yourself and how to communicate and relate effectively to others. Knowing how to take responsibility for yourself and how to respect others are valuable skills in all relationships. Living in a community also brings a responsibility to residents - safety and security are very important, and you play an important part in keeping yourself and your community safe. If you see something, say something. University Police are available by calling 814-863-1111.

To support the mission of providing 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, the University offers Residence Life staff in every residence hall and apartment area. Residence Life staff include student and professional staff members who live in the community and are available 24/7 to provide information and resources, offer help and support, plan social and educational activities, and address residents' concerns.