Pennsylvania State University-University Park

I enjoy the various academic and social experiences the school has to offer to students.

From my personal view, the campus is very large so it was hard to fit in sometimes.

Penn State is a great school but it is NOT a school for marginalized individuals. The school under-represents every marginalized group on campus (this makes sense it is a PWI). I personally am a gay/queer man and I can say for a fact that I am happy to never need to step back into the "happy valley" again. Those that are neurodivergent (I am dyslexic and ADHD) understand that the academic "competitiveness" is due to a large number of neurotypical people on campus and that the imposter syndrome is REAL. That being said the student disability resource center (SDR) is amazing and will get you the accommodations you need!

The homogeneity of the campus. If you are a person that sees yourself in the "college dream" narrative you will love PSU, but if you think about the typical "college experience" and don't see yourself (aka minorities) buckle up because it will be an interesting 4 years.

Penn State University Park is a big campus, but with a large variety of clubs, sports, and philanthropy to get involved in. In the kinesiology major, I enjoyed taking many science classes with state-of-the-art labs. I was involved with Volé, Penn State Dance Company, and the fundraiser THON, which both helped make the big school seem smaller.

My biggest complaint was the weather! This is not something that can be controlled of course. Otherwise, I didn't enjoy living in outdated dorms, which have since been renovated.

Penn State is extremely understanding and patient with its students. My advisors never discourage my academic choices and allow me to do as I please.

I do not like how Penn State handles sexual assault instances. I think Penn State, and colleges, in general, can make more of an effort to stop this.

The football games, the quality of professors, and the social life are the best parts.

Dorm life is a bit tough sometimes.

The endless connections, and how invested the instructors are in the success of their pupils!

If you're from a small town like I am, just know that University Park is like a college city. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but there is so much to do and explore right on campus.