Review of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
from PA
Describe your college in three sentences.
this school is perfect for students who want to go to a big name school but aren't ready for the big campus. penn state altoona is a gorgeous campus all year long.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
i would definitely suggest applying early because on campus housing fills up fast! but there are many off-campus locations that are associated with the campus that are nice and less expensive.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
as a student, it is next to impossible to get by without doing your work and studying. in most classes, you truly have to work for the grade you want.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
due to the large number of students that are housed off campus, our dorm life programs are not top notch like other colleges. the dorms are in pretty nice condition and the bathrooms are cleaned every day (weekly in suite style rooms). students always have their doors open and typically are good friends with their neighbors.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
though port-sky the main eatery on campus does provide better food than your high school cafeteria, it is no fine dinning. however, there are a large number of students that eat there everyday, for every meal, and have no complaints. breakfast is amazing.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
on campus, there are always events going on. whether it be a date auction, glow dance, concert, comedian, or something else, students have plenty to do. outside of campus, the majority of activities are about a fifteen minute drive. these include your typical activities such as ice skating, bowling, movies, baseball games, and the mall.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
penn state altoona offers everything a college student needs. the professors are helpful and typically know your name. we have a health services center on campus, for all your medical needs. opportunities such a internships and study abroad are always an option. career services will help you build your resume and prepare you for any interview. basically just lots of free resources for you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the pond is a pretty big hit. our ducks stay all year long and make for an entertaining experience.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
typically the students here come from all over. we have a large number of kids from new jersey, philly, and pittsburgh. it makes for interesting rivalries during football/hockey season. small town students usually make a great transition, whereas students from big cities tend to find altoona small and boring.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
we have over 80 organizations on campus. there is truly something for everyone. there is an organization fair at the beginning of the year where all clubs and organizations have sign ups and introductions. between thon, student government, greek life, lion ambassadors, african student association, dance team, honor societies, and everything else, there is truly no reason not to get involved.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
we have 2 sororities and 3 fraternities. the sororities are alpha sigma tau and gamma phi beta. the fraternities are acacia, phi sigma kappa, pi kappa alpha, and soon to be another.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
we have a blue light system. on the majority of the buildings and other locations there is a place to call for help if you ever feel unsafe. the police are supposed to be there in under two minutes and will give you a ride home. we are also tripled covered by three different police stations, so the campus if very safe.
this school is perfect for students who want to go to a big name school but aren't ready for the big campus. penn state altoona is a gorgeous campus all year long.
i would definitely suggest applying early because on campus housing fills up fast! but there are many off-campus locations that are associated with the campus that are nice and less expensive.
as a student, it is next to impossible to get by without doing your work and studying. in most classes, you truly have to work for the grade you want.
due to the large number of students that are housed off campus, our dorm life programs are not top notch like other colleges. the dorms are in pretty nice condition and the bathrooms are cleaned every day (weekly in suite style rooms). students always have their doors open and typically are good friends with their neighbors.
though port-sky the main eatery on campus does provide better food than your high school cafeteria, it is no fine dinning. however, there are a large number of students that eat there everyday, for every meal, and have no complaints. breakfast is amazing.
on campus, there are always events going on. whether it be a date auction, glow dance, concert, comedian, or something else, students have plenty to do. outside of campus, the majority of activities are about a fifteen minute drive. these include your typical activities such as ice skating, bowling, movies, baseball games, and the mall.
penn state altoona offers everything a college student needs. the professors are helpful and typically know your name. we have a health services center on campus, for all your medical needs. opportunities such a internships and study abroad are always an option. career services will help you build your resume and prepare you for any interview. basically just lots of free resources for you.
the pond is a pretty big hit. our ducks stay all year long and make for an entertaining experience.
typically the students here come from all over. we have a large number of kids from new jersey, philly, and pittsburgh. it makes for interesting rivalries during football/hockey season. small town students usually make a great transition, whereas students from big cities tend to find altoona small and boring.
we have over 80 organizations on campus. there is truly something for everyone. there is an organization fair at the beginning of the year where all clubs and organizations have sign ups and introductions. between thon, student government, greek life, lion ambassadors, african student association, dance team, honor societies, and everything else, there is truly no reason not to get involved.
we have 2 sororities and 3 fraternities. the sororities are alpha sigma tau and gamma phi beta. the fraternities are acacia, phi sigma kappa, pi kappa alpha, and soon to be another.
we have a blue light system. on the majority of the buildings and other locations there is a place to call for help if you ever feel unsafe. the police are supposed to be there in under two minutes and will give you a ride home. we are also tripled covered by three different police stations, so the campus if very safe.