Review of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
from Erie, PA
Describe your college in three sentences.
Penn State Erie-The Behrend college is a school that will challenge you academically, socially, and mentally in the best ways possible. It is a school that demands all-nighters and weeds out procrastination. This will not be the easiest four years of your life, but they will be the best.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply early and try to get into the honor's program as honor students, athletes, and adult students all get to schedule classes early. When you get into the later years, being able to get all the classes you want, at the times you want, is a beautiful thing.
Also, learn to love the cold and how to stay warm in it. Last winter we experienced temperatures at -20 F, so bundle up! You will need a quality jacket, water proof boots, gloves, a scarf, a hood (or ear muffs!), and muscles! (Walking up hill with 20lbs on your back in the snow isn't the easiest thing).
Don't buy your books from the bookstore unless you absolutely have to. (For example, there may be an online code you need for class, or a teacher's special edition copy). There are websites like chegg.com and bookrenter.com that normally have the same books at a cheaper price. You should also consider renting-you won't need that writer's handbook when you start your career (all of it can be googled). Nor will you need that Art History book, if you are an engineer! Buy and rent smart! Also, don't buy t-shirts from the bookstore. You will be given free t-shirt all the time. Don't waste your money.
Lastly, go to Bingo (trust me, they give out the BEST stuff) and all the events on campus. You're paying for them, might as well enjoy them.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
You will be challenged to go outside of your comfort zone and think about things you have never been presented with. The Management 301 project challenges you to raise $1,000 for an organisation in the community as a team. You will have projects that you can put on a resume, and can apply to your career.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Honestly, I've never lived in a dorm on campus. I commute from a family member's home nearby. From what I've seen there are some good dorms, and poor dorms. It just depends are where you are placed. Freshman seem to get the lower quality dorms, while upperclassmen have a larger selection. Look for places nearby before you select a dorm, it may be cheaper. If you want to live in a nice place, I recommend Hudson Lofts. Its pricey, but you get your own bathroom, room, and share a living area and kitchen.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
There is limited dining on campus, and the food tends to be overpriced, especially for commuters. Expect to pay $11+ for dinner at the buffet on campus if you have a credit card and no meal plan ($2 with a meal plan). Or $6 for a sub par ham and cheese panini. It is recommended that you pack your food often.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
If you have a car or a friend who has a car there is quite a bit to do! In the summer there are festivals downtown in Erie, and plays to go to. You can go fishing, hunting, swimming, and biking down at the peninsula. At Peak N' Peak nearby there is snowboarding and tubing in the winter. On campus there is a number of groups to join, and events every Friday, so you won't be bored often.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Overall, it is a little costly and you don't receive much financial aid. If they lowered the price by $2,000-$5,000 I feel it would be more realistic. The school does offer a lot for students, and the faculty is very interactive, but $20,000/year is still a large amount for out-of-state students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I haven't been there yet, but everyone seems to go to the gorge at least once during their time at Behrend. Its nearby and a bit of a hike, but I've heard its a very beautiful place to visit.
You also have to have ice cream from the crematory at main campus-it is the best!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Determined and focused. In order to get the best out of college you need to be willing to go to class in any weather, pay attention to what the teacher is presenting to you, and do outside reading/research. If you think you can just half-try at what you're doing, you should save your money and not attend.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Large selection of clubs who are very active on campus. Most everyone in the clubs are friendly and want to become friends outside of working on the club. I recommend Thon and LEB for new students, they are very social and helpful on campus.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is a strong Greek presence on campus- if you are looking to join Greek life, you'll find some here!
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have never felt unsafe walking around campus. Even walking around at 4am, I feel safe here. There are blue buttons on campus that you can press if you feel unsafe, everyone on campus tends to be very friendly and kind, and you can have someone walk you along campus if you need to. It is away from the city so the only people that really come to campus are students, and even with its hills you can see what is going on around you at all times.
Penn State Erie-The Behrend college is a school that will challenge you academically, socially, and mentally in the best ways possible. It is a school that demands all-nighters and weeds out procrastination. This will not be the easiest four years of your life, but they will be the best.
Apply early and try to get into the honor's program as honor students, athletes, and adult students all get to schedule classes early. When you get into the later years, being able to get all the classes you want, at the times you want, is a beautiful thing. Also, learn to love the cold and how to stay warm in it. Last winter we experienced temperatures at -20 F, so bundle up! You will need a quality jacket, water proof boots, gloves, a scarf, a hood (or ear muffs!), and muscles! (Walking up hill with 20lbs on your back in the snow isn't the easiest thing). Don't buy your books from the bookstore unless you absolutely have to. (For example, there may be an online code you need for class, or a teacher's special edition copy). There are websites like chegg.com and bookrenter.com that normally have the same books at a cheaper price. You should also consider renting-you won't need that writer's handbook when you start your career (all of it can be googled). Nor will you need that Art History book, if you are an engineer! Buy and rent smart! Also, don't buy t-shirts from the bookstore. You will be given free t-shirt all the time. Don't waste your money. Lastly, go to Bingo (trust me, they give out the BEST stuff) and all the events on campus. You're paying for them, might as well enjoy them.
You will be challenged to go outside of your comfort zone and think about things you have never been presented with. The Management 301 project challenges you to raise $1,000 for an organisation in the community as a team. You will have projects that you can put on a resume, and can apply to your career.
Honestly, I've never lived in a dorm on campus. I commute from a family member's home nearby. From what I've seen there are some good dorms, and poor dorms. It just depends are where you are placed. Freshman seem to get the lower quality dorms, while upperclassmen have a larger selection. Look for places nearby before you select a dorm, it may be cheaper. If you want to live in a nice place, I recommend Hudson Lofts. Its pricey, but you get your own bathroom, room, and share a living area and kitchen.
There is limited dining on campus, and the food tends to be overpriced, especially for commuters. Expect to pay $11+ for dinner at the buffet on campus if you have a credit card and no meal plan ($2 with a meal plan). Or $6 for a sub par ham and cheese panini. It is recommended that you pack your food often.
If you have a car or a friend who has a car there is quite a bit to do! In the summer there are festivals downtown in Erie, and plays to go to. You can go fishing, hunting, swimming, and biking down at the peninsula. At Peak N' Peak nearby there is snowboarding and tubing in the winter. On campus there is a number of groups to join, and events every Friday, so you won't be bored often.
Overall, it is a little costly and you don't receive much financial aid. If they lowered the price by $2,000-$5,000 I feel it would be more realistic. The school does offer a lot for students, and the faculty is very interactive, but $20,000/year is still a large amount for out-of-state students.
I haven't been there yet, but everyone seems to go to the gorge at least once during their time at Behrend. Its nearby and a bit of a hike, but I've heard its a very beautiful place to visit. You also have to have ice cream from the crematory at main campus-it is the best!
Determined and focused. In order to get the best out of college you need to be willing to go to class in any weather, pay attention to what the teacher is presenting to you, and do outside reading/research. If you think you can just half-try at what you're doing, you should save your money and not attend.
Large selection of clubs who are very active on campus. Most everyone in the clubs are friendly and want to become friends outside of working on the club. I recommend Thon and LEB for new students, they are very social and helpful on campus.
There is a strong Greek presence on campus- if you are looking to join Greek life, you'll find some here!
I have never felt unsafe walking around campus. Even walking around at 4am, I feel safe here. There are blue buttons on campus that you can press if you feel unsafe, everyone on campus tends to be very friendly and kind, and you can have someone walk you along campus if you need to. It is away from the city so the only people that really come to campus are students, and even with its hills you can see what is going on around you at all times.