Review of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
from Harrisburg, PA
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
Penn State Harrisburg offers quite a diverse array of subjects -- especially in the Mathematical/Scientific fields ('Astronomical Universe,' 'Mammalian Anatomy,' and 'Intro to Programming Techniques' are a few examples). However, PSH is unfortunately lacking when it comes to the Fine Arts -- only a minimal amount of applied art classes are offered, and they're mostly Beginner's Courses (as PSH doesn't offer a BFA). Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoy my classes -- plus Penn State Harrisburg offers an efficient way to get rid of GenEds if you plan on heading up to UPark/a more specialized college after a year or two!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I'm pleasantly surprised just how much I've enjoyed my first semester here. While this isn't a big party campus like UPark is, there are enough events offered throughout the week to make it interesting (Zumba classes and trips to Broadway, anyone?) for students. And concerning the surrounding area, while Middletown is obviously not a metropolitan city like New York or Philly, it does have a certain 'small-town charm'. I often feel like I'm transported back into the 1950s walking by the Elks Theater (one of the first movie theaters in the nation), diners, countless antique shops, and the centrally-located Brownstone Cafe. And if Middletown is too boring for you, downtown Harrisburg is only about 20-30 minutes away (and you can always buy a $5 Megabus ticket to State College for the weekend). Plus, there's an Amtrak station right in downtown Middletown!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I find the tuition at PSH pretty reasonable, but then again I also qualify as an in-state student. Room & board definitely adds a lot to tuition costs, too (though I can't complain, as my on-campus housing is quite nice, as far as on-campus housing goes). A monetary factor a fair amount of students are unhappy with, however, is that meal plans are a requirement for first-year students, which soaks up another $300-500. Lastly, textbooks also add on to tuition fees (the cost for my first-semester textbooks averaged at around $550) so take advantage of sites like Chegg, Half.com, etc. However, one must also keep in mind that Penn State is a nationally-acclaimed school, so the tuition is well worth it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
- If you plan on living on-campus but aren't comfortable sharing a room with another person, request a single room as soon as possible (the 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 bldgs. are all single room apartments) as they go pretty quickly!
- DON'T expect it to be 'party hardy' like UPark. But don't assume that because it isn't a renowned party campus there's nothing going on. Ask around -- word travels.
- Try to participate in class as much as possible -- my in-class participation made up 15% of my grade for one of my courses. Additionally, the more you get used to speaking in public settings, the better. Trust me.
- Sign up for activities! Meeting new people will gradually help you get settled in.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
- Students who want to get warmed up to college life first before continuing on to a bigger university (ex.: the 2+2 program).
- Students who hope to major in the Technological/Mathematical/Scientific fields.
Penn State Harrisburg offers quite a diverse array of subjects -- especially in the Mathematical/Scientific fields ('Astronomical Universe,' 'Mammalian Anatomy,' and 'Intro to Programming Techniques' are a few examples). However, PSH is unfortunately lacking when it comes to the Fine Arts -- only a minimal amount of applied art classes are offered, and they're mostly Beginner's Courses (as PSH doesn't offer a BFA). Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoy my classes -- plus Penn State Harrisburg offers an efficient way to get rid of GenEds if you plan on heading up to UPark/a more specialized college after a year or two!
I'm pleasantly surprised just how much I've enjoyed my first semester here. While this isn't a big party campus like UPark is, there are enough events offered throughout the week to make it interesting (Zumba classes and trips to Broadway, anyone?) for students. And concerning the surrounding area, while Middletown is obviously not a metropolitan city like New York or Philly, it does have a certain 'small-town charm'. I often feel like I'm transported back into the 1950s walking by the Elks Theater (one of the first movie theaters in the nation), diners, countless antique shops, and the centrally-located Brownstone Cafe. And if Middletown is too boring for you, downtown Harrisburg is only about 20-30 minutes away (and you can always buy a $5 Megabus ticket to State College for the weekend). Plus, there's an Amtrak station right in downtown Middletown!
I find the tuition at PSH pretty reasonable, but then again I also qualify as an in-state student. Room & board definitely adds a lot to tuition costs, too (though I can't complain, as my on-campus housing is quite nice, as far as on-campus housing goes). A monetary factor a fair amount of students are unhappy with, however, is that meal plans are a requirement for first-year students, which soaks up another $300-500. Lastly, textbooks also add on to tuition fees (the cost for my first-semester textbooks averaged at around $550) so take advantage of sites like Chegg, Half.com, etc. However, one must also keep in mind that Penn State is a nationally-acclaimed school, so the tuition is well worth it.
- If you plan on living on-campus but aren't comfortable sharing a room with another person, request a single room as soon as possible (the 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 bldgs. are all single room apartments) as they go pretty quickly! - DON'T expect it to be 'party hardy' like UPark. But don't assume that because it isn't a renowned party campus there's nothing going on. Ask around -- word travels. - Try to participate in class as much as possible -- my in-class participation made up 15% of my grade for one of my courses. Additionally, the more you get used to speaking in public settings, the better. Trust me. - Sign up for activities! Meeting new people will gradually help you get settled in.
- Students who want to get warmed up to college life first before continuing on to a bigger university (ex.: the 2+2 program). - Students who hope to major in the Technological/Mathematical/Scientific fields.