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23 Things You Should Probably Do At Least Once As A Freshman

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

We’ve all been there: walking around Penn State as a freshman with a world of possibilities ahead. There are so many things to do on campus, but as all upperclassmen will tell you there are some things you have to do before you can consider yourself a real Penn Stater. So, here’s a list of things you should do at least once before the end of your freshman year.

 

1. Start a random conversation with at least one person in each of your classes

It never hurts to know people in your classes.

 

2. Make friends

Just go door-to-door, knock, and start a conversation! Who knows, your next door neighbor might just end up being your new college BFF. (You can do the rest of the things on this list together, maybe?)

 

3. Take a picture at the Lion Shrine

And take one every year after until you graduate.

 

4. Go to an Involvement Fair!

And subsequently realize you have made a mistake in thinking you would actually be able to be a part of all of these clubs. (It’s okay, we’ve all made the same mistake. Don’t feel bad)

 

5. Go to a football game. ‘Cause Penn State’s a football school… It’s kind of our thing, It might be something you like or something you don’t, but try the experience at least once.

Just look at how fun they are!

 

6. Join a THON Organization

You will not regret it when you realize how much you’ve accomplished with your org.

 

7. Go to THON

You might be sleep deprived, but trust us, it’s so worth it.

 

8. Go to a party. 

Any party, really. It’s part of the college experience

 

9. Take the White/Blue loop

It’s so much better than walking up Shortlidge.

 

10. Start a chant on the White Loop

You’ll be surprised at how many people join in.

 

11. Run after a blue/white loop

And don’t feel ashamed when you do it.

 

12. Buy some PSU gear

You’re not a true Nittany Lion until you’re sporting the blue and white.

 

13. Take a picture with the Lion

Because everyone loves the Lion.

 

14. Take an 8AM class

Freshman year you’re really not going to have much of a choice.

 

15. Go to the Berkey Creamery as much as possible

You will never get sick of that place.

 

16. Hang out on Old Main Lawn

Make sure to take full advantage while the weather is nice.

 

17. Hang around the HUB

There’s always something going on there.

 

18. Study in Pattee/Paterno Library for finals week

Let’s be honest, you’re going to live there.

 

19. Order Insomnia Cookies

You will never regret it – until you realize the Freshman 15 is real, but you can worry about that later.

 

20. Go to other sporting events

Yes, football is great, but we have so many talented teams here that deserve our love too!

 

21. Eat Pokey Sticks

You’re going to miss eating these when summer comes around, trust us.

 

22. Climb Mount Nittany

You’ll never see a better view of Happy Valley.

 

23. Have fun!

None of this means anything if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing.

 

Hopefully by the end of your freshman year, you can be proud of everything you’ve accomplished and everything you’ve experienced. And just remember to have fun through it all though!

Photo Credit: 1

Aisha is currently a senior at Penn State University, studying Telecommunications in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She is a contributing writer and Campus Correspondent for Her Campus Penn State and her hobbies are reading, listening to music, and watching hockey. Originally hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, her dream for the future is to someday be part of the book publishing industry, digital marketing or work on a media team for a sports team. 
Meghan Maffey graduated from the Pennslyvania State University in the Spring of 2017. She graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in English.