The following is a list of items you may wish to consider bringing with you or purchasing when you arrive at Penn State Altoona.
Clothing
August and September in Pennsylvania tend to be warm during the day, but evenings by late August can be cool. By October, the weather turns cold, with regular snow in December, January, and February. March remains cold more most of the month, and April and May are warm.
If you are arriving in August, you will want to purchase warm winter clothes by October. If you are arriving in January, you will want to arrive with warm winter clothes. Consider bringing the following:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Winter boots for winter
- Rainwear and an umbrella
- Heavy winter coat, scarf, mittens/gloves, and a hat for winter
- A light jacket or coat for fall and spring
- Exercise clothing and shoes (if you plan on using the fitness center)
Stuff for your residence hall room
Please see the Housing website at Penn State Altoona for information specific to what you should/are allowed to bring for your room if living in on-campus housing.
Normally, you can individualize your room with things such as comforters/bedspreads, pillows, bed linens, electronic items such as TVs, stereos, gaming centers, etc. You can also have containers for storage and for use with food items (dishes, cups, silverware, etc.). Each residence hall room comes with a micro-fridge for students to use.
Stuff for your apartment
Please make certain you have checked with your off-campus housing landlord specifically as to what is provided in your lease agreement. Many apartments are furnished by the landlord, which for international students is an important consideration.
General Items
This may include bathroom supplies (robe, shower slippers, towels/washcloths, personal items such as razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.) as well as a first aid kit, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dishwashing supplies, cold medication, tissues, toilet paper, etc.
Please note that as part of the International New Student Orientation, there will be a trip to local stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.) so that students can stock up on the items/supplies they may need. This eliminates having to consider traveling with these types of items.