As we get closer to the start of the semester, here is a checklist to keep you organized.
Talk with your family
- Agree on how you will share information about your academic progress with your family.
- Discuss your mutual expectations for staying in touch with each other. How often will you call each other? It is important to stay connected with family during your time at Penn State Altoona.
- Discuss safety and decisions regarding alcohol and drugs. Please note that the legal age for alcohol consumption in the US is 21. Regardless of the legal drinking age in your home country, you must be 21 years of age or older in the US to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Discuss how you will manage your finances, set up a bank account, and manage credit cards.
Review the list of important dates
You can find a list of important dates on this site.
Review the transportation and arrival information
You can find transportation and arrival information on this site. You can sign up for travel assistance if you fly into the University Park Airport in State College or the Altoona/Blair County Airport, or if you arrive in Altoona via bus (Greyhound) or train (Amtrak).
Complete the Transportation Assistance Request Form if you need transportation from the University Park Airport, the Altoona/Blair County Airport, or the Altoona bus (Greyhound) or train (Amtrak) station to the Altoona campus. Alternatively, review the Private Taxi Services information.
Secure housing and prepare for move-in
Select the option that best applies to you:
- I have secured on-campus housing.
- I have secure off-campus housing.
- I have not secured housing for the semester.
Prepare for moving in
- If you are living on-campus in a University residence hall, you may view your hall and room assignments and the information about your roommates. This information will be available on eLiving.
- If you are living off-campus in privately owned, non-University housing, check with your landlord to get the information on your roommates.
- Introduce yourself to your roommates.
- Shop for important items to bring with you. Keep in mind, there are some items you should not bring. Remember: we will offer a shopping trip to a local shopping center during the International Student Orientation (ISO) program.
Prepare for your first semester
- Add your cell phone number to the PSUAlert system in order to receive emergency texts and/or voice updates.
- Explore purchasing or renting textbooks; you may order them in advance, bundled and ready for pick up through the Penn State Bookstore.
- Complete the training for PSU SAFE, PSU AWARE, and At-Risk by the deadline.
- Review the Global Penn State website for international students.
Prepare for International Student Orientation (ISO).
Review the draft of the ISO schedule.
Participate in Welcome Week/New Student Orientation.
- Attend the International Student Orientation in late August (for fall semester) or early January (for spring semester). We will email you the final fall ISO schedule in early August, so be sure to check your email regularly.
- Join in with Welcome Week activities for all students (international and domestic). Visit the Welcome Week website to view the schedule.
- Attend required events; you will learn important information about the college and community.
- Locate your classroom buildings on the campus maps and walk your class schedule. Map out the location of your classes if needed.
- Watch for the date and time of the Campus Resource Fair as well as the Involvement Fair. Discover new opportunities, make friends, learn about campus resources, and more!