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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. International Student Services

New International Student Checklist

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 transportation and arrival information

Please read the information on the Transportation and Arrival Information page, as it contains detailed information on entering U.S. and ground transportation.

Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most up-to-date requirements for entering the U.S. as a foreigner.

Please complete the registration form for arrival and orientation. You may want to check out 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.

Please review the following pages before packing your baggage:

  • What to Bring
  • What to Buy After You Arrive

Arrival and Orientation Schedule

The Arrival and Orientation Schedule will be available on this site later.

Participate in Welcome Week

  • Attend the International Student Orientation in late August (for the fall semester) or early January (for the spring semester). We will email you the final fall ISO schedule ahead of your arrival, 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!

Prepare for your first semester

  • Add your cell phone number to the PSUAlert system 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.

International Student Services

  • New International Student Checklist
  • Housing Information
    • Questions to Ask Your Landlord
    • Residence Hall, Room, and Roommate Assignment
    • What to Bring
    • What to Buy After You Arrive
  • Transportation and Arrival Information
    • Private Taxi Service
  • SAFE and AWARE
  • Information Technology
  • English Composition Courses for International Students and English Language Learners
  • Employment in the U.S. for International Students: Advice for Penn State Altoona International Students
  • University Events
  • Staff Directory

International Student Services

Contact us at [email protected]

Penn State Global Links

Penn State Global
Pre-arrival Information

Penn State Altoona Links

Division of Student Affairs
Housing and Food Services (on-campus housing, meal plans, and Lion Cash)
New Student Orientation (NSO)
Academic Advising
Welcome Week
Center for Student and Civic Engagement
Health and Wellness Center
Information Technology
Learning Resources Center
Bursar's Office (tuition payments)

Other Resources

Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association (off-campus housing information)

See Also

  • Student Affairs
  • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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