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 take time to read the information on the Transportation and Arrival Information page, as it contains detailed information on entering U.S., ground transportations and pick-up services, we offer here that is free of charge to you.

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

You should have received an email from us to complete a registration form for arrival and orientation. You can request the pick-up services on that registration form. If you did not receive that email, you may access the form on this site. Alternatively, 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:

Please review the following pages before packing your baggage:

Arrival and Orientation Schedule

View the International Arrival and Programming Schedule.

Participate in Welcome Week

  • 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!

Prepare for your first semester