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  1. Home
  2. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
  3. Global Programs
  4. Housing Information

What to Bring

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.

Global Programs

  • New International Student Checklist
  • University Orientation and Welcome
  • 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 Information for International Students
  • 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
  • International Student Services 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
Student Leadership and Involvement
Health and Wellness Center
Information Technology
Student Success Center
Tutoring
Bursar's Office (tuition payments)

Other Resources

Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association (off-campus housing information)
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.
  • facebook
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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
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • 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
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • 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
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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