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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. International Student Services
  5. Transportation and Arrival Information

What to Buy After You Arrive

This list was created by current international students who are members of the Penn State Altoona International Student Organization.

Suggested Items for All Students

  • Air freshener
  • Alarm clock
  • Backpack
  • Bathrobe
  • Baskets or bags for toiletries and storage
  • Bed linen: sheets (extra-long twin size), mattress pad (extra-long twin size),
  • Bedspread or blanket and pillow
  • Cleaning supplies (cleaner, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes)
  • Computer, printer, and cables
  • Converter for electrical cords and extension cords
  • Desk items (lamp, pens/pencils/highlighters, paper/notebooks, calendar, calculator, tape, scissors, stapler, paperclips)
  • Fan (portable)
  • First-Aid kit (band aids, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cold/cough medicine, aspirin)
  • Food items (can opener, bottled beverages, coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of silverware/plates/bowls/glasses, condiments, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
  • Snacks and microwavable food items
  • Games (cards, board games)
  • Hangers and a coat hanger for behind the door
  • Hanging shoe organizer
  • Laundry mesh bag, detergent, iron
  • Lockable box to store documents
  • Padlocks (desk, laptop, and bike)
  • Plastic drawers (2 or 3 compartment storage bins)
  • Portable clothes steamer
  • Room decorations (posters and photos must be hung with plastic tack)
  • Sewing kit/safety pins
  • Towels
  • Umbrella

Suggested Items for Students Living Off Campus

  • Shower curtain
  • Wall hangers (Command hooks)
  • Trash bags
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Mirror
  • Lamps

International Student Services

  • Important Dates
  • International Student Arrival

    • Fall Arrival Schedule
    • Spring Arrival Schedule
    • New International Student Checklist
    • SAFE and AWARE
  • Housing Information

    • Questions to Ask Your Landlord
    • Residence Hall, Room, and Roommate Assignment
  • Transportation and Arrival Information

    • What to Bring
    • Transportation Assistance Request
    • Private Taxi Service
    • What to Buy After You Arrive
  • Information Technology
  • English Composition Courses for International Students and English Language Learners
  • Staff Directory

See Also

  • Student Affairs
  • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
  • International Student Organization

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected]

Global Program Links

Penn State Global Programs
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
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)

Penn State Altoona

3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5000
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A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 23 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275+ Penn State majors.
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