Ah….I didn’t see those listed…I only see academic-based groupings. Perhaps I missed that. My son is currently working through the NSO Task List … it is such a busy time of year, with AP exams, end of school year events, etc…. so I feel like he’s moving through it at a snail’s pace.
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My son has started his NSO checklist too. He was looking into the various LLCs. He isn’t sure if he wants one or not. He thought the health and wellness one might be interesting since he is likes going to the gym. He is planning on going random for a roommate.
Hi there, I think I need to do more research because I am not understanding the LLCs . I thought it depended on your major. My son also LOVES health and wellness…working out, playing sports, etc.
LLCs allow students to socialize based on common interests, which can be academic, hobbies/activities, identity, causes they’re passionate about… It helps them make friends and not feel alienated in a huge university. Often the housing is better (not always but often) and offers some extra programming. Some also allow students to take a class together which means built-in classmates, study groups, and review sessions, some have on-site tutoring or faculty advisers. (It also means students don’t feel they have to get drunk to meet people. There ar parties at LLCs but it makes integrating into university life easier because no one can think drinking is all there is to do. BTW Penn State has awesome weekend programming, such as free films, various activities..) A downside is that you have to be willing to meet new people, try new activities.
Hi! I just wanted to come on to share that my son, husband, and I attended Admitted Students Day yesterday and were very impressed with the professionalism of the speakers and with the information we received. Smeal is very impressive and their presentation motivated my son to pursue a minor in International Business (when the time comes). The whole day was so well done. The energy on campus was amazing and every student we stopped to ask directions from was polite and super eager to help. We saw a Lacrosse and Field Hockey Game too. My son is so excited to attend. Yeah!
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…and after much thought and research, he decided to put East Hall as his first choice dorm for Fall, as he said he wants the “real college experience.” I can understand that. He also likes that East is near Smeal and the IM Building, which he plans on using a lot.
Most of his classes in his first year will be nearer Forum/Pattee/South. From East it means taking a shuttle bus, aka waiting in the cold or walking 30mn in the snow. Universally overlooked by freshmen. Though pr course the repeated detested trek becomes a bonding experience 
(East renovated rooms are nice and if he likes rowdy/noisy he’ll love it but… 1st year LLCs are also full of pranks and activity).
If he has a way to be closer to West/South his 1st year, I would take it - he could always find a room near Smeal for sophomore year if he wants to stay on campus, because that’s when his classes will be there.
Things to consider, thank you. While we were visiting, he connected with a Freshman Smeal friend from his high school and she steered him towards East for Freshman year.
He has to weigh the long treks every day (miserable but misery loves company) vs. The idea of being with thousands of other freshmen (though he’d be with freshmen in his LLC). Do note that there are parties everywhere and he’d be invited to any, including in East, and ofc ppl in his LLC would throw parties too.
IMHO, the “Freshman exp” in East is oversold - it used to be something weird and special back when it was 60s furniture bolted to the floor but now… Still, I suppose the 100% freshmen together on their own island of high towers could be appealing, too. 
Also look at the bathroom situation if it matters to him (one per floor cleaned every day by PSU staff, vs. one for 4 students but they need to clean themselves). Ot matters to some, although I must say communal bathrooms aren’t the ordeal freshmen worry about.
He could always list East second.
Hi there! Room assignments and roommates came out today. My son is anxiously awaiting a response from his. No response to his text message yet.
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Fingers crossed!
Did he end up requesting the Business Living Learning Community or did he stick with East for the Fall?
Hi! He is sticking with East for Fall. For Summer, he’s hoping he gets an OOS roommate like himself who will not be going home at all on the weeends.
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Summer Session move in was seamless and the East dorms are impeccably clean. The only disappointing thing so far is the RA in my son’s building. They are not helpful or available. Hope that improves. A lot of kids could use some social support.
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Glad move in went well 
The LEAP RAs are supposed to be supportive and organize activities for the freshmen - they’re supposed to have been selected especially for it and are being paid for it.
Your son can give it a day or two then collect solid (written, contractual) info about what the job entails or what the LEAP contract covers; if the RA is not doing his job, a group of freshmen should check with their LEAP leaders what the RAs are supposed to do + ask other students in their classes what their RAs are doing, rhen ask the RAs for a plan or table showing what is supposed to be organized when, and if there’s no follow up go talk to s.o in charge using info from LEAP leaders &other students.
They need to learn how to politely advocate for themselves and check in with their peer leader, too.
It may feel better after NSO/Welcome days is done.
Does he have a two subject notebook and pens? (Handwriting may not be cool but works WAY better than typing notes because the gesture requires “decoding” then “encodes” info. Good notebooks then convert your writing into typed notes to help you review.)
Good luck and thanks for the update!
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I thought move in was pretty smooth. DS didn’t really need or want us to hang around. He has a random roommate. From our brief initial meeting they seem to be similar.
When we left the only thing that wasn’t clear was the dining plan. Our other son, and his roommates’ brothers, both had unlimited plans so the a la carte pricing is a new thing. They should figure it out quickly. Will see how quick the $660 goes?
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Yes, he has a 2 subject notebook and his laptop. He had a great 1st day of classes and has been meeting more kids. He seems very happy. I am still disappointed with the RAs….our experience has not been what was advertised. That said, my son is finding his way.
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If the RA situation doesn’t improve after he and his friends have tried the remedies I suggested (+any the peer leader suggested) don’t hesitate to bring it up with those in charge of organizing LEAP. They’re testing a new organization, different from the little lion prides they used to have, but it’s not supposed to be less good (instead of having to take two linked classes students can now take any 2 classes of their choice - that’s the main difference.) I’m sure good faith feedback with examples will help them.
A smart notebook (you handwrite to encode the subject matter due to the hand-brain connection, then it’s converted to typed notes for tablet/laptop) is a good investment BTW.
Typing decodes letter by letter (not meaning, which is why after typing you may not remember a single thing you typed) whereas hand note taking requires the brain to process the information first to decide what needs to be encoded when writing. This process facilitates learning.
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Thank you always for your advice and support.
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