UCSD, Purdue, or Penn State?

DJpsu2015
Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:00:57 +0000

I’ve actually never stepped foot on the UCSD campus, but that’s interesting. You might actually like State College. I’ve kind of jumped back and forth from big cities to rural areas all my life, so living in somewhat desolate areas are not too bad. The thing is is that there is nothing around State College. Pittsburgh and Philly are about 3-4 hours away and you need a car. However, the transportation around Centre county is pretty good, i’m not going to lie. It’s $1.50 to get around literally everywhere, and the campus fairs are completely free.

Usually if you are situated near downtown State College (pretty much at Penn State campus), then you can walk anywhere and get good exercise in. I sometimes walk to school when the weather isn’t too bad. On the other hand, all the stores with basic necessities like Walmart, Target, Wegmans (east coast version of safeway and fred meyer), and the supermarkets. The Nittany mall is located a bit further out, so taking a bus there is a must. The two big theaters are situated on the polar ends of the town, so you also have to take a bus there, as well.

But as far as downtown itself, it’s actually pretty quaint. There are bars and some clubs scattered around walking distance, and it only takes 20 min. tops to get from end to another. There is a small theatre that plays really good independent films, so if you like watching movies like me, it’s a life-saver! There are TONS of restaurants from Mediterranean to Indian and such. Lots of Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and sub sandwich stores. There’s also a strange amount of ice cream parlors around here, but all of them are amazing (especially Happy Valley Freez and Berkey Creamery). The supermarkets in downtown are OK, but obviously very overpriced. There aren’t many shopping centers…there’s an Urban Outfitters, but that’s pretty much it, so make sure you buy and bring all your clothes with you before you come here.

And the weather. The weather is really strange. I come from Seattle, so I’m used to the drizzle and mid-temperature all year round. State College is a little similar, but it gets absolutely freezing here. A week ago, the windchill dropped to -1 degree…it was the coldest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. So make sure you’re prepared for some crazy random weather. The summers are also dreadfully humid. I love west coast summers because they’re dry, but PA has some really horrible humidity like Florida. Ick. But that’s just me.

Anyway, it’s strange how the town grows on you though. The campus seems sooooo big at first that it might be overwhelming, but it feels like its own town. After your first semester, the size of the school dramatically feels much smaller and it grows on you. Beautiful campus, btw.

As for the student body, there’s sort of the “work hard, play hard” motto going on, but more of the latter. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve only met a few people here who are really into their future careers (but not in an obnoxious way). I value balancing both academics and leisure time, so I’m not like in the library 24/7, but I definitely study hard and put the partying at the end of the month or after a big round of exams. I’ve already met some freshmen who are on academic probation for going a little too crazy first semester. But you meet more serious and motivated students in the honors college and usually in majors like engineering, sciences, and sometimes business. This is one of the biggest reasons why I’m thinking about transferring is because of the attitude toward education vs. football and leisure time. I get that sports is a big, big culture here at Penn State, but it baffles me that I pay money to attend school and only to just waste it all away on parties and such.

The diversity is a little iffy. There are tons of people from the east coast like PA, NJ, VA, NY, CT, and some from MA. I’ve met a few Californians and only one from WA. The white population is HUGE and most of the Asian population is comprised of international students mainly. I feel that State College is somewhat of a “podunk town” due to its location in central PA. Get prepared to meet lots of PA HICKS and hillbillys here wearing their camo and giving you the creepiest eye sometimes as you walk. And I know that there are racist people anywhere, but I’ve noticed quite a few racist people here, especially when they’re drunk. The student body here is also very split on liberals and conservatives, but liberals get the edge. It’s a nice balance that’s on too one sided. Overall, though, you will meet very interesting people here. A lot of my friends I’ve made here are from PA, MA, and NJ. Lots of different types of people, which is what I value about the east coast - and the social atmosphere is different compared to the west coast. The majority of the people here are super friendly, though, so you will find your niche.

But in the midst of all of this, this place will help you be an individual! There are so many people here that you can easily become a number - you don’t want that to happen. You’re really going to have to step up and meet people, acquaint yourself with the professor, and get help on anything you’re struggling with. The resources that Penn State offers for its student are limitless and it’s just sad how many people do not take advantage of the possibilities they have here. You can do SO much at this school. So much. I’ve learned so much about myself in the course of four months, it’s been an incredible experience here. I’ve made great friends and studied with some truly dedicated professors here; I don’t regret coming here.

Overall, it’s a good school that is still in limbo with the balance between academics and leisure time, BUT it’s slowly starting to change. The programs here are great, though…and those who do take advantage of the resources WILL find jobs after graduation. The Penn State alumni network and connection is indeed pretty awesome. You definitely need to just stay here for about a week or two to get a good idea of what it’s like.

I just got a little carried away here LOL. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to private message me. I can get even more in-depth and honest with my response.