PB2 Things to Do at Penn State Other than Party

The party scene at Penn State is pretty large, but if you’re ever in the mood to do a calmer activity, there are a lot of other fun ways to spend your free time on or close to campus. All of these activities are walkable, and I always think there’s value in diversifying your pastimes. I am a second semester student, so I haven’t been here long, but these are just some things that I enjoyed doing over the past few months.

Film/Arts

• MOVIES: I don’t know if you guys read the “stall stories” in the bathrooms, but I do, and every week, there is a new listing of movies showing for free at the HUB every weekend. They are typically in the Freeman Auditorium, but times vary. You can see what is showing every week on Instagram @arhspsu.
• DRAMA: The College of Arts and Architecture put on various plays, musical performances, and more. And for University Park students, tickets are only $5 for most events! Here is the upcoming event list.
• ART MUSEUM: Everyone has seen the Palmer Museum of Art, but I know of very few people who have actually gone inside. I brought my family here when they came to visit, and there are lots of interesting pieces in different mediums to look at. I had no idea that Penn State had this vast of a collection of art.
• ARTS AND CRAFTS: The Center for Arts and Crafts comes out with a new set of classes that you can sign up for every semester. I’ve taken the clay jewelry class, but they also have crochet, painting, pottery, and more. Each class costs a different amount of money, but some options are pretty affordable. I believe most of the classes occur in the Ritenour Building, close to the HUB. Their new spring catalog just came out, so I highly recommend checking it out if you’re interested.

Food/Downtown

• CAFES/STUDY SPOTS: Websters Bookstore Cafe is a cute vintage book and record store with an all vegetarian cafe inside of it. There are several tables for studying and eating, and there’s even a vintage shop attached to the store. Irving’s is pretty well known–it’s the place on College Ave with the giant bagel on the front of it. They have delicious bagels, smoothies, and coffee, but there is also a sort of hidden downstairs seating area that could serve as a perfect study spot.
• FUN RESTAURANTS: There are so many restaurants downtown, and some of them are pretty well known already, but here are some of my favorites. Federal Taphouse is located right by Target, and they have pierogies if you want to try them. BRGR is a burger and shakes place on College Ave, and the fries and everything tasted delicious. The music in there was a bit loud, but there’s definitely the college vibe in there–it’s nice. If you ever want to try a sushi burrito, go to Kondu. They are essentially giant sushi rolls, but they are still pretty cool.
• TOY STORE: I know we’re all adults at this point, but who can resist at least a peak into a toy store sometimes. Growing Tree Toys is a cute toy store downtown with adorable plushies, interesting fidget toys, and various other items that could be great if you need to buy a gift for someone.

Nature

• STUDENT FARM: The Ross Student Farm is always taking volunteers and often has fun events such as Harvest Fest and Cooking Collabs. The farm is off campus, so you can either drive or take a SPIN bike. It’s really beautiful there and it’s relaxing to pick flowers, harvest vegetables, and more.
• ARBORETUM: Everyone knows what the Arboretum is. It’s past Berkey Creamery and it’s lush with all sorts of plants. It’s beautiful for photos, watching the sunset, or sitting and reading a book. I don’t go out there often because it’s a far walk from South, but I’m never disappointed when I do.
• HIKING: You have to drive to most hikes, but if you join Penn State Outing Club, they do group hikes including transportation. There are also several other outdoor sports clubs like the caving club, surfing club, and more.

Travel

Don’t be afraid to take a bus or train to a different city for the weekend. You can visit friends at other schools or adventure with your PSU buddies. I’ve taken a Greyhound to NYC several times, and although the tickets are expensive, if you get ahead on schoolwork and save up money, a trip out of State College can be a lot of fun.

All of my blog readers are from Penn State, so all of these activities are relevant to you. It can be really difficult to drag yourself out of your room on a lazy Sunday, but I’ve never regretted working out or taking a stroll downtown. I hope I told you about things to do on campus that you didn’t already know about!