You may be wondering “What is a typical day as a Penn State student like?” Trust me when I say there is no simple answer to that question. The fact that there is no simple answer, however, is wonderful. It displays the fact that there is something new going on at Penn State every day, for every person. With over 40,000 students attending class, working, and participating in over 1,000 student-run organizations, no two Penn State share the exact same day.
That being said, let me give you a look at the events from my day on Thursday, October 5th as a Junior, Marketing major at University Park!
My day starts around 8:45 am when I wake up in my residence hall located in Eastview Terrace. On Thursdays, my first class does not start until 10:35, so I have plenty of time to wake up and get breakfast before class. There are a number of different dining commons to go to on campus before my classes. However, I usually like to make a stop at the Berkey Creamery, conveniently located close to the Business Building, and stop for some coffee. I know what you are thinking, why is this guy going to the Creamery for his coffee? Why does he not just get ice cream for breakfast? Believe me, it is tempting to get ice cream for breakfast, but the Creamery also features some fantastic coffee options to help get your day going.
My first class is Marketing 342, or “Marketing Research”, which is a mandatory class for all Marketing majors. There are around 40 students in this class, but it feels even smaller than that as we are currently working on group projects. My group is actually working on a project related to the Creamery!
Marketing Research ends at 11:50, the perfect time to take a walk to the HUB for lunch. Unfortunately, I am not the only one who goes to get lunch at this time. The HUB is in the center of campus and features some of the best meal options on campus. Chic Fil A, Panda Express, Burger King, and McAlister’s Deli are some of the most popular places to make a stop for lunch. I usually meet my friend George every Thursday and get lunch with him, as we both have class together after. It is not unusual that while eating lunch in the HUB, George and I will see people we know pass by us. This common occurrence is one of my favorite parts of this campus. While there may be 40,000 students here, you will almost always see someone you know unintentionally throughout the day. It is part of what makes this large campus feel so close knit.
After lunch, George and I head over to BA342, a business ethics class mandatory for all business majors. This class, located in the Thomas Building near the middle of campus, is in a large auditorium style room that can hold over 500 students. While this may seem quite intimidating at first, you would be surprised how many people you end up knowing in these large classes. Once you find some friends to sit with, you feel more comfortable and confident despite the class size. On top of that, you always have people who can help you study for exams!
BA342 runs from 1:35 – 2:50. When this class ends, I usually head back to my room or find somewhere to do homework! There are a number of different areas on campus to get some homework done. From computer labs in Redifer Commons or the Pollock Building, to study rooms in residence halls, there is a spot for everyone!
Later in the afternoon, I typically get dinner in either Redifer Commons or Pollock Commons. Both of these dining halls offer all-you-care-to-eat options, which use meal points then allow you the opportunity to eat as much as you would like! Redifer Commons also offers other options such as pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, sushi, and my personal favorite, Mexican food; specifically, the walking tacos. If you ever take a tour of University Park and eat in Redifer, trying the walking tacos from “Fresco Caliente” and you will not be disappointed.
From there the rest of my night varies on what club events are going on and what homework I have! Penn State is constantly buzzing with activities, allowing each day a chance to be eventful and exciting! Thank you for following along through one of my days!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.