Semilore Babawale’s Penn State Community

Community to me is beyond just living with a group. To me it’s the beauty of inclusion, diversity and acceptance that makes a true community. Here at Penn State, as a Black International student from Nigeria, sense of belonging is crucial to my success at Penn State.

I have lived on campus throughout my entire duration at Penn State and I would definitely say I am satisfied, not only with the physical aspects like the aesthetic of the dining halls, cleanliness and well-equipped facilities, but with the social aspect which is a critical need. Living with a roommate has given me the opportunity to increase my global knowledge and experiences and has also made me see a new perspective to different viewpoints and has made me a better person. Also, the friendly and daily “hellos” of fellow residents is something I look forward to whenever I step out of my room. It’s refreshing to wake up and say hi to someone I met in the hallway. It makes me feel happy, loved, and appreciated which is all we crave for as human beings especially in a new environment. The vibrant and bubbly Penn State community is something of admiration, there is never a dull moment here.

The dining halls have a plethora of choices that you never run out of options and encourages you to taste new things. Another bonus is that they serve the famous and delicious Berkey Creamery ice cream which definitely is worth and lives up to the hype. On campus, I go to the Pattee and Paterno library, visit the nature loving and beautiful arboretum, Berkey Creamery, and my go to spot is the HUB. I am mostly there when I am not studying or at my commons.

If you love an adventure beyond on campus locations, you can either walk (it’s a must when you don’t go to the gym like me) or take the buses which are very accessible and easy to use. There are a lot of places to explore in downtown State College. For restaurants you have an unlimited list to choose from which is really exciting when you are trying for the first time. Personally, I love going to Panera Bread to get a sandwich, Osaka for sushi, Yallah Taco for burritos and quesadillas, Noodle Bowl for Lo Mein, and so many other restaurants around town. I mostly go downtown to eat because I am obviously a foodie but I have gone to a few fun places downtown.

Lastly, I am currently involved with a few clubs on campus, like KPMD, African Student Association, Food Chemistry Club, MAPs and RAM. I also am an international student admissions ambassador. There is certainly a lot of things to explore here at Penn State and I will tell the truth that every minute I spend here at Penn State that I am always falling in love with new things, always having new interests, always exploring and that is something I appreciate being here for. I am never alone and always have people here for me.

Federico Ochoa’s Penn State Community

Penn State is a beautiful place. Me personally, I have attended two campuses, Penn State Berks, and Penn State University Park. The Berks campus is a smaller community with around 3,500 students, where the community might be small, but it is ideal for people who struggle in larger environments. By the end of your first year, you will most likely know most of the people there, including professors, which is nice. There, I was president of the International Club and part of the Tennis team so getting involved is very easy.

Hamza Al Aufi

Penn State wasn’t my first choice, that was because my older brother went to Penn State before me, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do the same thing he did before. Eventually, I was deciding between Penn State and another university, my gut has told me to choose Penn State, that choice was the best choice I made in my life so far.

At Penn State, I had the choice to make friends from different parts of the world, I made relationships with so many people, students, professors, faculty, staff, and even residents of State College. The community here is very welcoming, and I enjoy hanging out a lot, I go to the Stone Valley recreational center which has short hiking trails where you can go across the hill all the way down to the lake shore. I also like to play chess with friends and go to downtown and have coffee with them. Within campus, I also enjoy attending training sessions which I make sure to sign up for from time to time, there are a variety of options students can have.

Shixiang “Rachel” Yuan

My name is Shixiang Yuan, I am a Junior 2+2 student transferred from Penn State York to Penn State University Park. I think community means friends and family to me; that I feel safe when I am in this environment. To me, Penn State community is beyond on-campus environment that no matter where I travel, I feel a sense of belonging when I see the Penn State sign. The most beautiful thing about being a Penn Stater is the huge alumni network, people feel connected to each other and we are proud to be a part of this amazing community. I am involved as a part of Commonwealth Campus Student Government, that is when I really experienced the “One Penn State” spirit. Students get together from all over Penn State each month to make change to the whole Penn State community. Before COVID-19, I liked to travel with my friends to explore other Penn State Commonwealth campuses. Each campus has its own charm, and it is great to talk to students from other campuses about their life. I am proud to be a part of the Penn State Community that I know wherever I go around the world I can find someone who will respond to my “We Are”.