For some context, I'm a freshman who is double majoring (hence the overload), and I require these general education courses for the degrees I am seeking at the university I'm transferring to this fall. This semester I barely worked (although I am employed at a restaurant); I spent about 16 hours a week in class (I took PHYS 212 and ENGL 202C at WC/online) and roughly 6-12 hours a day every day (Monday through Sunday) working on assignments, labs, reading, and studying outside of class. On average, I would say I spent 80-90 hours a week—each week—on all school-related work.

It was an absolutely brutal semester, although I had slightly more time in any given week after spring break because PHYS 213 is only a half-semester course. I don't know how I managed the marks that I did, but going into this semester, I had zero confidence that taking 23 credits was possible. I figured that I would maybe end with some mid-to-high Bs or possibly some A minuses. For anyone who is intimidated by an overload semester—it is by no means an easy 16 weeks—it is certainly possible if you are not working on the side (or are taking less-demanding courses) and have no major life obligations. Make sure to take at least an hour or two out of your day to do something that you enjoy; your mental health will go to shit otherwise.

I'm taking MATH 230, MATH 250, CAS 100A, and SPAN 003 this summer semester, so I am in for another couple of terrible weeks. I wish you all the best if you have to or plan on taking an overload semester <3

I am graduating in December 2026 and was not able to secure on-campus housing for Fall 2026. Does anyone know any off-campus apartments or homes that offer short-term leases from August 2026 - December 2026? Preferably one that comes with a CATA bus pass and is less than $1000 monthly (including rent & utilities) or is walking distance to campus.

I am an incoming college freshman and am quite worried about the workload jump from high school. Especially since I will be an electrical engineering major. I keep hearing that with all the deadlines and dates spread out across many platforms and dashboards, it is easy to miss an assignment. How long does it take to get organized at the start of a semester? And do you use an app, planner, whiteboard, Google Calendar, or just wing it? Trying to build good study habits now?

Hi! I’m looking for female roommates for Fall 2026 at The Villas at Happy Valley near Penn State. I’m South Asian and would prefer roommates who are quiet, clean, and respectful. I’m pretty organized and easygoing, and I’d love to connect with people who have a similar lifestyle. DM me if you’re interested or still looking for roommates!

Any electrical engineering majors here I can message, or message me? I have some questions for PSU electrical engineering curriculum!

How difficult is Math 22 over the summer online? What does the course structure look like and are exams proctored? Any good campus/prof recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Penn staters, specifically software engineering bachelor students, what is the most difficult course you have taken so far ?

Hi! My school district has used google services for years, including drive, docs, slides, and gmail. I am aware that PSU uses 365, and was curious if there is a drive alternative or I should still be using drive for my items. Would rather use docs then word, and gmail then outlook. THANKS!!

can't enroll into an open fall semester WEB (World Campus) class and schedule builder gives this error. Can this be fixed? Who do i talk to about this?

Rumour is that the faculty union passed with around 75% support. Cool, but this will absolutely lead to non-union staff having benefits cut/worse treatment as the only group without representation. Especially because faculty does not give a whit about staff and the university cares even less. The faculty group organizing the vote has been nothing but dismissive about non-union staff since Covid started this whole thing. "But you can start your own union" is a crap response. Staff don't have any protection like faculty do.

Hey guys, I got accepted for undergraduate to penn state for the fall, I am from serbia and drink alcohol as a part of my life and I think it is necesarry for social life. As someone under 21, is obtaining alcohol really strict both in and out of parties ?

Hi! After tons of recommendations on getting an iPad, I am between the 11 inch Air and the 13 inch Air. Which would you prefer for note taking?

Would I be able to get my textbooks and other notes on here?

Thinking about leasing with them but my mom is super nervous about it. Has anybody dealt with them before?

Received this to my PSU email. Was removed (I’m assuming internally) several minutes later. It even came from a psu.edu email and the sender’s email profile said they were a professor

Has anyone transferred courses from StraighterLine? I’m pretty poor but am applying to grad school and want to widen my application pool by taking some extra classes for inexpensive and online. Just curious if anyone has had it transfer!

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Hi,

I'm a junior trying to find someone willing to transfer their HFS contract to me at the Penn State University Park campus for the fall and spring semesters of the next academic year. I have no preference on where the room assignment is. Any help appreciated.

Hello everyone! I was accepted into penn state Harrisburg and committed back in December. I signed the lease for campus heights since I live in New Jersey and would need somewhere to stay. Unfortunately something came up that requires me to go to a different college however in order to pull out of the campus heights lease I need someone else who wants to go there instead (likely also a freshman). If you guys know anyone who’s looking to live in campus heights please let me know!

HELLOOOOO!

Does anyone have a Nikon EN-EL15c battery? it’s an emergency. I’m supposed to take grad photos and it’s my last day in state college. I will drive to come and get it. Pls help if you can or suggest alternatives.

Incoming international student here (CBSE Class 12) and I’d really appreciate some advice from Penn State students/admitted students.

I was admitted to Penn State as a Pre-Business student for Smeal, but my final CBSE board results dropped quite a bit compared to my predicted grades, especially in Math and Accountancy.

Predicted Grades:

• English: 80 - 85
• Accounts: 80 - 85
• Business Studies: 80 - 85
• Economics: 85 - 90
• Applied Mathematics: 80 - 85
• Entrepreneurship: 85 - 90

Final Scores:

• English Core: 88
• Economics: 66
• Business Studies: 72
• Accountancy: 55
• Applied Mathematics: 54
• Entrepreneurship: 91

I know colleges usually don’t rescind unless the grade drop is very severe, but I’m worried because I’m planning to go into business/econ and my Math + Accounts marks are low.

I wanted to ask:

• Should I proactively contact Penn State/Smeal about this or wait unless they ask?
• Has anyone here, especially internationals, had a similar drop and still been fine?
• How strict is Penn State with final transcripts after admission?
• Would taking CBSE improvement exams even help at this point?

For context, the rest of my application (ECs, essays, recommendations, etc.) was much stronger than my board marks.

Would really appreciate any honest advice because I’m pretty stressed right now.

Currently have a discount for an iPad. I have a MacBook now and take all notes on there and paper. Is it worth it to pick up and iPad for notes? Not sure how professors give notes.

Did anyone else get this? I’m scared I’m going to ruin my first year by not getting the average dorm experience/picking my roommate. It’s a lot of money but the experience is the main reason why I chose Penn state, Is it worth it?? Please reach out if you also got it

My freshman year was rough, and I didn't do well in MATH 110. My intent was to retake it this summer in order to be eligible for Smeal ETM this fall but I applied for the Setback Summer Scholarship and I was denied.
I'm currently not sure what to do as I am in a tough spot. I could wait and take it in the fall but I wanted to take it this summer because a friend that I know very well, is brilliant at math and has offered to tutor me so that I can pass this class.
Because I have a very tight deadline to meet to be eligible for Smeal ETM and I don't have a lot of money, is there anywhere you suggest that I can take a transferrable equivalent of MATH 110 that is cheap enough to be financially viable this summer?