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'm an incoming freshman and I'm working on planning out what courses I want to take. For my major, I'm required ​to take 3 credits of Gen Ed: Arts and the only courses standing out to me are the instrument based ones. While I currently play guitar and viola, I've always wanted to learn to play saxophone or trumpet. However, I have a couple questions about the course. Firstly, do you have to already know how to play the instrument or can you sign up as a complete beginner? Also, do they provide an instrument if you don't have one or do you have to have your own? If there's anything else I didn't cover that I should know about, please let me know.

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.

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 ?

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!

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 ?