After NSO Resources

So you’ve completed New Student Orientation...now what? We have a few additional suggestions to help you prepare transition to Penn State for your first semester.

Prepare for the Start of Your First Semester 

  • Explore purchasing or renting textbooks (can be ordered in advance, bundled, and picked up) through the Penn State Bookstore.
  • Explore on-campus employment opportunities at hr.psu.edu/careers. If you plan to get a job, be sure to bring the necessary documentation to campus with you so that your hiring paperwork can be processed in a timely manner; this may include original versions of documents, such as a birth certificate or social security card.
  • Find at least one thing that will help to connect you to campus. Consider finding a familiar food type, making a new friend with a similar background, finding a place of worship, or connecting with an advocacy unit on campus.
  • Introducing yourself is a skill that will serve you well right away in your first semester, in job searches, and in your career. Consider what you want to share with others and practice by introducing yourself to ten people you don’t know.
  • Think about how you want to build your Nittany Lion legacy. Find three resources—people, services, activities—to help you make it happen.
  • Review your class schedule and use the drop/add period to make adjustments if necessary.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser to continue making plans to meet your academic goals. Visit Starfish to schedule an appointment.
  • Visit your instructors’ office hours.
  • Review Penn State’s academic calendar and make note of important dates.
  • Download the Penn State Go app.
  • Familiarize yourself with LionPATH and its various functions. Don’t forget to use Delegated Access to grant parents or family members access to parts of your educational record.
  • If you anticipate using disability accommodations, take action to have your accommodations in place before the semester starts. Visit equity.psu.edu/offices/student-disability-resources for more information about Student Disability Resources.
  • Use map.psu.edu to view your class locations and plan how you will get from one place to another. 

Talk to Your Family

  • Agree on how you will share information about your academic progress with your family.
  • Discuss your mutual expectation for staying in touch. How often will you call? How often will you visit?
  • Talk to your family about personal safety and decisions regarding alcohol and drugs.
  • Talk about how you will finance your education. Brush up on how to manage a bank account. Discuss credit cards. 

Organize Your Healthcare

Pay Your Tuition Bill 

  • Tuition bills are available through LionPATH. You will receive notification via your Penn State email account when your tuition bill is available to view and pay through your Student Center.
    • Summer Session II: Bill due dates will vary.
    • Fall semester bills are generated beginning August 1. Bills are due three weeks after they are issued.
    • Spring semester bills are generated beginning December 1. Bills are due three weeks after they are issued.
  • If you haven't already, set up your parents/family members as Authorized Payers to view and/or pay your tuition bills.
  • Find additional information about tuition rates and begin planning for future semesters at tuition.psu.edu.

If You’re Living On-Campus, Prepare for Move-In 

  • View your room assignments and roommate information (mid-June for summer session, late July for fall semester) at eliving.psu.edu.
  • Introduce yourself to your roommate. Decide who will be bringing what items.
  • Find out what to pack and what to leave at home on the Arrival website: arrival.psu.edu
  • Register your computer if you’re living on campus (at least three days before arrival) using roomgear.psu.edu
  • Review move-in procedures; print out parking information.
  • Brush up on your laundry skills!