New Student Orientation for Fall Admits

New Student Orientation (NSO) for students admitted to the fall 2026 term includes an overnight visit to University Park campus in June, July, or August. These NSO programs are available to students based on many factors, including college of enrollment. You will see available program dates in your NSO Tasklist Each NSO program will begin in the early evening on your Day 1 and include an overnight stay in an on-campus residence hall for students only. NSO programming will occur between 8:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. on Day 2 and students are expected to attend the entirety of the program.

NSO programs for fall admits will take place between June 8 and June 25; July 6 and July 16; and August 18 and August 21. August NSO programs are only available to international students, students traveling a far distance, and by exception.

We encourage families to participate in our in-person New Student Orientation program; each student can bring a maximum of two guests with them to NSO. Students will be able to add their guests to their NSO reservation. Please keep in mind that NSO is not designed for young children, and families must secure their own overnight stay off campus.

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Please note: Information about parking and NSO check-in will be available on this page soon. 

Schedule Overview

Schedules are provided for your planning purposes only; all sessions are required for all students and the time is subject to change. Locations are unique to students and will be provided upon check in. 

Student Schedule

Day 1:

4:00 p.m.  Arrive to campus for check-in, drop your belongings in your residence hall, and eat dinner on your own 
7:00 p.m.  Learn about the NSO expectations, Penn State’s values, curricular and cocurricular involvement opportunities, and begin to meet new people 
9:40 p.m.  End of formal Day 1 programming

Day 2:

Please check out of your residence hall, return your overnight bag to the car and have breakfast before the morning sessions begin 
8:45 a.m.  Program Meetings, Support Showcase, and College Connection sessions 
12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own
1:15 p.m.  Learn about health and safety resources, understand personal responsibility as a member of this community, and discuss general transition experiences with your orientation leader and other new students 
4:15 p.m.  End of formal programming

Family Schedule

Family participation in NSO programming is optional but encouraged; students are required to attend the entirety of the program. There is a limit of two guests per student. Students will be able to add guests to their NSO reservation. 

Day 1: Families

4:00 p.m.  Arrive to campus for check-in and eat dinner on your own 
7:00 p.m.  Learn about NSO expectations and Penn State’s values 
8:30 p.m. End of formal Day 1 programming for families 

Day 2: Families

Meet your student for breakfast and collect their overnight bag before heading to the first session. 
8:45 a.m.  Program Meetings, Support Showcase, and College Connection sessions 
12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own
1:45 p.m. Learn about campus health and safety resources, how you can support your new Penn Stater, and learn about what’s next after NSO 
4:15 p.m.  End of formal programming

Student Housing and Dining at NSO

Staying overnight in an on-campus residence hall during NSO will help you make new friends, experience having a roommate, understand what is provided in a residence hall room, and learn how campus dining works. We strongly encourage all students to stay on campus for their NSO visit, but if you decide not to, you will be able to opt out when you make your reservation. Students who opt-in will have LionCash funds added to their mobile id+ card to cover the cost of dinner on the first day of NSO and both breakfast and lunch on the second day of NSO. If you opt out of housing, you are responsible for the cost of your meals and securing off-campus accommodation while attending NSO. You are expected to fully participate in all NSO programming, regardless of whether you stay in a residence hall overnight.

You’ll be able to indicate your preference when you make your reservation for NSO, and your reservation confirmation will include more details specific to your decision.

There is a charge for housing and dining during NSO and you’ll see the details when you make your reservation to attend.

You can read more about the Housing and Dining charge on our FAQ page: orientation.psu.edu/up/faq.

Any family members attending NSO with their student are responsible for securing their own overnight accommodations and will pay for their own meals. 

What to bring to NSO

Please be sure to bring the following: 

  • A valid driver’s license, passport, state-issued photo or military ID, or Permanent Resident Card
  • A cell phone or other device used to access your Penn State id+ mobile credential
  • Your Penn State Account user ID and password  
  • A reusable water bottle (filling stations are available across campus)  
  • A change of clothes and toiletries   
  • Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers  
  • A blanket if you get cold during the night (other linens are provided in the residence halls)   
  • An umbrella  
  • A sweater or sweatshirt  
  • A debit/credit card if you anticipate needing to spend money. All University Park campus operations are cash-less.  
  • If able, a donation for the Class of 2030 Gives project 

THE CLASS OF 2030 GIVES  

We invite you to start your Penn State experience by helping your fellow students. Please bring a non-perishable food or toiletry item for the Penn State Lion’s Pantry. This can be one of your first acts of service at Penn State. Donations from NSO will help stock the Pantry for students experiencing food insecurity for almost a full year. We will have a location for your donations during NSO Check-In.