New Student Orientation for Summer Admits

New Student Orientation (NSO) for students admitted to the summer 2025 term will take place on Sunday, June 29; Monday, June 30; and Tuesday, July 1. Classes for the summer II session begin on July 2, 2025.

All students admitted to summer at University Park should plan to arrive to campus and move-in to their assigned residence halls on Sunday, June 29. NSO will be open throughout the day to allow time for you to unpack, get settled in your room, and check-in for NSO. This schedule for NSO for summer admits means that you will complete your NSO requirement immediately before the summer session begins and you will not have to travel to NSO, home again, and then return to campus.

We will offer programming for parents and families on Sunday, June 29 and Monday, June 30. 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.

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Overview of NSO for Summer Admits

We have an exciting and informative program planned for you. Students will participate in required programming on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Classes begin on Wednesday. Sessions are required and attendance will be taken. All students admitted to summer will be able to preview their personalized schedule about two weeks in advance.

Please note: NSO programming for parents and families is held on Sunday and Monday. Families can choose from two orientation sessions (one on Sunday and one on Monday) and attend the NSO Resource Fair with their student. All families should say farewell by 1:30 p.m. on Monday. Programming starting Monday afternoon and on is for students only.

Please download the available PDF for daily details of the summer program.

Details of NSO for summer admits
Click to download the high resolution PDF of the graphic.

Housing and Dining at NSO

Students living on-campus for summer II

Students living on-campus for the summer II term will move into their assigned room on Sunday, June 29. This is where you will stay for the duration of the summer semester, including NSO. Your meal plan will be active starting on Sunday, June 29. There is no additional charge for your NSO visit. You will receive information about your room assignment and when to move in in June.

Students commuting to campus for summer II

Students who do not have a housing contract for the summer II term will be responsible for their own housing and meals for NSO. You will be expected to travel to and from campus for all NSO activities. 

Parking for students commuting to campus

On Sunday, June 29 students without a housing contract may park in the Stadium West lot at no charge. On Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1, students who are commuting to campus must have a student parking permit activated for their car and follow all parking regulations.

What to bring to NSO

Please be sure to bring the following: 

  • All of the materials, supplies, clothes, etc that you will need for the summer semester
  • 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)
  • Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
  • An umbrella
  • A debit/credit card if you anticipate needing to spend money. All University Park campus operations are cash-less. 

THE CLASS OF 2029 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.

Check-In for NSO

NSO Check-In will be open on Sunday, June 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Findlay Commons. If you’re living on-campus for summer II, you should move into your summer housing before checking-in for NSO; please plan to check in for NSO within two hours of your arrival to campus. If you’re commuting to campus for summer II, please arrive directly for NSO within the timeframe listed above. NSO Check-In is required.

NSO Check-In is for students only.

In order to check in for NSO, you must activate your Penn State mobile id+ Card. Instructions for this can be found on your NSO Tasklist. Please complete this task as soon as possible and no later than one week before the start of your NSO program.

Families Schedule for NSO on June 29 and June 30

From Home to Happy Valley: Supporting Your Student’s Transition to College

Families attending NSO with their students should plan to attend this session which is offered twice for your convenience. Once on Sunday and once on Monday. Both sessions are the same and are being delivered twice to provide you with options:

  • Sunday, June 29, 3:00 p.m. -5: 00 p.m. in Eisenhower Auditorium
  • Monday, June 30, 9: 00 p.m. -11: 00 p.m. in Eisenhower Auditorium

From Home to Happy Valley: Supporting Your Student’s Transition to College provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect during the transition to college life and how families can best support their students.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Understanding the College Transition
    Families are guided through the emotional and developmental changes their students may experience, and how to shift from being a direct advocate to a supportive coach.
  • Penn State Values
    The session introduces Penn State’s core values—Community, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Discovery, and Excellence—and how these shape the student experience.
  • Academic and Co-Curricular Opportunities
    Families learn about academic advising, general education, major selection, and the importance of student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities.
  • Health, Wellness, and Safety Resources
    Detailed information is provided on University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), campus safety, and wellness initiatives like Flourish Penn State.
  • Student Conduct and Responsibility
    Families are introduced to Penn State’s policies on alcohol, drugs, and sexual misconduct, including the Responsible Action Protocol and the importance of consent.
  • FERPA and Family Communication
    The session explains how federal privacy laws affect access to student records and outlines tools like Delegated Access and Authorized Payer to stay informed.
  • Practical Tips for Parents
    From setting expectations and maintaining communication, the session offers actionable advice to help families navigate this transition with confidence.

From Home to Happy Valley: Supporting Your Student’s Transition to College is for family members of new students only. New students will not attend this session.

In addition, you can choose to attend the NSO Resource Fair on Monday, June 30 with your student. The NSO Resource Fair is an open-house style event designed to connect new students and their families with the wide range of services, programs, and opportunities available at Penn State. There are 30 tables at the fair, and you can visit anytime between 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Monday. During this same time, you should also have lunch.

All families are asked to say their goodbyes and depart campus by 1:30 p.m. on Monday. After that time, all programming is for new students only, and we want them to fully engage in their next steps at Penn State.