Welcome to University Park! We’re glad that you’re continuing your education with us. The information on this page will provide you with an overview of what to expect during Transfer Student Orientation.
If you are a current Penn State student changing to Penn State's University Park campus in Spring 2025, please visit our Change-of-Campus page for more information about programs available to you.
Adult learner students and veteran students can complete their NSO requirement by participating in Transfer Student Orientation. Because of the life experience you bring with you to Penn State, we would like to offer you the opportunity to attend our virtual orientation program, offered in conjunction with NSO for Transfer Students. We use the information provided on your application to Penn State to determine if you are an adult learner or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. If you are a first-year student who is an adult learner or a veteran student and would like to attend a two-day, overnight New Student Orientation program please contact our office for assistance.
Overview of Transfer Student Orientation at University Park
Transfer Student Orientation will welcome you to Penn State. We will introduce University and community expectations. You will meet with Penn State staff and Orientation Leaders.
Orientation is optional for transfer students, and we strongly recommend your participation. At Penn State, we define a transfer student as someone who has attempted or completed 18 or more credits at another college or university after high school graduation. Transfer students who participate in orientation will receive an introduction to resources, connections with other transfer and upper-class students, and an introduction to key Penn State staff (e.g., academic advisers, orientation leaders, and student aid) who will assist you during your transition.
A key part of our orientation program is to provide each student with an Orientation Leader and an opportunity to connect with other students transferring to Penn State. Orientation Leaders are upper-class Penn State students who are committed to helping new Penn Staters have a successful transition to the University.
Transfer students are able to schedule classes on a unique timeline (enrollment appointment timeline found within their LionPATH account), as orientation is not required for transfer students. As part of orientation, you will have an opportunity to schedule a meeting with an academic adviser, but many transfer students will meet with an adviser sooner than orientation. If you have not yet met with an academic adviser by your scheduled orientation, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment.
If you do not wish to attend orientation, please select “I’m not attending Transfer Student Orientation” from the list of events available to you.