The rush of the involvement fair, photo courtesy of Penn State Student Affairs
When? The involvement fair always happens the first week of every semester. The dates are subject to change.
What is it? The involvement fair is a two day event where each club/organization can set up a booth and give out information about who they are and what they do. There are more than 500 clubs/organizations at Penn State University Park, ranging from sports to fraternities to academics and so much more! Almost all of them will be present at the involvement fair. This event is a great way to find a club that is specific to your interests and receive information from them. 1000s of students attend the involvement fair each year, it is a great time to mingle and find your place within a large campus.
The lion cruising through campus in the homecoming parade, photo courtesy of Penn State Homecoming
When? Penn State Homecoming is a tradition that happens during a home game in October, each year. Homecoming events start midweek and build up to the weekend. The 2023 dates have not been released.
What is it? Homecoming is a huge deal to current Penn Staters as well as alumni. The week usually starts out with the annual THON 5K, supporting Penn State's biggest charity event. Throughout the week there are tons of things to do. These events include but are not limited to concerts, ice cream socials, and pep rallies. All of these events lead up to the Homecoming Parade that happens on Friday night. This is a huge parade that students, alumni, and community members come together to watch. It goes through campus and down College Avenue. Following the parade, another tradition includes members of ROTC guarding the Lion Shrine for the night. Finally, the big homecoming game will happen on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. The crowd is always huge and loud for this game, many alumni are honored and some even get to perform in the homecoming half-time show!
Beaver Stadium during the pregame celebration of the white out game, photo courtesy of Onward State.
When? White-out weekend will happen once per football season. It is a weekend that you do not want to miss!
What is it? White out weekend is centered around Penn State Football, the pride and joy of State College. Once per football season, they will pick a date for the white out game. The game is usually against one of our rivals within the BIG-10. This game is known to draw in the most fans, making a fun day for tailgating and watching the Lions crush the competition. If you couldn’t tell, everyone is supposed to wear white so the stadium is an “avalanche of sound”. This is an experience that you cannot miss while living in State College.
Students talking to the on-campus housing directors, photo courtesy of Penn State Student Affairs
When? Usually occurs about a month into each semester, dates are subject for change.
What is it? Housing is something that can be very frustrating as a Penn State student. The market moves quickly and it is hard to find a place that matches everything you need. The Housing fair is there to help! At the housing fair you can talk with representatives from different housing complexes and on-campus housing. You can ask any of your questions there so it becomes easy and convenient. Most of the apartment complexes will offer answers to your questions and some of their merchandise that you can take with you! This event is specifically helpful for first year or transfer students.
1000s gather to support the cause, photo courtesy of StateCollege.com
When? Usually happens during a weekend that is towards the end of February.
What is it? THON is a 46 hour dance marathon, held in the Bryce Jordan Center, that helps raise money for childhood cancer. More than 700 students are chosen to dance, meaning they stand for 46 hours straight. 100s of other clubs and committees raise money to support THON as well. THON is the largest student run philanthropy and Penn State does a great job supporting this. During THON, there are exciting events and concerts that take place. THON is one of the ways that Penn State comes together to support the community.
Fans cheering on their team during the Blue & White game, photo courtesy of Centre Times Daily
When? The Blue & White game always happens during a weekend in April.
What is it? As we all know, football is something that is very important to the culture of Penn State. Almost all of Fall semester is surrounded around the Penn State Football team. Well, the season ends and we all miss watching a good game of football. Do not worry, you can watch the intra-squad scrimmage during the Blue & White game. This event brings back a ton of tailgaters and that always makes for a good time!
