Joining organizations

Student Organizations
Penn State has over 400 student organizations at University Park and other campuses. Being a part of an organization can help you make new friends and develop leadership skills. Future employers are interested in students being actively involved. However, you should be aware that over-involvement could cut into your study time and adversely affect your grades.

Intramural/Club Sports
Research shows that physical activity reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. Penn State has many opportunities to join intramural teams and club sports, which allow you to meet people and become physically active. Penn State's intramural program has been rated number one in the nation. Intramurals and club sports are available at University Park and other campuses.

Connecting with others

Multicultural Connections
Penn State students, faculty, and staff come from all over the world. There are many on-campus programs and organizations at University Park and other campuses representing various cultural groups, giving you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and other people.

Living on Campus
If your campus provides on-campus housing but you have the option of living off campus, you may want to choose to live in University housing anyway. Research has shown that students who live on campus participate in more student activities, have more contacts with faculty, and have a more satisfying social life. They also earn higher grades, finish college in less time, and are more satisfied with their living environment and their college experience overall. On-campus housing options at Penn State can include traditional residence halls as well as single rooms, suites, apartments, and townhouses.

Special On-Campus Living Options at University Park
If you live on campus, you may want to take advantage of one of the special living options available in some residence halls that will give you the opportunity to live with students who have similar interests. There are special housing options for students with interests in, for example, science and engineering, the arts, living in a drug-free environment, languages, and more. Being satisfied with your living arrangements can enhance your college experience, contribute to your academic success, and provide leadership development opportunities.

Professional Networking
When you find peers, professors, and professionals with the same educational interests and career goals as yours, you are building a professional network. In the long run, individuals in your professional network can assist you in making educational and career decisions and provide opportunities for internships and future employment.

LionLink
LionLink is a professional networking program that you can use to connect with Penn State alumni with similar backgrounds who can share with you their experiences in being a student at Penn State. They can also provide information and advice to help you in your academic and career planning.

FastStart at University Park
FastStart provides a faculty/staff mentor and an alumni mentor to each first-year student participant. Faculty/staff mentors help connect you to the University and your new community. Alumni mentors share their Penn State experience and professional knowledge and expertise with you.

Community Connections
You may think of yourself as a member of only the Penn State community; however, you are also a member of the community in which your campus is located. As a member of this community, many opportunities are available for you to get involved in local volunteer organizations, religious groups, and more. Students at the University Park campus can check StateCollege.com for opportunities to get involved in local organizations and activities. Students at other campuses can check local newspapers and telephone directories for community opportunities.

Attending events
There are many on-campus as well as off-campus events that are available for students at Penn State. Some of these events are free or low-cost. Take advantage of these opportunities to become more involved while you're at Penn State.

On-campus events calendar
Off-campus events near University Park
Off-campus events near other campuses

More ways to get involved
The Office of Student Affairs offers more advice for getting involved. You will find other student resources, such as outdoor activities, becoming a student leader, and other programs that you may not have previously considered.