New Student Orientation just started, but we are already thinking about Parents and Families Weekend! While we know you are focused on orientation and moving your student in at the beginning of the semester, it’s never too early to start planning for Parents and Families Weekend held October 11 – 13, 2019. Event registration begins on August 15, but you will want to make your lodging arrangements soon. Explore the tips below to prepare for a great weekend:
Check-in with your student: Students are typically ready for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may be tired and overwhelmed and in need of a little TLC (and, maybe cookies). They are also somewhat settled into their new "home" at Penn State and may be excited to share what they have discovered with you! If this is your first time seeing your student since he/she moved to school, expect a few trips to stock up on food, necessities, or even clothes for the coming cold weather.
Plan your visit: Events begin after lunch on Friday and end at 4:00pm on Sunday. Many families choose to come for the entire weekend, while others may drive in for a day (in that case, we would recommend Saturday). Some events only happen on Friday (Old Main Open House), while some events such as Housing Sessions and Beaver Stadium Tours are held multiple times throughout the weekend. The Off-Campus Housing Fair is hosted on Sunday only. The complete schedule will be posted online by mid-August.
Get reservations early: As soon as you know you are coming, make travel and lodging arrangements. On busy weekends such as Parents & Families Weekend, football games, and graduation, many, if not all, of our local hotels sell out. If you do not have a place to stay, you may want to think outside the box (outside of State College). Bellefonte, Lewistown, Lock Haven, and Altoona are within a 15-45-minute drive from campus. There are also several non-traditional options in the area including Airbnb, StateCations, and Rent Like a Champion that offer private homes for rent. The Central PA Visitor’s Bureau may be helpful in finding a place for your family.
Experience something new: While seeing your student is the best part, Parents & Families Weekend is more than a campus open house. We will begin posting events in August and continue adding events throughout the fall. Beaver Stadium Tours, housing sessions, and academic events are hosted throughout the weekend. There will also be several varsity athletic competitions and theater performances. You will see the incredible talent and skills of Penn State students at many events hosted during the weekend.
Other favorite events include:
- Friday: Old Main Open House, Parents & Families Ice Cream Social, Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum, academic events, and more.
- Saturday: United in Song: A Student a Capella Concert, Family Tailgate Lunch, Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum, campus trolley tours, Beaver Stadium tours, housing fair, Family Photos at the Lion Shrine, AstroNight, academic college events, and so much more.
- Sunday: Off-Campus Housing Fair, housing sessions, Family Photos at the Lion Shrine, and THON 5k
Bring your family: Everyone is welcome. Family-friendly events will be marked with a paw print on the schedule. This will help you select activities that may be enjoyable and appropriate for younger children. Keep in mind that Penn State is a large campus and you will be doing a lot of walking. Students also love a visit from their dogs, but keep in mind that unless they are a service animal, pets are not allowed in most campus buildings.
Delve into university resources: Now that your student has the basics of college figured out — residence hall life, roommates, registering for classes, etc. — check out what resources the college has to offer. Study abroad programs, career preparation, sororities and fraternities may be options to look into with your student during Parents and Families Weekend. The Off-Campus Housing Fair and On-Campus Housing Sessions are always popular. Offices will be open during regular business hours on Friday.
Celebrate your Penn State pride: Wear your blue and white and attend a Penn State athletic event, cheer on the Nittany Lion Football Team at the game watch party, and have your family’s photo taken at the Lion Shrine.
Learn more on the Parents & Families Weekend website.
Skip past news feed