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New Student Orientation (NSO) provides activities for both new students and their families. Because family support is an important factor in student success, a companion orientation program has been designed to meet the transition needs of parents & family members. Parents & family members will attend some sessions with their student, but some sessions will be attended separately.

The Parent & Family NSO will include:

• a session introducing Penn State's academic structure and the role of cocurricular learning;
• a dedicated session discussing your student's health, safety, and personal responsibility;
• an overview of career and internship support services available to students; and 
• a panel Q&A session with current Penn State students.

There is no additional charge for parents & family members to attend NSO, but guests will pay for their own meals and lodging. When deciding who will attend NSO as a guest of the student, please keep in mind that NSO is not designed with extended family or young children in mind.

Note: Housing and meals are already provided for each student attending NSO.

Parking & Getting to Campus

Penn State University Park is located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, bordering downtown State College. Here's a list of tips as you plan for your visit to University Park:

• Don't use GPS to get to campus. The instructions provided below are designed to help you navigate your way through State College and campus. 
• Bring an umbrella. It's often just a quick shower during the day, but it rains frequently during the summer in State College.
• Bring a sweater. Many of our participants report that it can get chilly during sessions.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. During your visit, you'll find that there are water filling stations all across campus. Having a water bottle is an easy way to join in our sustainability efforts.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes/sneakers. University Park is a big place, and you'll spend a lot of time walking around campus. 

Many of our program activities will be in large auditoriums, and it will be necessary to walk some distance between campus locations. If you, or your parent or family member, anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please visit our FAQ page for additional information.