Whether you are moving your student to Penn State for the first time or have been through the process before, we all want our kids to have a comfortable place to call home and supplies to take on in the new semester. My daughter Charlotte and I spent much of the summer before her freshman year making a list of needed items, making trips to Target, and opening Amazon packages. We tried not to overpack (but did anyway) knowing that she could shop in State College or have things delivered.
Charlotte consulted with her new roommate on shared items and coordinated move in times to be close together but not overlap. We relied heavily on the Penn State What to Pack and What to Leave Behind lists (https://arrival.Penn State.edu/fall/university-park) to make sure we weren’t missing anything obvious. We assembled what looked like a mountain of bags, bins, and boxes in our den that made me slightly queasy every time I walked by it, knowing her big move to Pennsylvania was fast approaching. She was ready, but we were not. Late in August, we packed the car as if it were a Jenga puzzle, said our goodbyes to the pets, and headed north. We didn’t know at the time, but it was the start of an incredible first year for our daughter at Penn State!
We asked for advice from other PENN STATE parents for tips on what to bring and for advice on a smooth move-in process. Here’s what they had to say:
Laura Hudak, LA ‘01, Plymouth PA (Parent of Dean Hudak, 2027)
- At least two pairs of sneakers that are comfortable enough to walk across campus. But don’t bring too many shoes — eight pairs were way too many freshmen this year!
- A pair of boots for rain/snow/sleet and a good winter jacket.
- An umbrella that will fit in your backpack bottle holder.
- Reusable water bottle.
Jennifer Young LA ‘95, Phoenixville PA (Parent of Evan Young, 2025)
- Checking out thrift stores like Goodwill is a great way to reuse items and keep costs down, especially for things like box fans and plastic storage containers.
Todd and Trish Garing, Perry Hall MD, (Parents of Alex Garing, 2024 and Jenna Garing, 2026)
- I know from our experience, the things we bought new like towels, sheets, or anything that comes in boxes or plastic, we unpacked beforehand so that when you move in you are not spending time taking tags off things and unboxing items.
Lori Mann, Hillsborough NC (Parent of Charlotte, 2027)
- I highly recommend a thick foam mattress topper. It is worth it to have a cozy bed to climb into at the end of a long day.
- Cold medicine. They are going to get sick. We bought a small tackle box and filled it with first-aid essentials and OTC meds for getting through those colds.
- String lights, a rug, and wall décor transformed the cold white dorm room into her home for nine months.
- A small portable air filter and a rotating fan. Dorm room climate control is a challenge.
- A small hand-held vacuum was key to keeping the dorm room floor clean.
On move-in day, don’t forget to take it all in and enjoy the process. It will be chaotic at times and full of emotions, but you only move in for the first time. Get those long last hugs (at least for a while). And don’t forget the tissues! Please also remember to stop by the Parent and Family Welcome tents!
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