Explore University Park

Welcome to Penn State University Park! As a change‑of‑campus student, you may be considering a move to University Park and want to get to know the campus before making your transition. This page is designed to support you in planning a self‑guided visit that fits your schedule, interests, and goals. This page is meant to help you independently familiarize yourself with University Park, but the Student Orientation and Transition Programs (SOTP) team is always here to support you during your change‑of‑campus planning. If questions arise before or after your visit, email changeofcampus@psu.edu and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or spending a full day exploring, this guide will help you make the most of your time on campus.

Plan Your Visit
Customize Your Experience 
Explore State College

Plan your visit

Think of this visit as a self‑guided exploration, rather than a traditional tour. University Park is a large campus with many academic, social, and resource spaces to explore.

Download Penn State Go  

Penn State Go is the official mobile app for Penn State students and the easiest way to navigate the University Park campus. With GPS integration and campus resources built in, it will help guide you from one location to another during your visit. 

Download Penn State Go by searching for it in your device’s app store.

Use map.psu.edu

The University’s interactive campus map allows you to browse:

  • Academic buildings
  • Student service offices
  • Points of pride and historic landmarks
  • Dining locations
  • Libraries and study spaces

You can filter locations using the menu on the left side of the map to customize what you want to see.

Use the Self-Guided Tour Map

To help you explore campus at your own pace, we’ve included a Self‑Guided Tour Map that outlines a walking route and highlights key locations across University Park. The map is a great way to get familiar with the layout of campus and start imagining what your experience as a University Park student could look like.

Parking On-Campus

Visitors to University Park have access to convenient paid parking options across campus, including the East, HUB, Nittany, and West parking decks, along with designated visitor lots. All visitor parking requires payment or a valid permit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rates, time limits, and real‑time capacity details can be found on the Penn State Transportation Services website at:
https://transportation.psu.edu/visitor-parking

If you’re a student who participated in Penn State Pathways, don’t forget—you received a code for one complimentary day of parking, valid through June 30, 2026, which is perfect to use during your self‑guided visit.

Customize Your Experience

Every student’s interests are different, and your visit should focus on the places that matter most for your potential transition. Use the ideas below to help build your personalized itinerary:

Academic Spaces to Explore

You may want to visit:

  • Buildings where your intended major is housed
  • Classrooms and lecture halls
  • College advising or student engagement offices
  • Study lounges or computer labs

Student Life & Campus Resources

Consider stopping by:

  • The HUB‑Robeson Center
  • Panzer Stadium / Rec Hall / IM Building (fitness facilities)
  • Career Services
  • Student Orientation and Transition Programs (SOTP) office (drop‑in availability varies)

Campus Landmarks

Some places you may want to include:

  • Old Main Lawn
  • The Creamery
  • Palmer Museum of Art
  • Arboretum at Penn State

Explore State College

The energy and spirit of Penn State extends beyond campus and into the Borough of State College. As a future change‑of‑campus student, getting to know the surrounding community can help you picture what daily life might look like when you transition to University Park.

Here are a few ways to explore the area during your self‑guided visit: