Penn State's sprawling University Park campus centers on Old Main, the university's administrative heart since 1863, with first-year students housed primarily across East Halls and Pollock Halls, including Mifflin, Pennypacker, and Stone Halls.
Enrollment
47,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 20 - August 22, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
55%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Schedule your move-in date and time through eLiving once your fall room assignment posts - no pre-approval is required, and availability depends on your assigned building specifically. Review special arrival instructions before arriving if assigned to White Course Apartments or Pollock Halls. Fall Welcome Week activities begin the afternoon after the official Arrival Days conclude.
August 20 - August 22, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Mifflin Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Pennypacker Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Stone Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Penn State University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO, required, overnight)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 8 - August 21, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$14,275
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Penn State University.
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