1. Meet Mike the Mailman. During your time at Penn State, there will probably be a point in time when you need to send a package to family or friends or return clothes from your impulsive online shopping spree. When this time comes, and you walk into the Post Office off McCallister, you will see Mike the Mailman. Never have I ever met a man who is so passionate about his job and friendly to all students who enter the Post Office. This sweet man is happy to help you with anything you need! To show your appreciation, bake him some cookies and wear your favorite pair of sneakers — he'll be sure to appreciate both!
2. Encounter the Willard Preacher. If you've checked a Penn State student's Snapchat, Twitter or Yik Yak, chances are, you've seen at least one thing about this man. Dressed in his usual attire of sneakers, blue jeans and a red sweatshirt, the notorious Willard preacher stands outside of the Willard building and lectures those who are walking by or willing to listen. His rants include a range of topics from marriage, to abortion, to "getting laid at Penn State." This man's absurd monologues are something you need to witness for yourself.
3. Take a photo at the lion shrine.
Document your time here! If you go to Penn State and don't take a picture on the lion shrine, are you really a Penn Stater? I think not. Pretty much every person I know has visited our school's mascot's shrine by Rec Hall in the northeast section of campus. It would be a sin to go all four years without taking a picture with our beloved Nittany Lion.
4. Hike Mount Nittany.
Located about 15 minutes outside of campus, and with buses that go near the base of the mountain, hiking Mount Nittany is the perfect outdoor activity to complete with friends on a nice-weather weekend. With the hike taking about an hour (depending on how fast you hike), it only requires a few hours out of your day, and the view is well worth it. Furthermore, with such a beautiful overlook of State College, I recommend everyone plan a trip one day to hike one of State College's most popular spots.
5. Attend THON.
Penn State is known around the world for our Dance Marathon held every year in February. You absolutely have to attend to experience the atmosphere surrounding the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and see the joy of the Four Diamonds Kids on their favorite weekend of the year.
