For many generations of Penn State Freshmen, one tradition that hasn't died out is deciding to live in East Halls. East Halls is entirely made up of first year students and despite the mediocre amenities, many request it during the housing preference period. Once you've been accepted into living in East there are just a few things you'll have to adjust to, here are a few.
1. Getting Used To No Air Conditioning
Every freshman that has graced the lovely halls of East has talked about the mental preparation to the fact you will be living in an actual heat box for the first three weeks of class. They're not exaggerating. Unless you have ten fans blowing in your direction at top speed, you will somehow find yourself slightly sticky and mildly uncomfortable in the heat.
2. The Far Walk To All Of Your Classes
Be ready for your legs to become hella toned. East is located on the farthest corner of the campus, for reference it is right across from the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium, and walking everyday back and forth really does a number on you. You always seem to be slightly out of breath when you arrive to your class and just a bit more sweaty than usual. Also if you have an iPhone, you'll notice a drastic increase in your health app steps. Personally, my steps went from around 1,000 a day to 18,000.
3. Hearing The Blue Band Practice
If you attend Penn State you know what Blue Band and you completely understand the seriousness of it. Those kids eat, sleep, and breath blue band and practice at all hours of the day, especially as game day approaches. Being so close to where the band practices, you'll get a free show every night and every morning. Nothing says Penn State Football
4. Getting Tired Of Crappy Findlay Food
With most of Easy Dining Commons being under construction, there really isn't much to choose from for food. The same meals are available breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although Findlay pizza is possibly the best pizza out of all dining commons on campus, eating it everyday three times a day can just turn you off to pizza in general.
5. Knowing Everyone On Your Floor
Although there are several negatives listed here about living in East Halls, the biggest positive is that everyone around you is going through the same thing. Within the first week you'll know most people on your floor and eventually that branches into knowing people from different floors and even different halls within east. It's literally one huge hot sweaty dysfunctional freshman family.
