Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

My classmates range from sheltered to spoiled.

Eager to learn

They are diverse and a little bit lazy

I would have to say that they're enthusiastic, school-spirited, and opinionated.

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student

Interview with a PSU Student 2

Interview with a PSU Student 1

There is certainly a dominant persona of a Penn State student. The majority of students are white, from a middle class backround, and from an area of Pennsylvania. Despite the abundance of people who fit those categories, Penn State does still include other minorities, economic and social groups. I believe that economically Penn State is mostly middle class because of its tuition rates. I have friends that are both white and black, but I've never ran into racial or social problems. Most students, despite their differences, seem to find friends who support and appreciate them in college, and tensions become less apparent. Penn State students are intelligent and I believe that the education students recieve helps transcend boundaries of race, religion, etc. Penn State is a place where if a problem exists, students have the means and opportunity to voice that. Many student groups, whether it be the LGBTA or the NAACP chapter, host events to help conquer any prejudices people may have. Penn State students are greatly open to change and work hard for it. This past year, we had events that ranged from sweatshop protests to Amnesty International marches. Penn State students are active in their rights and that is one thing I am certainly proud of.

One of the great advantages to attending a large school such as Penn State is that there is a very diverse student body. This exposes students to new people and cultures, and gives them the opportunity to learn about these different groups. At Penn State it is impossible not to find a group of people with whom you can identify, and it is also very easy to expose yourself to new and interesting people.

Speaking as a distant alumni I doubt I could provide anything accurate about what the current student body is like, however as a Penn State grad I can say that the amount of alumni is staggering in the working world. Penn State Alumni tend to gravitate to each other, and it certainly helps during interviews and social events.

Most students at PSU are from the upper middle class, but there are some from higher and lower economic backgrounds. Financial aid is not that good at PSU, unless you're on an athletic scholarship.

Though they call PSU very diverse, it's about as diverse as you can get within the middle of Penn-tuckey. The only downside to the diversity is the fact that in general, most racial diversity is nulled by the non-mixing of groups. Asians always hang out with Asians, Blacks with blacks, indians with indians, whites with whites. Every once in a while you'll find an anomaly however you never see large mixed groups. The student body is noted for it's parties, frats are solid so long as you stay away from some of the large ones downtown. Frat land across from campus will actually give you drinks and be nice to you if you're a guest, where as downtown frats look at you simply as a liability. Politically, we're pretty liberal I suppose, but it's not way off kilter, it's probably about 60-40 or 65-35 liberal-conservative. Either way, you get some pretty intense arguments when opposites want to. As far as converstations go, most of the time you talk about the party or upcoming weekend, we're very good at dividing academia and social interactions, creating a very relaxed weekend, and a very good learning environment during the week.

PSU is a really wide range of backgrounds and ehtnicities.

Its cool there, fairly diverse but mostly white.

PSU is extremely tolerant. Be whoever you are, I doubt anyone will bother you. If they do, PSU is tough on harassment and will back you up. People don't really dress up for class. Your first friends will probably be from your dorm. Politics is a big issue on campus, which is great.

Everyone can find their place @ PSU. It might take some time, but we our a school for everyone.

PSU seems to be generally left leaning. There is always a drum circle downtown and Peace protests going on on Allen Street. All the stereotypes of college life, frat boys throwing Frisbees in huge front yards, toga parties, etc. are all alive and well at PSU. The girls that roam the streets at night are far from conservative and in every three foot by three foot square around campus you'll find at least two frat boys. Once you get over to the Forum and Palmer Museum of Art the crowds drastically change. All the pierced up art kids seem to hang out in clumps by their respective buildings. The general financial background of PSU students seems to middle to upper middle class. There are hardly any Hispanic students at PSU. The population seems to be 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white, 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} asian, 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} African American, 5{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Hispanic, 5{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} other.

The thing about PSU is it's huge and there's no "norm". People are from everywhere, you just have to look in the right places. If you go to frats, obviously you'll find upper class white kids from north jersey. If you join clubs or work on campus, you'll find the best mix of people from different backgrounds, which I found to be refreshing. Football games are also an event that brings everybody from every background together.

everything

Penn State is a predominantly white school. There are plenty of minorities, but they are a small subsection of the entire student body. I've never seen any blatant acts of racism, or anything like that, but you will basically notice that Asians mostly hang out with other Asians, blacks hang out with blacks, etc. This isn't to say any of us hate each other, that's just sort of the way things worked out. As far as finances go, Penn State sort of crosses the whole spectrum. It is a "state" school, technically, so it's not as expensive as most private schools. However, there are a lot of people there on Mommy and Daddy's money, especially within the whole Greek scene. Most kids are from PA, but there are some people from the surrounding states, and even international students.

Penn State's student body is so vast. There are people from every socio-economic, cultural, gendered, religious, etc. background. There are certainly people who try to push their values on everybody else, but this actually unites people who are outside that value. I and all my friends learned so much about themselves from being here. I have interacted in some way with almost every representative of religious groups, socio-economic backgrounds, etc. on campus and find it enriching, interesting and enjoyable. To come to such a huge university says a lot about a person; that they can tolerate a lot of different kinds of people.

Sicking levels of school pride abound. If you loved going to your highschool football games with your entire body painted, sobbing like a miserable wretch when the opponents scored and screaming with such unadulterated glee that most 80's hair bands would have to stand back in awe, you'll fit right in - not just at football games, but in general. Those who are able to subscribe to that WE ARE sort of mindset will do well; anyone unimpressed by those who claim to bleed blue and white and drain their trust funds to buy Notre Dame tickets will look at those around him or her and feel nothing but pity and annoyance.

The trend of Ugg boots, as well as wearing leggings with no skirt/pants needs to stop. Ugg boots are ridiculously overpriced boots. It was a sad, sad day when one of the main stories in the college newspaper was the shortage of Ugg boots. There are more important things in the world, heck even in campus life than Ugg boots. As for the leggings trend, for gosh sakes put some pants on! I don't want to see your vajayjay, or any other part of your body that is made perfectly clear thanks to leggings. Wearing an over-sized shirt and leggings doesn't make you look cool. It makes you look like you don't know how to dress yourself and you forgot to put pants on.

Conversations I have had with members of my fellowship and other friends here at school have been far more intellectual than any I have ever had anywhere else. Political conversation is a great example. When most people discuss the current presidential candidates here, they have information to back up what they say. There are many people, of course, with no interest in the campaign who don't know much about it, but for those who are interested, they also make it a priority to be informed. Discussions with friends that aren't in college are typically of a different nature. I appreciate being able to discuss issues with people who can back up what they say. People here are informed. It is unfortunate that this isn't a general rule for the college. Of course all political science majors keep current with information of this nature, but many college students barely know who is still in the running. I have found that this semester, I have had an impact on some of my friends in this area. I am currently taking PL SC 130 about American Political Campaigns and have found the class to be very interesting and engaging. It has generated an incredible interest in the campaign for me. As a result I have researched the candidates and can now hold intelligible conversation about them and their views and I can back up my opinions with the facts I have learned. By sparking some of these conversations with friends, I have taught them a little bit about different candidates and even encouraged at least one person to look up their own information and form their own opinions.

I would say that there is not a great deal of diversity on campus. There are many people of color, but not in proportion to the total number of students. In the race relations class I mentioned earlier, students that were not white would remark about how they feel that they are the minority. This is probably due to the fact that the population of Pennsylvania is mostly white. Most of the students are from Pennsylvania, as it is in any state school. There is a wide range of socio-economic statuses, but most people from out of state have to be somewhat well-off, as it is one of the most expensive public schools for out of state in the country. Most students wear sweats to class. It is very surprising to see students dress up for class. A lot of Penn State students have the attitude that they will be making a lot of money when they get out of college because a Penn State degree looks good.

Penn State is a predominantly middle-class, white, in-state school. Most of the students come from either "outside" of Philly, Pittsburgh, or some random town in Pennsylvania. There is not a huge amount of diversity here with out-of-state students often being wealthier versions of in-state students and from a state bordering Pennsylvania. There is a large international Asian presence here, but they often keep to themselves. Other races are not very well-represented here, but all are accepted openly and very involved in campus life. Overall, students are very laid-back and sweatpants are the norm with jeans getting on the dressy side. So don't expect anyone to be impressed if you're the more brand-conscious type. Politically speaking, students tend to lean left here, but many are also conservative. Most students are not interested in politics though, unless it involves tuition.

In the liberal world of a university, people are still homophobic and conservative socially. The LGBT is full of the students who are not, and the LGBT is mostly politically active lesbians who scare off mostly socially standard gay men who do not want to be associated with that. There is really no where for gay/queer students who don't fit all the way in the straight crowd or the gay crowd, that do not like to participate in pride events or flourish a rainbow. The LGBT should be less offensive looking (people and memorabilia). There is a mix of indifferent and overly political students. You can choose to associate or not. Money driven students tend to be engineers and premed.

LGBT has a pride week every semester and a pretty supportive network. We have a black caucus and other cultural clubs. Soc 119 is a great class to take with a great professor dealing with race and race at Penn State. There are tons of religious organizations on campus and different churches and worship centers in town and on campus. But we're not a religiously affiliated school, so if that's not your thing, it's not a problem. Soci Economics aren't really a problem, either. People from all different backgrounds go here. Almost anyone can afford PSU with the right loans and grants available to them. Though there are certainly more wealthy kids than poor. No one could possibly feel out of place here. We seriously have something for everyone. All kinds of people from all walk of like attend Penn State and love it. Most students wear sweats or jeans to class. Some dress up. Some wear traditional clothes of their race or religion. Some dude wears a chicken mask every day. You can pretty much totally be yourself and not have to worry at all. Plenty of different types of students interact on campus and off. No one is hostile and there is no "outcast" group. One table is a bunch of dude in sweats, watching the tv turned to a sports channel. Another is a table of Chatty girls. Another table are hippied-out kids with dreadie hair chowing down because they have the munchies. At a fourth table one student sits alone and does homework with an ipod on. I've met people from all around the world here, but the majority of people are seriously from "outside of Philly." Most people's parents are well off suburbanites. But not everyone's. I come from a poor, rural family with a combined income of about 60,000 and 3 kids under 21. Some students are politically aware and others aren't. It varies. There's a little of everything. There isn't really a left, right or center that is predominant. PSU is a right winged unversity, but there are all different types of students who support just about everything you can think of. Some people talk about how much they'll earn. People seem to think that a PSU degree is worth more than some other degrees.

All the minority, relegious groups had representation in the student clubs. I didnt feel out of place being an international student . Students usually wear sweat shirts and sweat pants i.e. casual dressing. Differnt types of student do intearct. I have not lived inthe dorm so cant help on that. Mostly students are from small towns in pennsylvania Middle class mostly Students are politcally aware and active and yes students do talk about how much they will earn one day

Everyone is white. There is hardly any diversity. Most of the student body is not aware of other cultures or religions. They are mostly from small college towns. Gay students are sometimes openly mocked. African American/Black students have been threatened. Actually most people who are different are mocked. But while small, the minority circles are usually accepting and fun to hang out with. I spent a lot of my time with the international students. They are the best. Most students are middle class. Good balance of left and right wing, mostly left though - PA is a blue state. Most students are not very politically active.

I don't have much experience with any of these.

I feel that there are many separations and barriers, the minorities hang out with the minorities, the religious groups tend to cling to themselves, etc. I think that someone who does not like to drink and party may feel left out in some incidents if they do not know about some of the other activities that take place on campus itself. For example, LAte nigHT at the hub, and movies, etc.

All experiences with other groups on campus have been positive. I don't think any student would feel out of place here, there is room for everyone. Most students wear casual clothes: jeans, t-shirts, polos, etc. I think different types of students interact in the classroom, but not so much outside of that. Tables at the dinning hall: Greeks, Jocks, Nerds, & Other. Most are from PA, NJ, NY & MD. I would say middle class to upper middle class mostly, there is both lower class and Upper upper class represented here too. I would say most students are politically aware and active. I would say predominantly moderate to conservative, but there are many left, too (depends on who you ask). I think people have a good idea of what salary to expect.

As previously mentioned, PSU doesn't have a very diverse student body. There have been some instances of racial and LGBT discrimination. This includes the recent allegations against the Girls Basketball Team head coach for discrimination based on sexual orientation of players. Most students were jeans or sweatpants/t-shirts/sweat shirts to class.

Students of all different backgrounds interact. I have never seen a negative/race situation. As for financial backgrounds I think majority was middle class and I think most people faculty included are "left".

If you're a goth, a punk, a big hippie, an international student, or someone who generally isn't used to or wouldn't like a whole slew of white, suburbanite people, you're going to feel at least a little out of place at PSU. As I mentioned before, there are a lot of the same personality types, and you'll find many people fit into certain categories, and it can be a little weird to see how people can be identified so exactly by what they wear (I woke up one day and the weather was warm and virtually of the "sorority-type" girls were wearing the same, floofy short skirt. It makes you question reality sometimes). Generally people sort of form "cliques" of people who are similar to them, either by country, race, religion, whatever. However, it's important to note that whether you fit in or not, if you don't find a group to fit in with, you'll probably feel pretty lonely. People aren't generally into random social outreach - unless they've been drinking (and even then...). In that respect, even though they may sometimes be descriminated against, special groups - be it Frat boys, LGBT kids, whoever - have an upper hand. However, when it comes to "intermingling," it doesn't really happen all that much. This is part of what makes the culture at PSU so dull. Most PSU students are from Pennsylvania, since out of state tuition is so high. It seems to me that there are actually more international students than there are out of state students. Also, since I've been living in Los Angeles for the past 8 or so months, I can understand why the one kid I knew from California when I was at PSU felt so out of place - the cutlure is very suburban east coast/central PA culture. Further, there are a significant number of conservative/right wing PSU students - and some of them really feel the need to make their voices heard. In that way there is a kind of balance between conservative students and liberal students (although most students are really pretty passive about politics, etc), however religious there are a number of pretty loud Christian activists roaming campus that keep the campus from feeling completely balanced. One is famous for "preaching" outside one particular building virtually every day, others come and go with Bibles and billboards and handouts. If the thought of these people stepping on your toes makes you uncomfortable, it's probably worth noting that these are the only people who actually suceed at touching a nerve with a regular number of college students - and actually providing the rest of us with something to watch that's not on TV or at a party.

most students wear jeans and t-shirts. Most students are from somewhere in Pennsylvania. Different types of students do interact with each other.

Penn state is made up of lots of different groups.

None. I hope none. Jeans, Penn State t-shirts/sweats, and pjs. Not that many. Don't know the four tables in dining halls. I would guess around PA and the NY, NJ and MD. Yes many studes are politically active. I think they are equally divided but not really sure. Yes.

had a class discussing sexual relationships and knew there was a lgbt group on campus...a lot of diverse clubs on campus not sure hoodies and sweats unless your a sorostitute you may wear a vera bradley bag, northface and boots over your jeans with really big obnoxious sun glasses sometimes ahh dont know OUTSIDE Philly and pittsburgh middle to middle upper class yes i think left no

There hasnt been any issuse regarding race in my time here at PSU, although I do feel as though it is not diverse as it should be. Most students do not have the opportunity to feel out of place because there are so many different personalities on campus. It is a nice place to go, and be yourself, and at the same time meet people who match your traits. Most students do not dress nicely to class. It is a huge campus and inclement weather, so most dress on a comfort and warmth level when going to class. It is not about high fashion, but more about practicality. There is a diverse range of financial backgrounds at PSU. Some are more well off than others, and it is not something that you could even recognize at first glance. It is not much of an issue here, because so many people are from so many different lifestyles and backgrounds.

- Dress: Most students wear sweat pants or comfy clothes, especially if the weather sucks. When it gets warmer outside the short skirts and flip flops come out. - Demographics: Most PSU students are from the east coast areas of Philly, New York, and New Jersey. Students seem well off and receive money from parents.

Religious groups etc. are all over campus. They can be very in your face, or sometimes they just hand you paper to throw away. No student should feel out of place at Penn State. If they feel out of place, then they are not looking hard enough for people to spend time with. Students wear just about anything to classes. All students interact if they choose to. There are definitely more than four tables of students in the dining hall. Most of the tables have groups of friends that are generally loud and obnoxious. Other tables have people eating alone, or boyfriends eating with girlfriends. It's just food man. Most PSU students are from Pennsylvania. I have no idea what financial backgrounds are prevalent, I couldn't care less. Some students are politically aware, some are not. I'd think 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} are, 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} are not. They vary a lot, probably pretty equal in left and right. Students talk about incomes frequently.