Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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.