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Lose Yourself in Locale
Students at  

Pennsylvania state universities

  have the benefit of very often being on campuses that are settled in the serene, more rural areas of the state. Many learners find the removed environment makes for a more immersed academic experience. However, even though you can escape into your own little world at Pennsylvania universities, you're never too far off from the buzzing excitement that some of the state's more urban areas has to offer. For example, students at Pennsylvania State University benefit from the college's convenient location near I-90 (and close to I-79 and I-86) in a suburb of Erie, Pennsylvania. Public transportation departs from campus several times an hour to local attractions, including dozens of movie theaters, ethnic restaurants, a philharmonic orchestra, museums, theaters, and a zoo. Downtown Erie features Broadway plays and exciting musical performers in rock, classical, and country music. Plus, you're within driving distance of major cities like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh and even only a 4-hour drive to Toronto -- if you need a serious weekend escape.

Lecture Technology
Universities in Pennsylvania are leading the way when it comes to incorporate technology into every day practical uses for the average student. For example, Mansfield University, a 3,000-student public university in Pennsylvania's rural northern tier, has begun "podcasting" to reach prospective students. "The PodCast looks at college life through the eyes of freshmen who share their thoughts, experiences and advice," says Dennis Miller, director of public relations. "admissions Director Brian Barden shares tips on how to find the right college and financial aid Director Chris Vaughn makes the complex world of financial aid understandable and sometimes even fun!" The plan, says Miller, is to follow the same students throughout the year to get their impressions of what goes well, what's a little bumpy for them, and how they fare in the transition from high school to college. It's this sort of attention to student lifestyle and needs that you can expect from Pennsylvania state universities.

Spoiled with Toys
Pennsylvania universities are making attempts to make the educational experience a more intimate one, by discovering new ways to improve student life. For example, every student at Wilkes University (Wilkes Barre) received a flash drive when they return for the fall semester, says Karen Novicki, manager of information technology sciences. Over 4,000 flash drives with the Wilkes logo were preloaded with anti-virus software and other "goodies," says Joseph Nalbone, a systems specialist, who proposed the idea. The 64-MB drives will allow students to carry important documents, and can plug into almost any system. "Why bother with server space when you can carry all of the information in your pocket?" While studying at Pennsylvania universities, you can be confident that your school administrators are looking out for you and your academics.

Pennsylvania state universities range from large, multi-campus research facilities to small, liberal arts schools where every face is a familiar one. With the appealing removed location, wealth of academic programming, and care that students are shown, make Pennsylvania colleges and universities part of your educational search.





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Paul D. Rosevear is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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