Campus Culture

As my twin brother and I were driving back to Penn State from a relaxing winter break, we had a not-so-relaxing argument about which Penn State bumper sticker we wanted to buy to put on our car that we share. He wants an official “The Pennsylvania State University” logo sticker on the back windshield and I want the girly little paw print.

If you stop a Penn State student on the street and ask where they are from, 75 percent of the time the answer will be Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or “just outside Philadelphia/Pittsburgh” – no surprise there. But let’s not forget the select few who give the unexpected answers like Texas, California or Florida.

In a big school like Penn State, it can be hard finding your niche. With the many clubs and sports you can join, it can be even harder deciding which one to join. But if there is anything you do know, it’s your personality and interests.

The beginning of each semester eases us back into classes by allowing a somewhat slow-paced first week. Because very little homework is due and full attention isn’t necessarily expected in classes, some students take the opportunity to go out every single night of the week.

As the end of break has finally reached a close, this can only mean one horrifying and lovely thing: we’re coming back to State College. The horrifying part? School is starting again. The nice part of jumping right back into classes? Syllabus week.

If you attended Penn State last year, you remember the infamous two-week winter break that gave us barely enough time to finish off our holiday sweets before heading back to school. This year we’ve thankfully been given three weeks (or four if you were one of those lucky “no-finals” students). But let’s be honest –- I’ve seen the tweets and the statuses, and it seems like most people are starting to miss dear old State.

How many times have you awkwardly shifted to the right or left when walking past Willard? How many times have you rolled your eyes because someone is walking up the right side of the HUB steps while you are headed down?

This article was supposed to be a list. I wanted to acknowledge every special moment that brought Penn State together in 2013. But as I sat down to write, I stared at a blank page. I tried to reflect, tried to wrack my brain for the most defining moments of the past year.

Being an international student is an amazing experience, but there are certain things that international students have to deal with every day that local students probably don’t realize. However, if you’ve been on study abroad trips, you may be able to relate to what I’m calling “international student struggles.”

Growing up atheist, I don’t recall celebrating the birth of baby Jesus in an all-American, church-going, gifts-under-the-illuminated-tree-by-the-fireplace way. My parents couldn’t care less about the holiday.

An elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Good advice – but not necessarily practical when prepping for finals. How do we keep the holiday spirit alive when we’re supposed to be studying in the stacks?

Sure, Snapchat, GroupMe and Skype are undeniably fun ways to keep in touch with friends and family, but that doesn’t mean I would ever give my WeChat and LINE up for good. This week, I will introduce you six free, tested-and-tried apps international students, yours truly included, love.