Health and Wellness

Feeling overwhelmed and struggling this semester? Manage your stress and stay healthy! – Penn State has many resources for your mental and physical wellbeing: 

Student Support Resources
Confidential Counseling and Psychological Services
Graduate Student Life and Well-Being
Campus Recreation – classes and facilities

Adjusting to a new culture can be both exciting and challenging. As an international student at Penn State, you may encounter various cultural differences and experiences that can impact your daily life. Adjustment to a new environment looks different for everyone, and it's normal to feel a mix of emotions during this time. 

Tips for Cultural Adjustment

Stay Open-Minded: Embrace new experiences and be open to learning about different cultures and perspectives. This will help you adapt more easily and enjoy your time in the U.S.
Connect with Others: Each Penn State campus offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, or groups for different interests. Penn State also has many international student associations where you can meet people from your culture and find others who share similar experiences to you.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers both in-person and virtual counseling services, so student's at any campus can utilize their resources.
Learn About American Culture: Take the time to learn about American customs, traditions, and social norms. Penn State Global Engagement hosts a number of events and trips geared for international students and your life in the United States. This can help you feel more comfortable in social situations and reduce culture shock.
Maintain Your Own Culture: While it's important to adapt, don't forget to stay connected to your own culture! Celebrate your traditions and share them with others.
Stay Healthy: Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep. Utilize Penn State's health and wellness resources if needed.
Explore Your Surroundings: Get to know the campus and the local community. Exploring new places can make you feel more at home and help you discover new interests.
Set Realistic Goals: Adjusting to a new culture takes time. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your experience and remind yourself why you chose to study abroad. Keeping a positive mindset can make the adjustment process smoother.

Remember, it's normal to feel a bit out of place at first, but with time and effort, you'll find your footing and make the most of your experience at Penn State. If you ever need support, don't hesitate to reach out to the resources available to you.

Healthy eating and nutrition are important in maintaining overall health and academic success. 

The Lion's Pantry

Offered at Penn State University Park campus The Lion's Pantry is an official on-campus student food pantry. The pantry offers a variety of food options, including canned goods, fresh produce, and household cleaning items, all provided free of charge. Their mission is to ensure that every student has access to nutritious food and essential items, regardless of their financial situation.

Allergies and Special Diets

Penn State Campus Dining accommodates students with special dietary needs (food allergies, intolerances, conditions necessitating specialized diets, etc.). At all on-campus eateries, there are Menu Item Cards that display allergen information for menu items. Ten allergens including dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, soy, wheat/gluten and sesame are represented by individual icons on Menu Item Cards if present within a menu item.