Greater Allegheny Fall 2024
Preparing for Fall Arrival
We are thrilled to welcome incoming and returning students to our on-campus community. Your journey towards higher education has begun, and we are excited to be a part of it.
Watch for pre-arrival tasks sent via email in early August. Incoming students will receive communications at the personal email address they provided to the University. Upper-Class students will receive communications via their Penn State email account. Update your information if needed at accounts.psu.edu.
First-year students arriving on Thursday, August 22 should park in the Parking and Unloading Areas next to the Fitness and Cultural Center (FCC). Staff in the FCC will answer questions and complete an enrollment services review before sending students and families to unload behind McKeesport Hall and move in to their rooms.
Check-in Information
Before arriving to campus:
- Beginning 24 hours before your scheduled arrival time, log on to eLiving and complete pre-arrival check-in. This step will initiate card access to the building and help speed up the process at arrival.
- Set up your mobile id+ card using the instructions at idcard.psu.edu/mobile-id-card.
At check-in:
Bring your photo ID or device with your activated Penn State mobile credential.
Once you've unloaded your belongings, please move your vehicle to the designated long-term parking lot.
Your To-Do List
What to Pack
- Alarm Clock
- Baskets for toiletries and storage
- Bed risers
- Bedding (Twin XL)
- Cleaning supplies and paper towels
- Laptop, printer, and cables
- Desk lamp, desk supplies
- DVD player and cables
- Face masks, hand sanitizer
- Fan (portable), box fan for window
- Financial items (checking/savings account, credit/debit card, health insurance card, Social Security card, driver's license, etc.)
- First-Aid kit (band-aids, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cold/cough medicine, COVID at-home tests (4), face masks, pain relievers, thermometer)
- Food items (can opener, coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of dishes and tableware, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
- Games (cards, board games)
- Game consoles and cables
- Hangers
- Laundry bag/basket and detergent
- Padlocks for desk, laptop, and bike
- Reusable water bottle/coffee mug, reusable shopping bag(s)
- Room decorations^
- Sewing kit/safety pins
- Snow shovel to store in your car
- Smart TV or TV plus streaming device
- Toiletry items
- Towels
- Umbrella, rain boots
What to Leave Behind
Please refer to your HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information.
- Air Conditioning units, including portable units and "swamp coolers"
- Alcohol+
- Appliances (except for residents in apartments with full kitchens)
- Ashtrays*
- Candles and incense
- Ceiling fans
- Firearms
- Grills
- Halogen lamps
- Heaters
- Pets (small fish tanks are allowed)
- Vacuum cleaners (available for use from RA)
- Waterbeds
- Window Treatments (blinds, draperies)
- Wireless Routers
What's In Your Room
University housing offers the basic amenities you need to be comfortable and organized in your new home! Then comes the fun part: making it your own.
Room Amenities
- Bed frame
- Chest of drawers
- Closet, desk, lamp, and chair
- Drapes
- Mattress (80" x 36")
- Microwave/refrigerator**
- Mirror
- Smoke detector**
- Waste basket**
- WiFi, roomgear network for smart devices
Building Amenities
- Laundry facilities
- Vending machines
- Central lobby area with community kitchen
- Game room
- TV room
- Study room
^Posters and photos must be hung with plastic tack.
+ Alcohol is prohibited on campus, regardless of the resident's age
* Smoking is prohibited on campus, including in McKeesport Hall and Café Metro.
** One per bedroom
During Arrival
Beyond the checking in and moving into your home away from home, you’ll find plenty of on-campus activities as well as areas to explore or grab a tasty bite.
Refer to the following links for What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay as you prepare for Arrival.
Beyond Arrival
It's no secret that the transition from living at home to living on campus is fairly monumental.
The following resources are provided to kick start your on-campus experience with the right information.
Contact Staff
Housing and Food Services
housingGA@psu.edu
412-675-9100
Student Community Center
4050 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132-7698
Residence Life
412-675-9493
210 Student Community Center
4050 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
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