Everyone who has ever visited Penn State knows that taking a picture with the Nittany Lion Shrine is pretty much mandatory. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best, though. Throughout the course of your college career, you will spend much more time virtually anywhere other than the Lion Shrine.

Here are some more realistic pictures to take when your parents come to visit to ensure they get a slice of your day-to-day life:

CATA Bus Stops

You probably spend half of your life here in the winter.

Porta Potties outside Beaver Stadium

Many Penn State tourists come just to see Beaver Stadium, and for good reason. But the Porta Potties serve an important purpose for tailgaters that we must not forget.

HUB Computer Center

This is the place you go when you need a somewhat quiet place to study at night or it’s 11 p.m. and your printer ran out of ink while trying to print an assignment for your 9 a.m. These computers and printers save me in a pinch and I am sure I can say the same for many other students. They’re comforting and reliable, just like your folks!

Chick-Fil-A

Those who say Disney World is the happiest place on Earth must have never been to Chick-Fil-A. This is a beloved restaurant, probably the most loved in all of HUB dining. Nothing makes Penn State students happier than a chicken sandwich paired with waffle fries.

Waffle Shop

Sundays are for the Waffle Shop, at least according to all my friends. Nothing says recovery from a weekend like golden brown waffles with whipped cream and a glass of chocolate milk.

McDonald’s

Looking for a large group of drunk people to show your parents? Go to McDonald’s.

Sales

Without a steady flow of money in your bank account, buying items other than food may prove difficult to many of us at Penn State. However, nothing gets us more excited than a sale — especially a sale on Penn State apparel at that.

Bars/Anywhere that serves alcohol

Drinking is a common activity among college students and that is no secret. We’re no mind readers, but you probably go to bars more than you go to the Lion Shrine.

The last place you failed an exam

Whether you’re a freshman or senior, you most likely have failed a college exam at some point. If not, good for you — you’re already ahead of this freshman. This is the unfortunate place were many-a-failing has occured, but at least we can all laugh about it…right?

The Mix

Living in Pollock is a blessing because one of the most convenient stores on campus is in our commons. This is most useful when you’re seriously craving ice cream at midnight and the Creamery is inconveniently closed and far away. Having Ben and Jerry’s next door is a convenience I most certainly can live with. Here are my parents smiling next to half of my meal points: