We here at Onward State love keeping our ears open. Whether we’re downtown, partying during Sylly Week, or even at a COVID-19 testing site, we love to eavesdrop on all the interesting conversations Penn Staters are having. However, there are plenty of sounds from around campus and downtown that we have turned a blind eye deaf ear to.

From a Willard Preacher sermon to hearing a “We Are” chant, we’ve collected all the best and worst sounds a Penn State student could hear and ranked them.

11. Garbage Trucks Or Construction

There’s nothing worse than being woken up by the clanging and banging sounds of dumpsters or construction happening. Garbage trucks are annoying in the morning, but hell on Earth is living next to a construction site for a new high-rise apartment. It sucks, speaking from experience.

The only positive that garbage trucks and construction vehicles bring? They are clutch alarm clocks. Sure, it might be the worst alarm clock in history, but at least you won’t miss your 9 a.m.

10. A Willard Preacher Sermon

You know, Gary Cattell may say some wacky stuff, but sometimes, if you catch him at the right time, he can say some hilarious things. We are not endorsing him by any means, but man, sometimes Gary just puts a smile on our faces.

Besides, he’s a part of the Penn State experience. Love him or hate him, you should take five minutes out of your day just to appreciate being around a campus legend.

9. Bar Lines On A Saturday Night

Bar lines are tricky, but we feel like it needs to be put on the list. It could be Pickles, Champs, or Doggie’s — it doesn’t matter. Some wild conversations happen if you keep your ears open.

Of course, there is a chance you could be witnessing a breakup or someone getting kicked out, but hey, it’s free entertainment.

8. Old Main Bells

Old Main is the most iconic building on campus, and if its size isn’t big enough to notice, the sound of its bells throughout the day is sure to remind you.

Although we love when Old Main sings at the top of the hour, sometimes its chimes induce a mini-heart attack as we try to book it to Willard and avoid being late to class.

7. Spin Bike Chime

There’s no question that we are fans of the Spin bikes here on campus, so it should come as no surprise that the iconic chimes come in at a solid No. 7.

That first chime when you unlock your bike is almost like that two-wheeled illustrious transportation device is saying, “Let’s ride, baby!” Even the lock chime at the end of your ride is cute.

6. Arboretum On A Spring Day

First things first, the Arboretum is underrated. It’s such a peaceful place to clear your head and take in some nature. Going to that garden on a warm, spring day could possibly be one of the best things a Penn State student could do.

Whether it’s the birds chirping, the buzzing bees, or just the wind hitting the leaves, the Arboretum is extremely peaceful.

5. We Are!

We may catch some heat for not making this No. 1, but we feel like a top-five appearance for the “We Are” chant is necessary.

It’s simple, everyone knows it, and it sounds amazing at every sporting event. A few points get deducted because of the awkward exchanges you could have in public places, but it’s still pretty cool to gain a new friend in just two words. We Are.

4. White Loop Jingle

“White Loop: Serving campus and downtown via Beaver Avenue.”

Ah, can’t get enough of it. It’s almost comforting and makes us feel like we’re home. God bless you, Whoop.

3. Dancer Relations Captains, To The Stage!

For 46 hours during a weekend in February, these five words captivate the whole university and prepare all dancers for the coolest line dance in the country. Whether it’s a graveyard shift or the Final Four, these five words are bound to get the people going. For The Kids, baby!

2. Live Reaction From Beaver Stadium

Beaver Stadium is unlike any sports venue in the country. With 107,000 rowdy football fans packed in a stadium in the middle-of-nowhere-Pennsylvania, it’s truly remarkable how magical it gets.

It’s hard to capture how loud the stadium gets when you are screaming from the inside, but if you’ve ever sat a game out and elected to keep drinking water at a tailgate, the live reactions from Beaver Stadium are wicked.

Whether it’s a boo, a cheer, or a chant, there’s something that makes it so special. In fact, it adds a little suspense when you hear the crowd cheer when the broadcast at your friend’s mom’s tailgate is behind.

1. Nittany Lion Roar

The undisputed GOAT. There’s really no need for an explanation. The roar is the best.

Also, we’ve all tried doing our own roar… right?