Tucked just off the main stretch of campus next to the Intramural Fields, Penn State’s Lion Surplus feels like a hidden part of the University that most students don’t know about.

The store is where items from campus departments end up once they’re no longer needed, carrying everything from desks and chairs to electronics. Open to students and the public, the inventory is constantly changing, so you never really know what you’re going to find.

Some of the most sought-after items, especially vintage Penn State athletics gear, aren’t always available away since they have to wait for the athletics department to officially release them.

The last time Onward State visited Lion Surplus was back in 2015, so one of our staffers visited the store to capture it all and share some thoughts.

A handful of unclaimed bikes sat outside, waiting for someone to give them a second life around campus. Also near the entrance, there was a bucket with a PSU ID+ card banner.

Is anyone a passionate supporter of the old system?

There were stacks of recycling bins priced at $10 each right upon entering the building, perfect for anyone trying to stay organized during move-out season. Further down, there was a long row of desks with chairs stacked on top, which gave ’80s vibes and smelled like it, too.

Books, movies, and DVDs were going for four for $1, making it easy to pick up a small collection without spending much at all.

An assortment of miscellaneous items, including an aluminum sunflower and plates, showed the diversity in the inventory. PSU mugs were just two for $1, which is a solid deal for anyone looking to add more Penn State into their daily routine.

Some higher-end items, like a microscope and a toolbox, are both listed for sale on eBay to reach a wider audience beyond the store. A retro TV also listed on eBay sat off to the side. It may come from a different era, but it could still make a fun addition to a room or themed setup!

A keyboard for $4 might be one of the easiest ways to replace a broken one or add to your collection. Next to it, two Dell monitors priced at $55 each seemed a bit on the expensive side, especially for used equipment. There was also a pair of HP LaserJet ink cartridges that appeared to be unused, still in their packaging, which is a solid find for anyone who happens to need that exact model.

Towards the back of the store, a row of large filing cabinets, which looked like they once held years of records, now offer plenty of storage for anyone willing to move them out of the store. Two huge bulletin boards on a dolly were ready to be filled with a photo collage, schedules, or reminders. Two high school-style lockers stood nearby, bringing back a familiar look from earlier school years.

On the office supplies shelf, there were plenty of tape dispensers and a few bags filled with paper clips, offering more than enough for anyone trying to stay organized. I also stumbled upon two bins full of binders, priced at four for $1, making it easy to stock up for classes or projects.

An old aneroid sphygmomanometer (more commonly known as a blood pressure cuff) stood out as one of the more unique items, likely coming from a medical department.

These items are just a small sample of what Lion Surplus has to offer. Whether you’re furnishing a space or just browsing, there’s a good chance you’ll come across something you didn’t expect to find. It’s safe to say that not much has changed since 2015!