Penn State is full of grand traditions, and homecoming is no exception. What began 126 years ago as a football game against Dartmouth has evolved into an entire week of festivities, including the nation’s largest student-run homecoming parade.

Every year, the event brings alumni, students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate Dear Old State.

However, first-year students new to the Penn State community can easily feel out of place during Homecoming Week.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the university has to offer this week, or want to learn more about getting involved, here’s a list of ways first-year students can get involved in Homecoming and join the generations of Penn Staters who bleed blue and white.

Join The First-Year Involvement Committee

The First-Year Involvement Committee is a great way for students to get involved right away as they begin their time at Penn State.

Committee members help plan the weeklong homecoming celebration by assisting University Relations captains and promoting events throughout the week.

First-Year Committee members even get to walk in the homecoming parade. If you love your time in the First-Year Committee, you can always apply for the operations, merchandise, or University Relations involvement committees in the future.

Check Out Homecoming Week Events

If you want to take part in the festivities, but aren’t looking for a commitment, the Homecoming Week events are open to all Penn State community members.

While the opening block of early-week events has already taken place, the rest of the week offers multiple activities, from carnivals to drag shows.

See our Homecoming Events Article featuring dates and times.

Walk In The Parade With Your Student Organization

The Homecoming Parade is as exciting to be part of as it is large. Many student organizations sign up to showcase themselves by walking in the parade.

Clubs decorate banners, floats, and march together through the streets of State College. Being in the parade with one of your student organizations is a great way to experience the energy and pride of Penn State Homecoming.

Guard The Lion Shrine

Guarding the Lion Shrine takes place after the homecoming parade and is a tradition that began in 1966 after Sue Paterno and a friend secretly covered the Lion Shrine in washable orange paint before the football game against Syracuse.

While their stunt washed off easily, Syracuse students covered the shrine in oil-based paint shortly after, which made for a difficult removal process.

Ever since, Penn State fans, ROTC members, and even Sue Paterno herself can be found guarding the Lion Shrine. Of course, there are food trucks, games, and music nearby at Rec Hall to keep the excitement high.

Go To The Homecoming Football Game

Last but not least on the list is making sure to attend the homecoming football game.

With Penn Staters from all over coming back to cheer on their alma mater, the spirit in Beaver Stadium on homecoming is exhilarating. S-Zone students wear the original Penn State black and pink, and fans cheer on the homecoming court and grand marshals.

The homecoming football game is something truly special, and it is a great finale to end the week.

These are just a few ways that first-year students can get involved in one of the country’s largest student-run homecoming organizations.

If you are looking for a way to show your Penn State pride, or just for something fun to do, Penn State Homecoming has a place for everyone.