Penn State Wilkes-Barre is a 100% commuter campus. Students may stay in privately owned off-campus housing or travel from home. We offer many options for students to get involved in the campus, including educational, social, and co- and extra-curricular programs. Whether you are attending Penn State Wilkes-Barre full- or part-time, in evening or day classes, you are encouraged to stop by the Student Activities Office in the Student Commons room 129 to find out more about the opportunities available to you.

Parking on Campus

Students must park in the designated parking areas located in the general parking lot to the left of University Drive at the main entrance to the campus and the lower level adjacent to the Bell Center for Technology. Please refer to the campus map for parking, including visitors and handicapped areas. 

Every student who operates a motor vehicle (including motorcycles, motor bikes, motor scooters, and any other motor-driven vehicle, except “mopeds”) on Penn State Wilkes-Barre property must register the vehicle with Police & Public Safety and obtain a parking permit. There is no charge for the permit. All operators must also follow parking and traffic regulations.

Food Services

The Hickory Court Café, located in the Student Commons, is open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch and offers a variety of made-to-order and ready-to-go items. A hot entrée is served daily, and there are options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free items upon request. Starbucks coffee is served. There is also a commuter meal plan that provides a discount for food services purchases.

Food Bank

The Food Bank at Penn State Wilkes-Barre is available to help keep students on a path to success without having to worry about food. At the Food Bank, located in the Student Affairs Office in 114 Murphy Student Services Center, students can find a variety of non-perishable food items as well as personal and household supplies. Students can make requests using the confidential Food Bank Request Form, and there is no limit to how many times it can be used.

Studying on Campus

Many commuter students find that it is difficult to study at home for one reason or another. There are many places around campus that provide students with an appropriate environment for studying. For students who like to study in noisy areas, there is the Student Commons or the Academic Commons CyberCafé. On the other hand, the Nesbitt Library is a good option for quiet study time. Students can also benefit from studying in the Technology Center, empty classrooms, or in the Learning Center.

Four Seasons Club

Extracurricular Activities

As a commuter student, be sure to get involved in campus life! There are many ways you can enrich your Penn State Wilkes-Barre experience in addition to attending classes. Here are a just few suggestions:

  • Visit the Student Commons between classes and get involved in a lively game of foosball, ping pong, pool, Xbox, or Wii.
  • Join other students at the Student Government Association meetings Wednesdays at noon in Tech Center 101. Make your voice heard!
  • Attend a scholarly lecture presented by one of our faculty.
  • Visit the weight room in the Athletic and Recreation Building.
  • Spend time in the Nesbitt Library—meet friends, read a book, or borrow a popular movie!
  • Attend one of our varsity athletic competitions.
  • Cultivate a relationship with your academic advisor; schedule a meeting with him/her to discuss your intended major.
  • Unsure of your major or what career you’d like to pursue? Career Services can assist you to identify your interests, skills, and values, and help you research viable options.
  • Visit the Freidman Observatory and see the heavens!
  • Join a campus club or organization.