For Research Visitors
Additional Information for Speakers
If you will be giving a lecture, colloquium, or seminar, please see Information for Speakers.
Finding Us
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is located on the 4th and 5th floors of Davey Laboratory. We are marked Davey Lab on the campus map. Visitor parking is only available in the HPD, NPD, and EAP parking garages with HPD being the closest to Davey Lab. The approximate cost to park in a garage is $10.00 per day.
For more information about Penn State and the surrounding area, see Penn State's visitors page.
Accommodations
The most convenient hotels in the area are the Days Inn Penn State and Graduate State College. Both are within walking distance of campus, downtown, and many restaurants. They also have parking available and are reasonably priced.
Transportation
The University Park Airport (SCE) is only a few minutes from Penn State. We recommend calling a taxi or your hotel shuttle just before your connecting flight departs so it is waiting when you arrive. There is also a phone board located near the baggage terminal that will provide direct lines to participating taxi services and shuttles. Car rentals are available; however, they are not necessary if you use one of the above hotels and are not planning any sight seeing outside of the downtown or campus area.
If you are traveling from New York City, the best way to get to State College is to take the Megabus. The bus trip takes about 4.5 to 5 hours and is nonstop. The buses are comfortable, have power outlets, and often have onboard WiFi.
Reimbursement
If you have been offered a travel reimbursement, you will be contacted by the administrative staff with instructions prior to your visit. If you are not contacted, please follow up with your host to ensure reimbursement arrangements have been made. Receipts are required for all expenses except for meals, tolls, subway, or local bus. During your visit, please stop in 525 Davey Lab for further instructions and forms.
Penn State will only reimburse costs up to the most economical way of getting here and the most commonly traveled route consistent with the purpose of the trip.
If you prefer to drive, you have the option of renting a vehicle and being reimbursed for rental and gas, or driving your own vehicle and being reimbursed for mileage.
Miscellaneous
Laptops are highly encouraged. Please see Visitor Wireless for access to a free wireless network.
We will do our best to provide office space during your visit. However, due to the limited space in our department, office space for visitors is not guaranteed and must be requested in advance by the host.
The weather and temperature at Penn State changes quickly and often depending on the season. It is advised you check the weather prior to your visit to determine if an umbrella or coat will be necessary.