State College Muslims
A Ramadan lantern glowing in front of the Old Main gates at Penn State

Photo — Jacob DeLuca,The Daily Collegian

Newcomer guide

Assalamu Alaikum welcome toState College

We've been the new ones too. Everything here was written by people who arrived not knowing anyone

Starting somewhere new isn't always easy. We hope this website helps you find the people, resources, and support that make you feel at home.

The community is small enough that people notice when you arrive, and diverse enough that you will hear many languages at Friday prayer.

Start your first week Talk to a person

What people ask for first

Four things people ask for first — then explore the rest.

Find the mosque

Jummah, prayer rooms on campus, and the community around them.

Start here

Get halal groceries

Where to buy halal meat, and where to eat downtown.

Start here

Find housing

Neighborhoods, how to search, and what to check before you sign.

Start here

Talk to a real person

Ask for an airport pickup, or to be matched with a mentor family.

Start here
Free, always

Everything on this site and every service we offer is completely free.

We ask for no money and no membership. This work is done seeking only the satisfaction of Allah, following the example of His Messenger ﷺ — “The best of people are those most beneficial to people.” If it helped you, help someone else after you.

Find your situation

Everything else, organized — pick where you are below.

Find what you need

Get StartedA simple checklist for your first days and weeks.Prayer & CommunityMasjid locations, Jummah times, and daily prayer.Halal FoodRestaurants, groceries, and where to find halal meat.HousingNeighborhoods, leases, and what to check before you sign.Living HereBanking, phones, driving, health, and paperwork.Fun & EventsFestivals, parks, and fun things to do around town.

Who you are

For FamiliesSchools, childcare, and family-friendly support.For StudentsCampus life, MSA, and student essentials.Discover IslamA warm introduction to Islam for curious neighbors.

What happens here

Prayer, iftar, and the people who make Happy Valley feel like home.

Open Quran and prayer beads on a table by a window

Quran & Reflection

Weekly halaqas and Quran circles for all levels.

Community iftar table with dates, tea, and lanterns

Iftar Gatherings

Shared meals, dates, and tea during Ramadan and beyond.

Muslim community gathering in a mosque with tea and dates

Halaqas & Gatherings

A welcoming space to meet, learn, and grow together.