For serious shoppers, Philadelphia can be paradise --from designer shoes to workout gear to electronics, Philadelphia has a store for every taste and every budget.
In fact, Penn's campus itself is host to an array of stores that sell books, shoes, clothing and other knick-knacks.
In addition to the national chains like the Gap, there are a few private shops with some unique offerings. Watch out for high prices, though, as some stores take advantage of some students' willingness to pay high prices for convenience.
The Penn Book Center, a stationary shop and some other stores and restaurants line Sansom Street between 34th and 36th streets. The Black Cat, associated with the White Dog Cafe, sells unusual accessories including earrings made from old watch parts, handbags made out of recycled products and a collection of quirky yet wearable socks.
By the Penn Bookstore on the corner of 36th and Walnut streets is Eastern Mountain Sports, a haven for the outdoors-types, and Urban Outfitters, which carries funky clothing, furniture and gift items.
More stores are located up and down Walnut Street, including a designer jeans outfitter, Smith Bros., cards and stationary haven Messages, cosmetics retailer Douglas and a new rare and used bookstore on the 3900 block.
Located at 39th and Spruce streets, the independent House of Our Own bookstore carries some course books and other intellectual materials.
For those eager to venture off campus toward Center City, Philadelphia's heart is full of retail options.
From the edge of Penn all the way to Front Street -- a walkable distance if you have an hour to spare -- Walnut Street is lined with boutiques and commercial chains, including a health food store just before Rittenhouse Square, rare book shops, cosmetics stores and athletic depots.
A short taxi ride or SEPTA trip away from Penn, South Street is the place to go for off-the-beaten-path items. Hats on the Belfry has hats in every shape, size and color, American Pie is a trendy boutique for modern gifts, and Condom Kingdom carries an array of necessities and accessories for the bedroom.
Native suburbanites who feel most at home in a mall have two options -- one nearby, one a SEPTA bus ride away.
The Shops at Liberty Place, located at 17th and Chestnut streets, is home to a Victoria's Secret, Express and Express Men, J. Crew, Nine West, United Colors of Benetton and a Coach store. There is also a miniature food court on the second floor.
The other option is one of the largest malls in the country.
King of Prussia's mall, about 30 minutes away by car or bus, is comprised of two buildings and houses a food court and numerous restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's, a family-style Italian restaurant. Several department stores and most national chains have a store at King of Prussia.
For a more chic, small-town atmosphere, Manayunk is a viable option. A 25-minute SEPTA train ride from 30th Street Station takes shoppers to this enclave of boutiques and upscale eateries.
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