You've stocked your microfridge and bought your books, and now you're feeling a little lost. University City boasts numerous coffee shops, study spots and late-night eats. Here are a few of the notables.
Coffee: If you're tired of slickly packaged coffee chains, the campus does offer a few establishments with a bit more local charm.
The Comet: North of Walnut on 41st Street, Comet is a smoky alternative coffee shop; it's open late and has lots of atmosphere -- if you can get a seat.
Bucks County Coffee: On Walnut Street west of 34th, Buck's County is a local chain -- it's cute, quiet and has a garden out back.
Avril 50: No seats, but fresh coffee and chai, obscure art magazines and exotic teas, chocolates and cigarettes on 34th and Walnut streets.
Food Trucks: For quick, cheap grub, trucks are the staple of on-campus offerings. One of the most popular food trucks is La Petite Creperie on Sansom Street west of 36th, though it is not unusual to spend a half an hour waiting in line -- the folded French cuisine is in high demand.
Spruce Street: tacos, hoagies, pitas, fruit salad, falafel and other delicacies can be found at the trucks spanning the length of the Quad.
34th and Walnut streets: Fruit salad, middle eastern and hoagie trucks dominate this corner.
Late Night Hangouts: Frat parties aren't the only late night hot spots around campus.
The Freshgrocer: Open 24 hours and located at 40th and Walnut streets, the store has indoor and outdoor seats perfectly situated for people-watching.
Cos¡: Located on 36th Street north of Walnut, the coffee shop and bar has plenty of seating available on the sidewalk and a funky indoor space with loud music and louder decor.
Class of 1923 Ice Rink: The rink, situated on Walnut Street near the bridge, has late sessions from midnight to 2 a.m.
Cinemagic: Greasy popcorn and student discounts are available on the 3900 block of Walnut.
Study Spots: If your neighbor's pounding bass doesn't create a great study environment, try one of these whisper-quiet spaces.
Fischer Fine Arts Library: It was quiet enough for Tom Hanks in Philadelphia. You can hear pins drop in this gorgeous, nearly silent space at 34th Street and Locust Walk.
Rosengarten Undergraduate Study Center: The basement of Van Pelt is open 24 hours for students, and it's not uncommon to find students catching a brief nap on the plush couches at 6 a.m.
Houston Hall: Although the rest of the student union is often crowded, the Hall of Flags on the east end is almost always silent and nearly empty.
Silfen Student Study Center: Silfen, located in Williams Hall, is another 24-hour study spot.
Kelly Writers House: Just west of the 38th Street bridge, this cottage is a cozy spot for studying and frequently hosts speakers and poetry readings.
Bars: Penn students love to work hard and play hard. For the over-21 crowd, there are plenty of local watering holes.
Smokey Joe's: The bar is a Penn landmark and favorite campus hangout on 40th between Spruce and Locust streets.
New Deck Tavern: New Deck is a crowded pub west of 34th on Sansom.
White Dog Cafe:The upscale Sansom Street restaurant also has a popular bar.
Mad for Mex: For 21-plus burritos and margaritas, the Mexican restaurant has an afternoon happy hour that once earned a mention in Playboy.
Fast Food: Philadelphia has established itself as the "fattest city in America" and students looking to get in on the action should have no trouble.
Billybob: The traditional spot for Philly cheesesteak and chickensteak is located at 40th and Spruce streets.
Bitar's: Near 40th and Locust streets, Bitar's offers inexpensive middle eastern fast food.
Koch's Deli: A campus landmark at 43rd and Locust, the deli is known for four-inch thick sandwiches served with a dirty joke or two.
