New to Penn and have questions? Don’t worry! Here are answers to 29 of the Class of 2029’s most frequently asked questions to help you adjust to life on campus.
1. Where am I living?
As an incoming first-year student, you’ve already completed a housing application and indicated your preferences for the College House system, program communities, roommates, and gender-inclusive housing. Penn students are required to live on campus for two years. There are six first-year College Houses — Riepe, Fisher-Hassenfeld, and Ware in the Quad and Hill College House, Kings Court English College House, and Lauder College House — and three four-year houses — Gregory College House, Stouffer College House, and Du Bois College — where both new and returning students can live.
Select students are assigned to a College House as part of a community in their first year. All Benjamin Franklin Scholars live in Hill, while students in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business are placed on the third floor of Kings Court English College House.
2. Where can I go to study?
Penn has 19 libraries open to students. Some favorites include the Fisher Fine Arts Library, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, and Holman Biotech Commons.
While some buildings — including Huntsman Hall and Amy Gutmann Hall — feature study rooms only reservable for students in select schools, other study rooms are open to students across all four undergraduate schools.
The Kelly Writers House, which can be found on Locust Walk, is also open to the Philadelphia community — not just Penn students!
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3. Where can I get coffee on campus?
To use your Dining Dollars, make your way to Joe’s Café, Café West, Accenture Café, the Starbucks inside 1920 Commons (or Stommons), the Pret a Manger inside Huntsman Hall, or the Market Café. The student-run Williams Cafe, housed in namesake building Williams Hall, doesn’t accept Dining Dollars but is a popular choice for students.
Other great local spots include Madis Coffee Roasters, The Board and Brew, Top Hat Coffee Lounge, Green Line Cafe, and Haraz Coffee House. Other chains are also located around campus, including Paris Baguette and Dunkin’.
4. When do I have to declare my major?
All first years enter Penn as undeclared students.
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are expected to declare a major by spring of their sophomore year, while students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science are required to declare a major by the end of their first year.
Students in the Wharton School can choose one or two concentrations — out of a list of 20 — as a part of their Bachelor of Science degree in economics. This is typically done by the end of sophomore year, though students can defer this decision until the end of their junior year.
Students in the School of Nursing do not declare a major, and all graduates receive the same Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
5. Where can I get groceries?
While Penn offers dining plans for all four years, the University requires students to enroll in one during their first two years.
When nothing in the dining halls seems appetizing, you can head to one of five grocery stores that lie within one mile of Penn’s campus: ACME Markets, GIANT Heirloom Market, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Supremo Food Market.
You can also spend your Dining Dollars at Gourmet Grocer, located inside Commons.
6. What does SABS mean?
The term — which is frequently used around campus — means to “see and be seen.” Some classic spots to SABS include the tables outside the ARCH building and Stommons.
7. What is Penn Marriage Pact?
Penn Marriage Pact is an online matchmaking service that uses a questionnaire and algorithm to pair students twice a year. The first — and main — round is released in October and is shared through group chats, Listservs, and Penn’s Sidechat forum. Last year, a total of 4,935 students, representing more than 45% of Penn’s undergraduate population, filled out the Marriage Pact.
8. Where can I go shopping?
Philadelphia’s Center City houses numerous shopping centers — including The Shops at Liberty Place and the Fashion District Philadelphia. For those who enjoy thrifting and vintage shopping, check out some local favorites on South Street, such as Philly AIDS Thrift. The King of Prussia mall — just outside Philadelphia — is one of the largest shopping malls in the country.
9. Where are the best date spots on campus?
While many choose to venture into Philadelphia’s vast food and culture scene, there are a few gems on campus for those looking for a nearby romantic outing.
For brunch or dinner, consider the cozy canine-themed White Dog Cafe on Sansom Street, and the adjacent Avril 50 is a charming spot for coffee and gifts. For a sweet treat, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Kiwi Yogurt are staples for couples and clubs alike. Louie Louie Bistro & Bar on Walnut Street is a slightly fancier option for all meals of the day.
10. Is there a gym on campus?
Pottruck Health and Fitness Center is Penn’s main on-campus gym, open to any PennCard holder. Located at 3701 Walnut St., Pottruck features four floors of weight and cardio equipment, an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball courts, a rock-climbing wall, and locker and shower facilities, among other amenities.
To enter, either tap your PennCard at the front desk or scan the Member ID barcode in the Penn Campus Recreation app. Members can purchase guest passes for $15.
Additionally, the Fox Fitness Center, located in the Weiss Pavilion at Franklin Field, has two floors of weight and cardio equipment. Recreational walking and jogging is allowed on lanes 1-4 of Franklin Field’s track on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
11. What does BYO mean?
Philadelphia’s Bring-Your-Own restaurants are a staple of the Penn student experience. Because of Philadelphia’s strict liquor-licensing policies, many restaurants classify themselves as “BYO,” allowing customers to purchase and bring their own drinks when dining. Some popular options include Pattaya Thai Cuisine, Japanese restaurant Ochatto, and Ken’s Seafood Restaurant, which features both Chinese food and karaoke in Chinatown.
12. Where can I print for class?
Library locations across campus have machines to copy, print, and scan. Most dormitories also have computer labs for basic printing needs. The cost to print is $0.07 per page for single-sided printing, and $0.05 per page ($0.10 per sheet of paper) for double-sided printing. Printing is paid with funds added to your PennCash account.
Free printing is available to Wharton students in Huntsman Hall and is available to all students at the Kelly Writers House.
13. What athletic games should I go to?
Penn’s Division I teams have plenty of exciting games worth keeping on your radar.
Homecoming weekend is a classic Penn experience for students and alumni alike. The Homecoming football game, which takes place in November, attracts students and families with events, traditions, and parties throughout the weekend.
The Penn Relay Carnival — held in the late spring — is the oldest and largest track and field meet in the United States. Competitors and spectators from all over the world come to the exhilarating three-day event.
Also consider catching a basketball game between Penn and the nearby Saint Joseph’s — whose coaching staff now includes the Penn men’s basketball team’s former head coach Steve Donahue.
14. Where can I do laundry?
Each College House has its own laundry facilities, including electric washers and dryers. There is no charge to do laundry, but laundry rooms are designated for residents only. You can monitor campus laundry facilities by downloading the Speed Queen app, making an account, and entering the code “Quaker.”
15. What are the biggest tourist spots for someone new to Philadelphia?
Penn’s campus hosts an iteration of Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture — another of which can be found in Center City’s John F. Kennedy Plaza.
Reading Terminal Market — a public market with a wide assortment of eclectic foods and trinkets — is a can’t-miss spot in Center City.
For history buffs, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and National Constitution Center are must-sees — along with exploring the Old City neighborhood.
During a heat wave, head indoors to one of Philadelphia’s many museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which features the famous “Rocky” steps. For another fun option, consider The Franklin Institute, which is a science museum attracting visitors of all ages.
16. How do I register for classes?
While Advance Registration has already passed, you can still change your schedule for the upcoming semester. Visit Path@Penn to research and register for courses.
The Course Selection period, also known as the Add period, runs until Sept. 9. During this period, students can register for and drop any courses, provided there is room in the class. The Drop period continues until Oct. 6, during which you can drop — but not add — classes. Finally, Nov. 3 is the last day to withdraw from a course.
Unlike dropping a class, withdrawing from a course will be noted on your transcript with a grade of “W” but will not affect your grade-point average. First-year students in the College are generally limited to 4.5 course units their first semester, while freshman students in the Engineering School and Wharton can take up to 5.5 CU during the fall.
17. What is Spring Fling?
Each spring, Penn’s Social Planning and Events Committee hosts a concert — and subsequent daytime carnival the next day. Last year, rapper and singer Sexyy Red and singer-songwriter Jay Sean performed at the show. Spring Fling has previously hosted artists such as Metro Boomin, Chance the Rapper, and Kesha.
18. What does medical amnesty mean?
Penn follows a medical amnesty policy for students seeking medical help related to alcohol or drugs. This policy means that students who need medical treatment for alcohol or drug-related overdose and any student seeking help for a student in need will not be subject to discipline from the University for the sole violation of alcohol or drug possession.
19. How do I join Greek life?
Recruitment for Greek organizations at Penn takes place during the spring semester. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 and register prior to the winter break to join a Greek organization. There are 39 social organizations led by the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and Intercultural Greek Council.
20. How do I use and track my meal plan?
As a rule of thumb, meal swipes can be used at residential locations, while Dining Dollars can be used at retail locations. Meal swipes and Dining Dollars are both processed using your PennCard and can be tracked through the Penn Mobile app. Many locations, such as the vendors inside Houston Market, have options to use either meal swipes or Dining Dollars.
21. Where do I go for medical care?
Penn offers a variety of health and wellness resources to students navigating their experience on campus.
Located at 3624 Market St., Wellness at Penn is responsible for the majority of health and well-being resources on campus. In the event of a medical emergency, students on campus should immediately call (215) 573-3333 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Penn’s student-run Medical Emergency Response Team also works with Penn’s Division of Public Safety and the Philadelphia Fire Department to offer pre-hospital emergency medicine treatment.
22. What is a GSR?
A GSR is a Group Study Room frequently used by students for individuals and groups to prepare for exams or work on assignments. The rooms are located in Huntsman Hall, the Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics, and libraries across campus.
Only Wharton students are allowed to reserve GSRs in Huntsman Hall, but rooms in other buildings are available to all students.
23. What are all of these academic abbreviations: PPE, HSOC, BEPP?
PPE refers to the philosophy, politics, and economics major.
HSOC refers to the health and societies major.
BEPP refers to Business, Economics, and Public Policy.
Orgo refers to organic chemistry.
OIDD refers to the Operations, Informations, and Decisions Department.
For a full list of Penn abbreviations, acronyms, and lingo, see the College Dean’s Office’s PennSpeak glossary and the DP’s guide to Penn lingo.
24. What are the “alphabet soup” clubs?
Many clubs at Penn — specifically Wharton groups — are known simply by their acronyms. For example, WUCC — the Wharton Undergraduate Consulting Club — is one of the most competitive organizations on campus. Don’t fret if you are rejected — alphabet soup clubs often leave free food for anyone nearby to snag.
25. How do I join clubs?
Social media, club fairs, word of mouth, and other venues that reach multiple students will be used to advertise clubs and their applications. Penn Clubs houses a list of organizations at Penn and includes application and contact information.
26. Can I walk on to any sports teams?
Nearly every sports team at Penn has walk-on athletes — students who were not recruited but gained admission to Penn on their own and tried out for the team. Preferred walk-ons are the exception: they are guaranteed a spot and do not need to try out after matriculating. Penn students can also participate in sports clubs and intramural athletic teams for a variety of activities.
27. Is there public transportation to Center City?
Yes! SEPTA lines go directly from Penn’s campus to destinations throughout Philadelphia. For first years, a convenient trolley stop is the 37th-Spruce Station, located adjacent to the upper Quad gates. A Market/Frankford line subway stop is located the intersection of 36th and Market streets.
28. Are there parties on campus?
Greek organizations will often host both open and closed events throughout the year. While many events are on campus, some clubs and organizations will host “downtowns” and other events in Center City. During certain events, some organizations will host “dartys,” meaning daytime parties.
29. What clubs should I join?
The Daily Pennsylvanian — Penn’s independent student newspaper — opens applications in the fall! All are welcome, regardless of previous journalism experience.
The DP’s arts and culture magazine, 34th Street Magazine, is perfect for those interested in music, movies, art, fashion, or any aspect of culture or creativity. Consider applying if you enjoy — or want to improve at — long-form creative writing!
Under the Button, the DP’s satire publication, is the place for all of the “class clowns.” If you’re quick-witted, enjoy playful writing, and have a funny bone, join UTB!
