University of Pennsylvania
Reviews

Great Availability

Computer labs can get crowded near finals, but there any many computer labs. The wireless access is what I love! Easy to connect and a VERY wide range. Very reliable network with excellent speed. It's just a shame that you have to pay for printing, but I guess you can't have everything.

Everything Is in Walking Distance

You can walk anywhere you need to go on campus and if you decide that walking isn't fast enough, get a subscription to Penn's rent a cycle program or just bring you're on bus. Other than that you can septa, zipcar, train, fly or taxi wherever you need to go.

Great Place to Live

Philly has a ton of history and a lot of culture. You really get a feeling like you're in a place that changed the fate of the U.S. Beyond that, the night life is a lot of fun. Septa is a cheap way to get downtown and enjoy the city life. I love it here

More Than Your School's City

Philadelphia is a great city, it is the city of brotherly love. It is really easy to get caught up socially here, there is so much culture and history in this city, as well as events throughout the year. I wouldn't choose any other place to live and go to school.

Very Safe

I have never felt unsafe on UPenn's campus. Of course, make smart choices (e.g. don't go off-campus at night alone, return to your dorm at the latest by 2 AM, etc.). A good group of friends will keep you from any real trouble (drinking, petty theft, pranks).

Terrible System

The application process for Housing has changed this year. A lot of people were forced to live off campus or with substandard housing. By the time the University notifies you that you don't have housing, most off campus vacancies have already been filled. Rooms are small, and mice can be found in all residential housing. Residential services is VERY unhelpful and rude. The Quad can be very dirty. Also, housing is extremely expensive, although many units do not have any air conditioning. Most college houses need to be renovated. My experience with housing has been terrible. There is simply not enough housing for undergraduates.

Not as Bad as Everyone Makes It Out to Be

Honestly, I was imagining being in six feet of snow before coming to Philly, but its actually not that bad. Granted we had a warm winter, I didn't really mind the winter at all. Just make sure you bring some good snow boots and a North Face for the bad days. Other than that, you're going to be studying a lot anyways! Winter time is a good time to enjoy the indoors, have fun with your hall mates, and go to movies/parties. Also, it didn't even get cold here until like late November... so bring shorts/dresses/skirts girls!

Greek Life Is Lively, Philadelphia Somewhat Disappointing

I'm in a sorority and I absolutely love it. I would encourage anyone to join one at Penn, because they're not at all like sororities in the South. It's tougher for guys to go to parties on campus without being in a Frat, so that's kind of a down-side to the night-life on campus. As far as nightlife in Philadelphia, there actually aren't a lot of 18+ clubs. If you're 21, you have more options... but still, its not that great. Nothing compared to NYC.

Ivy League in a Lively City

Although some students are too "scared" of West Philly horror stories or decide to not take advantage of the Philly area, Philadelphia is an awesome place to live. Whenever you get bored of campus, there's always something to do in Philadelphia. Tons of restaurants, Old City has a great night life, Center City has tons of shopping, Fitler's Square and the Schuykill River Park have a family-oriented, clean environment. There's literally endless possibilities. Philadelphia is a young city, filled with creative people.

Much Better Than What I Expected

It is actually not as cold as people said. This year, the temperature is still higher than 32 Fahrenheit in December. However, it is very dry here.

High Rises

The High Rises are great for upperclassmen who want a kitchen and bathroom but still want to live on campus.

Computers in Undergraduate Schools

Wireless is good but for the computer labs in individual schools you can only log on if you are a student in that undergraduate school

Not Much Need but What's Available Is Great

Public transportation and walking suffice, but Penn has a free van service every night 6pm-3am and they cover a pretty large area (maybe about 20x20 blocks?)

Social Scene/Academics

Everyone at Penn is super serious when it comes to academics, but also loves to have a good time. Students achieve the ultimate balance between classy partying and ivy league academics.

Guys/Girls

With so many different people, it's impossible NOT to meet people

Great Facilities All Around

There are many well-stocked libraries with helpful librarians. The gym is great and conveniently located. It's equipped with a basketball court, swimming pool, exercise machines, weigt=ht rooms and locker rooms. There's a great civic house where students can go to get involved in community service. Additionally there a lot of restaurants located around campus which provide a variety of food options, along with a number of great dining halls.

Common Majors, Schools' Registration, Professors, Dual Degrees, Pre-Med

Our professors are on average very engaging and eager to aid interact with undergraduates. The curriculum is extremely practical. Your workload varies but their are dual degree options to intensify it if you desire it. You can form your own double major if that suits you. If there is ever an academic struggle there are ample enough resources to help you. You have more counselors/ advisors than you could ever ask for and for anything you could ever ask for. There is also an on campus tutoring center and learning center to help you with these matters. Within the Engineering school Bioengineering is a popular major for Pre-medicine students as well as no pre-meds. Within the business school, Finance is the number one major. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, Politics, Philosophy and Economics is a common major; and Biological Basics of Behavior is a common pre-med major. Within the nursing school, it is pretty much a general track. When registering for Penn, you should register for WHAT SCHOOL YOU WANT TO BE IN right off the back because internal switching is extremely competitive and difficult. If someone would like to study in a dual-degree program they should apply for it from the beginning: they have nothing to lose.

Not Bad

It's not something you typically notice if you've lived in the city all your life, but the guys and girls are pretty normal and cool at Penn. They are diverse in backgrounds so you'll have a lot of different people, but in general everyone gets along pretty well.

Awesome

Professors are extremely approachable and easy to talk to. It is very easy to get a research internship around here. There are also several excellent interdisciplinary programs that make Penn unique - the market for people who specialize only in one pure field is saturated. Today's industries, especially in technology, demand for employees and entrepreneurs who have an interdisciplinary background. Penn prepares you for that.

Best 4 Years Ever!

I had a fabulous time at UPenn! I was very happy with the academics, research opportunities, extra-curricular activities, and student life in general. The administration really listens to students and responds to their wants and needs. I was able to find my niche in the performing arts community (theater and dance), but felt at home in professional student groups and just hanging out around campus. I'd choose it again in a heartbeat!

Supermanageable City

Philadelphia has all the benefits of a big city in a manageable size. The areas of University City, Center City, and Old City are all very walkable, with easy subway and bus access. The city offers great restaurants, including a bounty of BYOBs, as well as great cultural activities at places like the Kimmel Center and Theater District. For history buffs, Philadelphia has few cities that compare, with many "firsts" of the U.S. and of course, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It would be nice if it was easier to get to areas like South Philly, which offer a great neighborhood vibe and different aspect of the city culture.

Fall

The beginning of the semester is mostly comfortable and sunny, especially when you bask in the sun while travelling from buildings. But it gets windy and chilly during December. Didn't experience enough snow to miss class or cancel class.

There Are So Many Resources Available to the Students

I am in the Wharton School of Business. At an Ivy League institution alone, one expects everything to be top-notch. However, this school far exceeded my expectations. The professors are great, the food is great and there are so many resources available to the students. There is really no reason why any person would not succeed in a great place like Penn!

I Love It!

I love Penn. It really is great all around, and is what you make of it. There is definitely something for everyone- athletics, greek life, academics, etc.

The Quad Isn't Everything

As a freshmen, everyone wants to live in one of the three dorms in the Quad. I must say the Quad is really oretty and does have a lot of things to do, but if you don't live there freshmen year its no big deal. I would personally reccommend Hill because it tends to be a bit friendlier. If you live in the quad you may find a lot of cliques develop which is something that should be left in high school.