User Profile
bpsbgs
University of Pennsylvania '15
Majoring in Political Science and Government
Member since 8/29/2010
A
They're Everywhere, Fast, and Efficient
On-Campus Computer labs are pretty much in every dorm and every building in some capacity. These computers are always really quick, and they are more than ample for everyday use.
Also, some of the on-campus printers can be used from your own personal computer as well, but that network is quite limited, so frequently you need to log onto one of the Penn computers near the printer you want to use instead.
Also, most people bring laptops to Penn, and some classes strongly recommend them (such as freshmen-dominated writing seminars). With these, wireless access can be quite spotty, especially in rooms with lots of laptops in use ; however, generally, the in-dorm wifi is quite good.
Sep 24, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
B+
Not Enough Good Housing, but Plenty of Decent Places
The best housing for freshmen is in the Quad. No questions asked. Hill, Kings Court-English, and Stouffer are all good choices, but the Quad provides that quintessential freshman experience.
For upperclassmen, the options tend to be more limited. Generally, most people want to live in the high-rises as upperclassmen instead of the lower-rises, such as Gregory. This can make the competition to get into the high-rises intense, but the rooms are quite worth it, provided you make it.
Sep 24, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
A
Great Parties, Great Standard of Living
Greeks make their presence known to freshmen during NSO through their parties. From that point onwards, many of the finest men and women have their hearts set on rushing. These parties are essentially the core of the Penn nightlife, and most parties are pretty decent or better.
A factor though, is that for men, frequently a ratio is enforced, generally a 2 girls : 1 guy ratio. So it really helps to have a lot of girl friends when you do go out.
Greek Housing on the other hand, is a major part of campus life, but it varies wildly in quality from one frat to another. Some of the frats are housed in notable buildings on campus, while others are housed "on-campus" but a few blocks away from the center. Again, most frats have pretty decent houses, but some have phenomenal ones.
Sep 24, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
A
Good Food, Expensive Plans, Unflexible Options
Most Freshmen buy either the unlimited or fewest meal plans. Personally, I have the unlimited. The food's good, at least everywhere other than Commons, which is the largest, but by far worst dining hall on campus. McClelland express is pretty good, but it can get really slowed down at crowded times. Hill is a cosistently good option at well, but at lunch it is a mad-house. King's Court is worth it if you have the time to get there because it offers great food and is seldom crowded.
Most dining dollars options are much, much better than the meal plans, especially the Bistro in Houston.
Oct 15, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
B
Not a Huge Fan, Nominal Diversity
Nominally, Penn's diverse. It has kids from however many hundreds of countries and virtually every state, but the majority are from PA, NJ, MD, NY and the like. Yes, a majority of the school's a "minority", but each contingent of people tends to keep to themselves. Clicks exist a lot, especially among sports teams, who all join the same frats, etc.
As far as Sexual orientation goes, Penn is one of the most liberal, at least nominally. It seems as though everybody has the same sort of typical opinions about how wonderful it is to respect persons of different sexual orientations
Oct 15, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
A
Never an Issue
As far as campus security goes, there are Police everywhere for safety reasons. Penn has the largest private police force in the state after all, but it's all for your safety. Now, I have never heard of anybody getting a write-up for drinking issues themselves. Obviously if you assault, rape, steal or something else, the Penn police will arrest you, but for the majority of less severe offenses, their don't really care, and, honestly, you can even ask the Penn security guards for information as to where the parties are, and they'll tell you.
Academic strictness is there, but it's a seldom used venue at the school. Most everybody here is here to learn and work, otherwise transferring might be your best option.
Oct 15, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
C
If You Really Want It, but No Need
Very few people have cars on campus. There's just no need for them. But if you really want to get a car for school, then Penn will let you park in the garage at 40th and Walnut, and there's pretty much always spaces from what I understand, but it's pretty far away from the center of campus.
Jan 28, 2012
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate