Danneile

The Libraries Rock

Penn Libraries aren't as luxurious as HYP's, but there's a wide range from which to choose depending on your study habits. You can study all night if you so desire, even if the surroundings are a bit austere. But there are also little carrels in Van Pelt (the main library) you can use on the upper floors where it is silent... and comfy couches on the lower floors with a bit of a higher noise level (but not too much). Fisher is absolutely gorgeous: the most beautiful building I have ever seen at Penn, and great to study in (just don't get caught coughing, sneezing, or breathing too loudly)

Philly Is the Perfect Location

I knew I had to come to school in a big city because I was sick of the lethargy of suburbia. I came to Philly and it was the *perfect* choice. West Philadelphia is a great community, and for all the whispering about its safety, I feel perfectly fine... there are of course just some places that you don't go at night, especially alone. University City is such a nice area and there's a lot to do just in walking distance that it's easy to forget that the city is larger. But it is... between Center City's fun nightlife, parks, and eclectic restaurants/shopping; the beautiful history in Old City, and the charming neighborhoods in South Philly (not gonna lie, North Philly scares me)... this city has been perfect for me. The reason I pin it as the perfect city is that for cheap I can travel by bus to New York or DC and be there within 2 or 3 hours, respectively (with the train, even less time). Philly's a great city, but it's also a hub for the 2 greatest cities on the Northeast coast.

Cafeteria Food

Dining Hall food is awful. There are times when it can be bearable, but I actually lost weight... 10 pounds, in fact. Granted, I was a special case and had other things going on, but I'm far from being the only one who disliked the food. Whatever you do, stay FAR AWAY from Commons. Miss Anita at the front is really sweet, but unfortunately I can't eat her for dinner, making the venture quite worthless. Hillel is good for the extra $2, and Kings Court is small and thus rather underrated. Hill is the best dining hall overall (though not saying much), and Hill Brunch cannot be missed. I do actually get excited for the chocolate chip pancakes. Thankfully, there are Dining Dollars to use at Houston Hall, ABP, and Subway, for reasonable prices. And when all else fails... plenty of restaurants at which to eat/get delivery.

You Can Survive Without a Laptop

I had to go a month without my laptop and the overall convenience of computer labs made that fine. Of course, everyone has a laptop anyway because that's just the most convenient. Try to have a personal printer because you do have to pay for printing, unless you get in with an academic dept or print at the LGBT center. AirPennNet works (I guess), but expect problems if you have a Mac. A *lot* of problems.