The University of Pennsylvania is a school of opportunity, and is only as good as you make it. I loved it with all my heart, because I let it take my breath away every moment as I walked down the beautiful Locust Walk to my classes, dorms, or to meet with friends. It can be challenging at times because of the academic rigor and competition, but the relationships you form with the amazing people around you can get you through it!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't allow yourself be consumed by the competition. If you let it define you, then you've succumbed to made-up societal rules of how to get far in life. Take advantage of all the school has to offer, whether it be religious pursuit, greek life, academics, or sports to name a few areas that the University of Pennsylvania shines in.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Classes can be difficult, but there is always so much support. Teachers want you to do well, and they will be there for you when you need extra help. Classmates are not always the friendliest as everyone is competing to be the best, but find a close niche of friends you truly trust and you'll be able to get through anything.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I loved my dorm and its community so much I lived in Stouffer College House for all four years of my undergraduate studies. Not all dorm houses had the same type of community, but again you make what you want out of it. There are many different options on campus, and I would suggest to live in the Quad your freshman year to get that Freshman Experience.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
I enjoyed the fact that as a freshman, I was forced into having a meal plan. I know that if I didn't have one, I would be entirely too thin. It was a great way to build community as I shared so many meals with my fellow freshman. The food is not spectacular, but I do remember some amazing stand out meals.
Outside of dining, Philadelphia has the BEST restaurants. I know this is a bold statement, but heading down to center city and even walking a little further north, there are some great meals for great prices. I would suggest Barbuzzo (my all time favorite Mediterranean restaurant), Marakesh (an Ethiopian restaurant where you use your hands as utensils), Han Dynasty (a Spicy Chinese restaurant that my cousin owns), and Green Eggs (the best brunch around). Lastly, I'll add, food trucks are a must.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Although I spent a lot of time studying, I really enjoyed getting involved in Intramural sports. I joined a flag football team with my church for 4 years and I loved building quality relationships and learning how to play a sport. I really loved going to church and joining a small group that met weekly. Sometimes we would go down to center city to feed the homeless, which was something I always had a heart to do. There is just so much around, and there's a lot to say for a school that is within a big city yet maintains its ability to be enclosed on a campus.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I loved my time at the University of Pennsylvania, and I would not give it up for the world. It truly was a unique experience so please prospective students, take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Feel proud to be a Quaker!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The WEIRDEST tradition is that every football game, bystanders throw toast on the field and sing a song. Toast to Penn Football! There's also a big red architectural object in the middle of Penn Campus called the Dueling Tampons. I'm still to this day not sure what to make of it.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are many clubs and activities you can join, almost too much. My advice would be stick to a few you are truly passionate for and give it your all. Many people sign up for too many and are stretched too thin.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I never personally participated in Greek Life, but a lot of my friends have. Its a big part of Penn and its a good way to meet people that you'll keep in touch with years after you graduate.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
If you've heard of Philadelphia, you know that its not the safest city in the world. That being said, Penn does truly care about maintaining safety on its campus so there are always security officers roaming around the perimeter of the school. I always felt safe, but there was always the occasional robbery to shooting very close to school.
The University of Pennsylvania is a school of opportunity, and is only as good as you make it. I loved it with all my heart, because I let it take my breath away every moment as I walked down the beautiful Locust Walk to my classes, dorms, or to meet with friends. It can be challenging at times because of the academic rigor and competition, but the relationships you form with the amazing people around you can get you through it!
Don't allow yourself be consumed by the competition. If you let it define you, then you've succumbed to made-up societal rules of how to get far in life. Take advantage of all the school has to offer, whether it be religious pursuit, greek life, academics, or sports to name a few areas that the University of Pennsylvania shines in.
Classes can be difficult, but there is always so much support. Teachers want you to do well, and they will be there for you when you need extra help. Classmates are not always the friendliest as everyone is competing to be the best, but find a close niche of friends you truly trust and you'll be able to get through anything.
I loved my dorm and its community so much I lived in Stouffer College House for all four years of my undergraduate studies. Not all dorm houses had the same type of community, but again you make what you want out of it. There are many different options on campus, and I would suggest to live in the Quad your freshman year to get that Freshman Experience.
I enjoyed the fact that as a freshman, I was forced into having a meal plan. I know that if I didn't have one, I would be entirely too thin. It was a great way to build community as I shared so many meals with my fellow freshman. The food is not spectacular, but I do remember some amazing stand out meals. Outside of dining, Philadelphia has the BEST restaurants. I know this is a bold statement, but heading down to center city and even walking a little further north, there are some great meals for great prices. I would suggest Barbuzzo (my all time favorite Mediterranean restaurant), Marakesh (an Ethiopian restaurant where you use your hands as utensils), Han Dynasty (a Spicy Chinese restaurant that my cousin owns), and Green Eggs (the best brunch around). Lastly, I'll add, food trucks are a must.
Although I spent a lot of time studying, I really enjoyed getting involved in Intramural sports. I joined a flag football team with my church for 4 years and I loved building quality relationships and learning how to play a sport. I really loved going to church and joining a small group that met weekly. Sometimes we would go down to center city to feed the homeless, which was something I always had a heart to do. There is just so much around, and there's a lot to say for a school that is within a big city yet maintains its ability to be enclosed on a campus.
I loved my time at the University of Pennsylvania, and I would not give it up for the world. It truly was a unique experience so please prospective students, take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Feel proud to be a Quaker!
The WEIRDEST tradition is that every football game, bystanders throw toast on the field and sing a song. Toast to Penn Football! There's also a big red architectural object in the middle of Penn Campus called the Dueling Tampons. I'm still to this day not sure what to make of it.
There are many clubs and activities you can join, almost too much. My advice would be stick to a few you are truly passionate for and give it your all. Many people sign up for too many and are stretched too thin.
I never personally participated in Greek Life, but a lot of my friends have. Its a big part of Penn and its a good way to meet people that you'll keep in touch with years after you graduate.
If you've heard of Philadelphia, you know that its not the safest city in the world. That being said, Penn does truly care about maintaining safety on its campus so there are always security officers roaming around the perimeter of the school. I always felt safe, but there was always the occasional robbery to shooting very close to school.