Where to live near UPenn?

June 29, 2004 6:02 AM

Living in Philadelphia: my brother will be going to UPenn this fall, but he isnt eligible for on-campus housing. What are his options? Are there other off-campus dorms besides International House? What is a good (clean, safe, EASY to get to campus) area to live? What are some good resources to look for housing in Philly?
posted by TheIrreverend to Travel & Transportation around Philadelphia, PA (3 answers total)

He should check out the off campus housing site and the Philadelphia Weekly. I would recommend University City, close to campus, or western Center City. If he will be a graduate student, the Graduate Student Center might be helpful. What ever program he is entering might have advice or know of other incoming students that need a roommate.
posted by mmm at 7:09 AM on June 29, 2004

The best place to start looking is the Penn Off-Campus living page. If your brother is going to be an undergrad, I'd recommend living close to campus in West Philly/University City - the undergrads tend to live east of about 41st, north of Baltimore, and south of Chestnut. There are tons of apartments in the neighborhood, but the sooner he gets on it, the better. If he's going to be a grad student, it's pretty much wide open. I live in the Fitler Square neighborhood (SW Center City)and really like it. It's an easy walk across the (increasingly decrepit) South Street bridge. I know grad students who live all over...Manyunk, Old City, Rittenhouse, West Philly, Museum area, etc. I'd email a few grad students in the department and ask where they live.
posted by mbd1mbd1 at 7:33 AM on June 29, 2004

Whatever you do, stay far, far away from "Academia Suites." They may pop up in your searches. (They are ranked third when googling "student housing in Philadelphia"). I stayed there for a month once while in between houses. Worst. Month. Ever.
posted by Otis at 9:22 AM on June 29, 2004