THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
This city reflects the vision of William Penn, Philadelphia’s founder, who aimed to establish a place where people of different backgrounds and beliefs could live together harmoniously in tolerance and peace. The nickname embodies the spirit of unity and acceptance that Penn hoped to inspire in the city.
Get to know your new city!
Get ready to explore Philadelphia, one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the United States! Known for its rich history and diverse communities, Philly is a city of neighborhoods—each with its own unique character and charm, just like the people who call it home.
From arts and culture to outdoor adventures, there’s always something new to discover:
- Take a stroll through different neighborhoods and uncover their unique personalities.
- Enjoy Philly’s parks and green spaces for a breath of fresh air.
- Savor the incredible food scene (Pretzels and Philly Cheesesteak) and explore iconic local favorites.
- Connect with career opportunities to find your dream job or internship.
Start your Philly journey with this breathtaking drone view of the city:
View the topics below for information that will help you live in and explore Philadelphia.
Philly Basics
- 6th largest city in the U.S.
- City population is roughly a little over 1.5 million people
- Philly was once the nation’s capital and is home to many historical places related to U.S. independence
Location
- Philadelphia is located in eastern U.S.A.
- Penn is located in West Philadelphia in the University City neighborhood
Language
- English is the primary language, spoken everywhere
- However, the city is very diverse and other languages and international communities can easily be found
Climate & Weather
- The weather is cold during winter AND very hot in the summer
- Winter (Dec – March): below 30°F (below -1°C)
- Summer (June – Sept): 90°F (32°C) with high humidity
- Warm clothing, coats and boots, are needed as early as November
- Rainy weather can occur at any time, but is most prevalent in spring (April-May)
Clothing & Attire
- In general, around town and in class, clothing is casual
- Informal attire including jeans and t-shirts are acceptable for women and men
- Clothing stores are easily accessible both near campus and around town
- It may be helpful to bring your culture’s traditional clothing for international celebrations, certain campus events as well as speaking engagements around the city
Links to Philadelphia Resources
- Philadelphia links on Penn’s web site
- SEPTA – Public Transportation
- uwishunu.com – fun & free events!
- Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
- Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Philly.com
- Philadelphia City Paper
- Philadelphia Weekly