Exchange at Penn Ten for Penn

Niamh is one of the EAP Correspondents writing and sharing her experience at Penn during the Fall 2022 semester. You can also follow along with Niamh and our other students on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.

This blog is an accumulation of ten pieces of advice and observations I've made at Penn and in Philly which I think will (hopefully) intrigue and help incoming international students.

I’ll begin looking at the academic aspect of my time here so far. One thing I recommend getting into the habit of as soon as possible is trying to finish all your readings and homework during the weekdays. It’s a very work-hard-play-hard community, and weekend events follow as such. You don’t want to be dreading doing your class readings on Sunday when you’re out that Saturday night! It has taken me a while to get into good habits – the main trigger being (the very humbling experience of) my first midterm. I understand this seems like very basic advice, but to put it into perspective: I could get away with not having to worry about my workload for a few days at a time back home. It is the contrary here - where even every hour counts!

Please don’t study just in your room. As the days get shorter and colder, it is extremely important to ensure you don’t lock yourself up in your dorm. This is a particularly easy (and bad) habit to get into – especially as midterms or finals approach. There are plenty of nice places to revise, both on and off campus. Get dressed up nice and warm, pack your bag, grab a hot beverage, and head to the library, or your favourite coffee shop. A change of scenery and a little bit of walking goes a long way to help your well-being.

In terms of networking events – never turn up empty handed! I made this mistake when I attended Penn’s engineering fair last month – and had to run home to print of 20 resumes! These are brilliant events to sell yourself in person, before entering the application process - so I recommend bulk printing some and placing them in a plastic pocket for safe keeping, and bring them to any event where future employers might be lurking… On that note – sign up for anything and everything! Most events (formal and informal), at most, are a ten-minute walk away!

Here are some general notes in regard to Philly:

• It’s not always sunny in Philadelphia – bring a windbreaker and a raincoat! Or thrift one before the rainy weather arrives.

• Go and find your flag on Benjamin Franklin Parkway! I’ve pictured myself next to the Welsh one - which was actually the first one I saw! It’s a very long street, but mine was right at the beginning of our walk. Pick a nice day to go, and visit the Rocky Steps on your way to or from. 😊 

• Don’t be shy to try some new food places! Though you’re generally stuck with a dining plan, make time to leave campus and explore a little - this could be going to a nice Italian in Rittenhouse Square or popping to the Chipotle on Walnut Street. Either way - introduce some variety!

• Cinemas are great, and so is buttered popcorn (who would’ve thought).

• If you’re from the UK, you might find that people here don’t always have the same standard of niceties that you’re used to. We are a pretty polite population as it is, and people not holding the door or not saying thank you can sometimes- drive you up the wall! However, I implore you to not take it personally and carry on with your day. 😊

• Politics is a very common topic of conversation and dispute – not like back home when, if someone messes up in the home office, everyone is begrudgingly in agreeance. This can be quite exhausting at the best of times, as many rights we take for granted back home are constantly being fought for/against here. At the same time, this is a very dynamic and interesting environment to be in for those who are interested in American politics or even politics in general.

• Anyone with a non-American accent is a guaranteed friend – there’s so much to bond over no matter where your home university is or where you’re from. If you recognise someone’s non-American, say hi! Find out why they’re in Philly or at Penn. Ask what they think about it – chances are, you’ve probably had similar experiences (this doesn’t mean don’t speak to Americans – because they’re great too!).

In conclusion, I really hope I’ve given you some international insight into what life is like at Penn and in Philly. There are some amazing resources and Q&A’s offered by Penn Abroad – make the absolute most of them before you arrive.

If you have any specific questions, or any aspects of life at Penn that you’re curious about, I’d be more than happy to cover them in future blogs! Please send any questions/suggestions my way, at: niamh@sas.upenn.edu