Philadelphia or Philly is a city in the US state of Pennsylvania and is renowned for various aspects. People from all corners of the world visit Philadelphia for a variety of reasons. One of the popular reasons for which people come to this city is higher education and we can see a huge rush of international students in Philly every year.
After enrolling in Philadelphia and starting their journey to that city, the first thing that students need is to know about it. So, here, you will get the information about some things to know about living in Philadelphia.
Excellent Academic Opportunities
Pennsylvania is a city with some most famous academic institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, and many others. These institutions provide numerous units of campus life to support students from abroad and for their academic and cultural development. Since the research possibilities are vast and vibrant, Philadelphia’s educational institutions are supportive of learning and growing.
Amazing Diversity in Culture
Philadelphia is known for its diversity which is seen by its neighborhoods, cuisine, and art. International students from different parts of the world will have a unique chance to mingle together and experience a variety of cultural delights, such as national cuisines, festivals, and lifestyles. Whether it’s about having mouth-watering Italian in the South Philly district or paying a visit to numerous murals in the West Philadelphia area, everyone in the city of the Brotherly Love will find something to their liking.
Public Transportation
Navigating Philly’s broad transportation system is essentially a breeze. The transportation system for Southeastern Pennsylvania is provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which runs buses, trains, trolleys, and subways that link the city and its suburbs. Students who come from abroad can buy SEPTA Key cards for getting around the city faster and easier without facing any problems and can visit different places and visit colleges themselves.
Affordable Living
While other main cities on the East Coast are more expensive, you will enjoy affordable apartment costs if you choose to live in Philadelphia. When it comes to housing, food, and entertainment, there are various budget-friendly options available for students that allow them to stay within the city and have fun as well as remain economical. Consequently, the majority of the universities also provide rooms on the campus and students’ support like financial aid to International students during their time in Philadelphia.
You can get off-campus student accommodation Philadelphia at one of the lowest rents of $729 per month. After this, there are different price ranges available for student accommodation.
Other options for student housing are also available here. Homestay can be acquired by students at a low price of $31.8 per night. Rents of private apartments, which are different from student apartments Pennsylvania, start from around $918 per month.
Historical Landmarks
Historic Philadelphia, which is one of the oldest cities in the United States, is full of notoriety and a destination marked with famous monuments. After visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, international students will be able to tour the streets of Philadelphia for a better understanding of the city’s rich cultural geneses. Walking in the maze-like streets of the old city or going to the Philadelphia Zoo enables the visitors to engage in the historical aspects of the city in general.
Weather
Philadelphia has seasons like everybody else with a summer that is hot, winter is chilly, and quite mild springs and falls. International students need to have the weather scenario for all four seasons provided to them and pack accordingly. The topmost priority in addition to the warmth during the winter should be the appropriate clothing for the summer. Besides, an umbrella is a useful item to always have with you during the spring or fall due to common unexpected showers.
Safety
Just like every big city, Philadelphia does have some crime to deal with; however, the city is safe for international students worldwide. Universities often have measures for campus security so that their students can feel safe. The city’s police force continues to function in an effort to preserve and protect the public. Nevertheless, students need to be aware of this and be more careful, especially when moving around a new location they are not familiar with or wandering by themselves at night.
Student Life
Philadelphia presents a vivid scene for a student with a variety of off-campus activities and a chance for a good social life. Practically there are student clubs, organizations, groups for sports, and cultural events, these being the opportunities for international students to join in and gain friends. Universities provide newcomers to campus with orientations and social events that have been designed for international students. Through these, the students get ideas about life on campus and make friends with their peers.
