Philadelphia is known for its large population of graduate students as it has a long history of providing quality education. It has a variety of public and private institutions and offers access to all levels of education. The city of Philadelphia boasts an array of colleges and universities such as the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University and an assortment of vocational schools, which offer students the opportunity to pursue their professional goals.
If you are planning to move to Philly as a graduate student, it is crucial to consider the following:
Cost of living in Philadelphia
Alongside tuition fees, university students should consider the local cost of living. This includes housing, food, and social life. In Philly, the cost of living is relatively low. It is much lower than other areas on the East Coast. The public transportation system makes it easy to live without a car and rent prices are also reasonable. University City Lofts gives you a preview of the available accommodations and rent costs in University City.
Picking a Neighborhood/Address
There are different neighborhoods in Philly, and every one of them has a different vibe. There are artsy bohemian enclaves like Fishtown and Center City. There are also bustling college towns like University City, Philadelphia near PENN Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University. If you need to be close for classes, then consider neighborhoods near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. On the other hand, if you want to explore Philadelphia’s famous culinary scene before or after classes, then try living in or near downtown Philadelphia.
Choosing a House or Apartment
Choosing an apartment to rent can be difficult. But, there are certain things you can do to make the process easier. Your apartment specifications should depend on your needs and how much money you’re willing to spend on rent each month. Whether you’re a graduate student or working professional, think about your budget, its proximity to your school and public transit, or if you want a roommate. Before you start looking, know what you’re looking for, and take time to figure out what your priorities are as a graduate student: location, price range, amenities. University City Lofts is a great place to start your accommodation search!
Opening a Local Bank Account
If you’re moving to Philly from outside the country, graduate students should open a bank account. Some of the many advantages include: paying bills, getting loans, saving money, and convenience when transferring money from one country to another.
Digital banking has made it much easier for students to open an account that is not located in their current area. Anyone with an internet connection can use other branches making it convenient for people especially if you’re a graduate student who doesn't live nearby.
Public Transportation System
The last thing equally essential to consider is proximity to public transit. Public transportation in Philadelphia is extensive and cheap, so that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most people from other cities or college campuses nearby - such as Temple University or Drexel University. Philly has one of the best public transportation systems in the country so if you’re a graduate student, it should be easy to get around University City. If you don’t have a car and want a manageable commute, this is your best bet.
In Philly, there are:
• Buses
• Taxi, Uber, Lyft
• Rent or share cars
• Railway trains
• PATCO trains – is a train line that connects Philadelphia to Southern New Jersey
• Bikes –Philadelphia became one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, with more than 400 miles of bike lanes with 1300 bikes to rent at 140 stations.
Moving to Philadelphia is a fun experience, but it can also be overwhelming. There are several things to consider when moving as a graduate student. That is why we’ve compiled the top 5 things you should know before coming to Philadelphia to make the transition much smoother.
