What’s unique about Junior Year: Living Off-campus and Appreciating Campus Study Spots
/I remember my dorm experiences freshmen and sophomore year, where it was mandatory to live on campus, and how it really brought everyone together, making it easy to meet people, whether it’s through study sessions in the High Rise rooftop spaces. However, as juniors, we have the option to live off campus, which I decided to do! Although I was initially nervous about finding options, I really appreciated Penn’s many helpful resources that made the search process easier, such as the multiple Off-Campus Housing drop-by events at the high rises as well as upperclassmen sharing their advice.
While I sometimes miss the idea of living at a college dorm because of how it really fostered a dorm-wide community, living off-campus this year has felt like a big shift in a good way, bringing a new rhythm to my college life! It’s been a chance to feel a little older, more independent, and more connected to the city around Penn. I’ve learned how to separate my time on campus from my personal time at home, and this semester, living outside campus has been really grounding as I think about post-college life as well. Through living off-campus this year, I’ve also been able to get more into my hobbies, especially cooking everyday to save costs.
I’ve started trying new cuisine recipes, learning how to use up various leftover ingredients, and inviting friends over for casual meals. For example, after my morning class, I love to meet with a friend to walk back home and cook a new recipe I’ve saved from the previous week. One of my favorite memories from this semester was when I had the chance to host a small get-together at my place, which ended up resulting in talking and laughing for hours. I think one of the nicest things about Penn’s culture is how much people love hosting and spending time together to recharge. It’s such a simple thing, but cooking and sharing food really makes friendships feel closer.
Furthermore, living off-campus has made me really appreciate being on campus more, especially regarding study spots. Since my apartment can feel too comfortable sometimes, I’ve really appreciated the diverse study spots around Penn’s campus depending on my mood or the kind of work I need to do. I love finding new places depending on my mood or the type of work I have that day. For instance, when the sun is out, after my morning classes at the Annenberg School for Communication and Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics, which are both very near each other, I love staying on the ground floor of Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics to get a lot of challenging tasks or readings done. It’s one of my favorite buildings at Penn, not just because I’m an Econ major, but because it’s genuinely a beautiful space. The big glass windows bring in so much light, and it has the perfect balance of quiet and white-noise to study. While not as silent as Van Pelt or Fisher Fine Arts libraries, the location allows me to always get things done.
However, during the afternoon, when I want a change of pace or some background noise, I love how Penn is at the center of so many different types of cafes. There’s something about sitting at a cafe surrounded by people typing away that helps me get into a good flow, especially for writing essays or when doing busy club work. From Pret, The Board and Brew, Madis Coffee Roasters, Top Hat Coffee Lounge, Panera Bread, Paris Baguette, and Knockbox Cafe, these are some of my favorite cafes, all within a short walk, that I love to go work for a good few hours after my classes in the afternoons. There’s something about sitting at a café surrounded by people typing away that helps me get into a good flow. In the late evenings, when I need to really focus, such as when I’m reviewing lectures and long readings before my economics exams, I will usually go to the Van Pelt Basement or Fisher Fine Arts libraries which are open until late night. During midterm season, my friends and I have even done “lock-in” study nights there, and it’s motivating seeing how much students really work hard here.
Overall, the opportunity to live off-campus so far as a junior has made me realize how much I’ve grown since freshman year. No matter where I go, from the cafes to classrooms, Penn feels really connected. Even living off-campus, I’ve never felt far from the energy and warmth that make this place feel like home. I’ve learned to balance independence with community, and I’ve found new ways to appreciate everything that makes Penn feel like home. Whether I’m studying at PCPSE, running into a friend on Locust, or cooking dinner in my own kitchen, I’m constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an inspiring, close-knit, and welcoming community.
- Y. Choi