Penn’s Perfect Location - How I spend Random 2 to 3 hour Blocks of Times During the Day

With the advanced registration period wrapped up and our preliminary schedules released, I’ve started imagining what my days will look like. I’ve been thinking ahead to next semester and planning out how I’ll use the different pockets of time throughout my day. As a college student, my days usually bounce between classes, home, and meetings. However, every once in a while, I’ll find myself with a random 2 to 3 hour block of time. Even though an hour or two isn’t enough for a full adventure into Center City, Penn’s location in University City means there’s always plenty to explore within a quick 15-minute walk. Here’s some of my favorite ways to spend that in-between hour around campus:

1. Global Cuisine Scene
If you’re a foodie like me, the food scene around campus will not disappoint! Even within a short walk from campus, there are so many cuisine options. Since eating out can be expensive, there’s always a lot of food truck options too to pick up something quick along Spruce or Walnut street. Some of my favorites are the Halal carts, Tacos Don Memo, and Kim’s Chinese food, which always hit right at my cravings. If I have a little more time, I would go with a friend and try a new cuisine spot nearby. Just a few weeks ago, I tried a new spot, Abyssinia, which had amazing Ethiopian food, only a few blocks from campus. It’s amazing how walking just a few blocks from campus always reveals so many new food spots I didn’t notice before.

2. Trader Joe’s Run
Friday morning Trader Joe’s Runs! I love how Trader Joe’s is just a short 20 minute walk from campus. Going on a grocery run Trader Joe’s trip is always one of my favorite weekday activities. Just yesterday, I went to pick up some of their newly dropped snacks. It’s a productive little errand for grocery shopping but feels like a nice break!

3. Cozy Cafes to Lock-in
Whenever I have 2 - 3 hour chunks of time throughout the week, I love spending time working productively. There are so many good options to study around campus, from popular places like Board & Brew to Madis Coffee Roasters, Knockbox, Paris Baguette, and Top Hat Coffee Lounge. These cafe spots around campus are perfect for locking in to get an assignment done in the cozy, coffee shop atmosphere.

4. Farmer’s Market Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, there’s a small farmer’s market area right by the Penn Bookstore with some of the most amazing cookies, savory baked goods, bread loafs, and fresh produce, a truly perfect little treat between classes in the midday. With my economics classes at 8:30 and 10:15 located right next to this area, that little break in between has become one of my favorite parts of Wednesday mornings.

Whether it’s a quick Trader Joe’s run or going cafe hopping, I love how Penn’s surroundings are filled with little hidden gems you can enjoy with just a couple of free hours :)

- Yoonjung C.