Law classes in the College

The curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences provides an interdisciplinary structure that prepares students for any post-graduate opportunity they want to pursue. For me, this opportunity is law school. While I am a sophomore now, I still participate in classes that will provide me with skills to strengthen my intellectual foundation. One of these classes is LGST 1010: Law and Social Values. This class teaches students about the evolving social institution of the United States, with a special emphasis on the intersection of legal regulations and social values. This class helps students like me to think critically about the very system we want to get involved in, regardless of the field that we may choose. It is not only LGST 1010, but many other ethics, philosophy, and legal studies courses offered in the College of Arts and Sciences for anyone interested in law school to register for. 

- Zoe M.

Senior Perspective: Favorite study spots off campus

If you’re someone like me, who can’t stand studying in one place for too long, I highly recommend exploring Philadelphia whenever you can – and I don’t just mean University City or Center City!

My favorite coffee shops have always been, Cafe Walnut (try their misugaru lattes with a shot of espresso), Caphe Roasters (love their Vietnamese lattes and egg coffee), and Drip (right in Chinatown, I adore their interior and asian-style drip coffee). If it matters to you as much as it does to me, you probably won’t run into many Penn students in these areas since they are a little more lowkey than the usual study spots. Whenever I’m here, I just pop in my airpods and grind away until mid day when the cafes close. Their food options are also very filling, so it’s a great bang for your buck!

If you’re not in the mood to spend money on coffee, which is totally understandable, there are plenty of free study spaces I love too. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is a beautiful space for you to just lock-in, enjoy the surrounding bookcases, and be in your element. I also love Washington Square Park during the fall, when the weather is beautiful I do a lot of my readings on the benches here, and they also offer free piano performances too! The Free Library of Philadelphia is great as well. These places are nice breaks to go to when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of University city, which are dominated mostly by Penn students.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list at all but I don’t believe in gatekeeping small businesses that deserve to be thriving! Go out into the city and find your own signature study spots, I’m rooting for you!

-Seyoon C.

Finding the intersection of the Humanities and STEM

As a student who has harbored an interest in both academic disciplines, the College of Arts and Sciences provides me with programs to gain knowledge in both fields. The intersection that I study specifically is Political Science and Biology. Political Science is a vast department that is open to all interests, whether a student is either pre-law or pre-med. As a pre-law student who is interested in medical malpractice, Political Science provides a strong foundation in writing and analytical thinking; two things that are vital for a strong law school career. Yet, these subjects do directly introduce me to the biological side of medical malpractice. This is where Biology and Bioethics contributes to my program. Within this legal field, the knowledge of medical terminology and coverage of ethical practices is very important. These principles are confronted in the Bioethics classes I take along with my political science classes. Overall, my program is fit to help me both gain knowledge and interest in these two fields, while also preparing me for my law school career. 

- Zoe M.

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

Finding Your Major

From someone who applied to Penn undecided and with little idea of what I wanted to major in, I know how daunting it can feel to be unsure. Fortunately, the resources I found here helped point me in the right direction. Below is what I found most useful in choosing my major(s):

Talk to your pre-major advisor. Your pre-major advisor is assigned for your first four semesters. While their main role is to guide you through course selection, they also tend to have a broad understanding of different majors in the College. Sharing your interests with them can help you get tailored suggestions of majors to explore.

Take intro classes. This is the advice everyone gives, but it really does work. I actually discovered my second major, Computer Science, through an introductory course I took on a whim. It wasn’t even on my radar before. Don’t be afraid to try classes outside your comfort zone, you might uncover a new passion.

Talk to upperclassmen. Some of my most valuable advice came from peers ahead of me. As an underclassman, I found that upperclassmen were eager to share their experiences and insights. Speaking with someone already in a major you’re curious about can give you a clearer picture of what to expect later on.

P.S. In case it helps for context: I’m majoring in Cognitive Science and Computer Science, two areas I never even considered back when I first applied.

- Emma L.

Getting involved on campus and beyond through Penn’s many opportunities

As a junior at Penn, I’ve realized how fast time has gone. Lately as I take a moment to reflect on my freshman and sophomore year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on how my time here has shaped me and my professional aspirations. More than anything, I’ve realized that the best part of Penn is not just the opportunities themselves, but the people and communities that make each memory or the opportunities so meaningful. Each experience has not only reminded me of the collaborative culture that makes Penn so special, but also how I have learned so much just from the conversations I’ve had. From professional experiences to take a step forward in my career journey to friendships that bloomed, I hope to share about some opportunities that if you are a freshman, you should consider exploring if you haven't yet! 

1. Career Services at Penn: During freshman year, I nervously attended my first career fairs. I came in simply hoping to explore, but the conversations I had and advice I received helped me feel more confident when I returned as a sophomore to the career fairs and networking events on campus. Handshake, LinkedIn, and MyPenn were some of the most used tools that I used while networking, but what really made the difference were the small, encouraging interactions from alumni already in the industry that helped me feel ready and passionate about taking the next step.

2. Research and Internships: Through Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) research directory, I was able to get involved in humanities research during my sophomore year, which deepened my curiosity about regulations. Hearing from my colleagues in my presentation group, CURF provides students with ample research opportunities to start even the moment when you walk on campus. Outside of research, Penn provides global opportunities to work abroad. My sophomore summer internship, Penn’s Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) , gave me the unique chance to live and work abroad for two months in a country I’ve never been to. This experience working on a policy proposal paper was memorable in itself but it also taught me so much more, from finding affordable housing with strangers to trusting myself to navigate completely new environments and work cultures. This experience spending my summer abroad is a memory I’ll always keep and it reminded me how much Penn supports students in pursuing growth far beyond the classroom.

3. Student Clubs: Clubs on campus have honestly been one of the highlights of my time so far. From going to various club GBMs and speaker events during my freshmen year to finding communities with common interests, I have loved spending time with people who share the same passions during weekly meetings, and such clubs I have gotten to be a part of have given me some of my closest communities outside of regular classes. They’ve become communities I rely on, whether it’s for professional advice or simply hanging at each others’ homes after meetings to relax from a long day of meaningful work. Because of the plethora of clubs to explore, every student I believe that comes to campus will eventually find their community to find home in.

4. Classrooms: One of the biggest surprises for me after a few weeks was realizing how collaborative the learning culture at Penn really is. I came in thinking studying for classes and exams would be a solo activity in the libraries, but office hours, class discussions, and study groups have shown me otherwise. Penn professors and faculty genuinely want to connect with you and share their knowledge; I’ll never forget when during my freshmen year, one professor invited me to attend his conference at the end of the semester. This simple gesture ended up introducing me to a whole new field of business and regulations which I had never previously encountered until taking his class. 

Looking back on my past two years, I feel like Penn is truly unique in how it provides students with many opportunities to get involved in their career and personal passions. I’m grateful to the professors who’ve inspired me, the clubs on campus that have become home late nights, and the constant learning culture here at Penn that encourages our community to grow together. Campus truly never is empty or quiet with all of the amazing things students partake in. Being surrounded by so many smart people that I can constantly learn from, moving forward, I hope I can give back to that same culture of collaboration and mentorship that lights up campus. 

- Yoonjung C.

A Day In My Life as a Senior:

9:00 AM – I like to wake up around an hour or two before my first class so I have plenty of time to eat breakfast and pick an outfit before class! I usually don’t have time to eat during the day, so I like to eat a huge breakfast. (Make sure to eat three meals a day!)

10:15 AM – My first class is “Gender, Sexuality, and Religion” which I wanted to take because I’ve never taken a religious studies course, but have heard great things about the department. Do not sleep on religious studies because they are all amazing! Special shout out to Prof. Robb and Thomas; today we learned about the complex history of the veil, specifically during the Iranian revolution.

12:00 PM – Now it’s time to walk to my Ideas of Mathematics (Math-1700) class, which is somewhat infamous amongst humanities students, but in all honestly it’s not as bad as its reputation would posit. The class is really just a bunch of puzzles that don’t require too much traditional math knowledge, and group work is encouraged, so it’s been fun meeting new people every class!

1:45 PM – I end my classes with Korean Art History, which I still can’t believe Penn offers! I ended up running into a bunch of mutuals in this class so it’s fun seeing them twice a week, on top of learning all about Korean art throughout thousands of years. We’re learning about the Silla Dynasty gold clothing, gold paintings, and more, which is super neat!

3:30 PM – After classes on Mondays, I work for the Center of East Asian Studies (one of the best places on campus imo) and we have our weekly staff meetings. We usually distribute responsibilities and I check-in about how our social media is doing.

5:00 PM – This is also a popular office hours time for my professors this semester, so I’ll usually stop by to ask questions about the course or talk about my research! On Thursdays, this is also when my Arabic Drumming class is, which is probably the first class I’ve taken purely for fun and I absolutely love it.

6:00 PM – Dinner time! I love eating alone, but whenever a friend or two wants to tag along to the dining halls or go off campus that’s always a good time as well. Today we went to get dinner at Lauder College House, which has their speciality entrees that change every day, and today it was pasta – delicious!

7:30 PM – From here on out I usually focus on finishing some assignments for the week, from papers to problem sets. I usually do my work a few days in advance and try to get as much done on the weekends too so I don’t have to grind so much during the week.

8:15 PM – I’m also an RA and we have our team meetings on Monday nights where we recap student behavior and upcoming events to be aware of in the college house. In any other situation, I would dread these, but since the other RA’s are all pretty chummy, I love seeing everyone’s face every week!

Thanks for sticking with me during my day, remember to pace yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, and spend quality time with your friends throughout the week!

-Seyoon C.

Why I love the College GenEd Curriculum

In the College, the sector and foundational requirements often appear as an obstacle for many students, with some students trying to get them done as soon as possible while others feeling worried about the additional number of courses to fit into our 4 year undergraduate degree schedule. However, I’ve come to appreciate the wide range of courses that we can take because of the General Education or “GenEd” requirement. To fulfill each GenEd, there is always a huge list of courses that we can choose from every semester. There is no set order for fulfilling GenEd requirements, providing a lot of flexibility in creating our course schedules.

Before settling on Economics as my major, I struggled to pinpoint exactly what I wanted to do, especially during my freshman year. From all the buzz words in consulting through club information sessions and panels, I had thought that I wanted to go into consulting or product management as a career. This made me want to plan out my course schedule to ensure that I would focus only on gaining those skills relevant to my career. However, having to fulfill the GenEd requirements, I have learned how much I really appreciate the encouragement by the College to explore career paths through the GenEd classes. I believe that without the GenEd requirement, I may have never explored some interest areas that I now have today. The College’s unique GenEd requirement, alongside the major course requirements, has expanded my perspective and eased the stress of choosing a career by providing opportunities to explore various subject areas. Because of the GenEd requirements, I decided to explore the legal field last semester through taking courses such as “Law and Society” as well as “Introduction of Psychology.” Similar courses have helped me realize my interest in learning more about how corporations interact with US policy and government, encouraging me to register for the course Employment and Law this semester. In other words, the GenEd requirements have played a crucial role in shaping my academic journey, allowing me to discover new interests and gain clarity on the career path I truly want to pursue.

Not just academically, but the diverse friends I’ve gotten to meet through these GenEd courses have made the College experience more unique. For example, the flexibility of GenEd courses has given me the opportunity to take classes with friends pursuing pre-med—an experience I wouldn’t have had without these requirements. Despite not having any overlapping clubs or major courses with my roommate, I will be taking a class with her through the “The Physical World” GenEd requirement this semester. Hence, the GenEds have not only helped me narrow down my career interests but have also given me the opportunity to study with diverse students. I believe that this is the beauty about the College. The idea of the GenEd requirement by the College almost is like an encouragement to keep learning just for the sake of learning.

- Yoonjung C.

Why I Applied Ed to Penn - and Why I'd Do It Again

When I submitted my Early Decision application to Penn, I wasn’t just choosing a school—I was choosing a community, a mindset, and a place that felt like home from the very beginning.

One thing that immediately stood out to me was Penn’s location. It’s in the heart of Philadelphia, but it doesn’t feel like a typical urban campus. The moment you step onto Locust Walk, you’re surrounded by trees, brick pathways, and a close-knit campus energy that makes you forget you’re in a major city. And yet, when you do want that city feel, Center City is just a ten-minute walk away—perfect for grabbing dinner with friends, attending a concert, or exploring internships and career opportunities. It’s a rare balance: peaceful and community-oriented, with the full vibrancy of Philadelphia right at your fingertips.

That dynamic is part of what makes life at Penn so exciting. There’s never a dull moment—on campus, something is always happening. From cultural showcases and speaker series to student performances and pop-up events on College Green, you’re constantly surrounded by opportunities to engage, learn, and have fun. It’s this blend of stimulation and support that keeps every day fresh.

What truly sealed the deal for me, though, was Penn’s interdisciplinary approach. I loved that I didn’t have to stay in a silo—I could study philosophy, politics, and economics while also taking courses in public policy, communications, and even business through Wharton. Penn’s “One University” philosophy isn’t just a phrase—it’s a lived experience. You’re encouraged to build your own academic path, and that freedom to explore has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.

Applying ED was a leap, but it was absolutely the right one. Penn challenges me, excites me, and has given me space to grow into the person I always hoped college would help me become.

- Tsering S.

What I Wish I Knew My First Month at Penn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during those first few weeks at Penn, I wouldn’t hand over a how-to guide—but I would share a few honest lessons. These are the things I wish someone had told me when everything felt new, exciting, and a little overwhelming:

• Say yes more—but also don’t be afraid to say no. In your first month, you’ll be invited to what feels like a hundred GBMs, dinners, study groups, and late-night adventures. Try things—especially the ones that scare you a little. But don’t feel guilty for turning down plans to recharge. Your time and energy are valuable, and you don’t have to be everywhere to belong here.

• Talk to your professors. Office hours aren’t just for when you're struggling in class—they’re an underrated way to get to know some of the most brilliant and supportive people on campus. I was surprised by how approachable so many professors are. Sometimes a ten-minute conversation can lead to a research opportunity, mentorship, or just a renewed confidence in your academic path.

• No one has it all figured out. It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else came to college with a roadmap and a master plan. But behind every polished LinkedIn post is someone who’s still figuring things out, just like you. The truth is, part of the Penn experience is learning to be okay with not knowing everything—and trusting that clarity will come with time.

• Bring shower shoes. I know it sounds minor, but trust me on this one. Dorm bathrooms are... an experience, and you’ll thank yourself later for being a little over-prepared. Sometimes it’s the small things—like a good shower caddy or a cozy blanket—that make the biggest difference in your day-to-day comfort.

• Trust that you’ll grow into your place here. Those early weeks can feel like a blur—new faces, new routines, and the quiet pressure of trying to fit in. But give it time. The people, the passions, and the sense of belonging you’re looking for? They’re coming. You won’t just find your place at Penn—you’ll shape it.

The transition into college is overwhelming, but it’s also exciting. And while the first month is full of uncertainty, it's also the beginning of something really, really good.

- Tsering S.

The Pressure to Choose the ‘Perfect Path’—And Why I’m Still Figuring It Out

At Penn, ambition is everywhere. It’s in the way people introduce themselves—“I’m pre-law,” “I’m doing M&T,” “I’m recruiting for consulting or finance.” It’s in the LinkedIn posts, the pre-professional club meetings, the “Where are you interning this summer?” questions that start before midterms even hit.

And somewhere along the way, I found myself feeling like I had to have a clear path, too.

I saw people going after consulting, finance, law—all the “prestige” tracks Penn is known for. And I started to wonder if that’s what I should be doing. Not necessarily because I was passionate about those fields, but because they seemed like the safe bet. The polished path. The version of success that gets applauded the loudest.

It’s hard to resist that pull. There’s comfort in choosing something that already has a step-by-step roadmap. You follow the track, hit the milestones, land the internship, and move forward. But what happens if you’re not sure that track is yours? What if you're drawn to something a little less structured—like public policy, education, advocacy, or creative work?

I’m still figuring it out. Some days, I do feel the pressure to pursue what’s popular—especially when so many people seem to have it all figured out already. But other days, I feel the pull toward something more personal and less conventional. And I’ve learned that both impulses can exist at once—and that’s okay.

At a place like Penn, it’s easy to feel like success only comes in one form. But the truth is, the most fulfilling paths are often the ones that aren’t the most popular—they’re the ones you’re bold enough to carve out for yourself. So if you’re still exploring, still unsure, still trying to hear your own voice beneath the noise—know that you’re not lost. You’re just being honest with yourself. And that’s where the real journey begins. So ask yourself: What do I actually want?

- Tsering S.

Networking

If you're like me, the idea of intense networking at Penn seemed intimidating. It felt like a skill everyone was somehow expected to have already mastered, and something that was often draining and disingenuous. In reality, however, my experience has been nothing like that.

First, the idea that you need to act like the perfect candidate and have a flawless resume to “network” is absurd. In most cases, networking simply means staying in touch and having genuine conversations with the people you meet in classes, clubs, or work. As a first-year student, no one expects you to have it all figured out - if anything, it’s the opposite. So many professors and older students have given me valuable advice and opportunities that have left me feeling both prepared and excited for my next few years.

But more importantly, never be afraid to reach out about something that interests you! My favorite opportunity at Penn so far, conducting research with the Sociology department on religion and evolution, came about just because I sent an enthusiastic email and shared my genuine interest during a meeting.

 - Robin A.

Exploring Philly on a Budget

Whatever background you come from, it’s always good to find out things are free! And if you’re cheap like me, Philly luckily offers many opportunities for Penn students and city residents to go out and explore the city even when on a restricted budget. Here are some of my personal favorite spots:

1) The first Sunday of every month is “pay-what-you-want” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so that is the time to go visit the museum if they have an exhibit that interests you! In past experiences, the museum was never as packed as I expected it to be on those free admission days, so definitely expect a crowd, but also expect to have space for yourself.

2) The Curtis Institute, one of the most renowned music schools in the world, offers free recital tickets for student performances. Given that these are some of the most prodigious musicians globally, you can expect to be absolutely amazed by the quality of the performances, and Curtis is only a SEPTA ride away from Penn’s campus! If more contemporary music is your taste, the World Music Cafe also offers free shows at noon on Fridays, which is directly on Penn’s campus.

3) If you like traveling or hiking, there are plenty of free opportunities to do so as well! Cira Green which is located on the top floor of the Cira Building right by campus, which is a gorgeous lawn space overlooking the city. They also have block parties on Fridays so keep an eye out for that! For scenic hiking trips, I recommend Wissahickon Valley Parkwhich is not too far from University City but far enough to get away from the hustle and bustle. It is extremely peaceful and beautiful there!

4) For cheap eats, Chinatown right by Reading Terminal Market offers very offerable options for food with all you can eat dim-sum or hotpot at extremely affordable prices. I have great memories walking down the streets and just grabbing whatever looks delicious! For great, classic Philly cheesesteaks, Dalessandro’s Steaks are a fan-favorite location. My general advice is not sleep on the Asian food scene in Philly, there are some amazing spots! 

That is an extremely non-exhaustive list of some of my personal favorite spots in Philly, but be sure to always keep an eye out and ask around for any off-campus recommendations! 

-Seyoon C.

Working with numbers as a humanities student

When I came to Penn, I swore there was no way I’d ever voluntarily have anything to do with numbers again. After declaring my English major and completing all my non-humanities general education requirements, I was well on track to fulfilling this goal. Fortunately for me, I enrolled in a Criminal Justice course as a second-year on a whim, and this was the start of my appreciation for data and the social sciences.

I had always loved public policy and been passionate about criminal justice reform, but the data-driven approach to this criminal justice course provided a totally new perspective for me. I saw how a familiarity with statistical methods and programming languages provided a more empirical, objective, and inclusive means of testing out different criminal justice reforms. Though I was still intimidated at the prospect of a slightly more quantitative, social science field of study, I was inspired to declare a second major in Criminology.

Now a senior, I confidently recommend to any College student to get out of their academic comfort zone, gaining familiarity in both qualitative and quantitative subject matter. You may just find a new passion or at least a new way to look at a topic you already care about. I have STEM major friends, for example, who have absolutely loved taking creative writing classes or have enrolled in history classes with me to fulfill gen ed requirements. Currently, I am using the R programming language to write an honors thesis for criminology. Four years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it if someone told me I was learning to code by choice and getting excited to work with a bunch of data in my spare time. Now, I see it as a way to become a more well-rounded student and person, and I am so excited to see how my thesis turns out!

- Sami H.

Finding New Skills and Community in a College House

It’s early September. A friend of mine has decided to embrace haircutting, and a group gathers on the terrace to observe their craft. Twenty minutes (and one questionable haircut) later, my dorm neighbor and I opt to play a couple of games of pool in the nearby room before heading back. As we wrapped up, I joked, “What if we just decided to get really, really good at this?”

He laughed, before pausing to think a bit more. And so it began. We played three games a day, then five, then as long as it took until one of us tapped out. Within weeks, we went from struggling to make contact with the cue ball to impressing nearby students. Word of our pool fixation began to spread. When our schedules eased up, we played for three to six hours. On busier weeks, we studied in between rounds. Best of all, we weren’t alone – the pool room was a constant source of new social interactions. The regulars had all sorts of interests – neuroscience, criminology, economics, even dual-degree engineers from the fifth floor. You name the subject; we probably knew a pool player who was at least considering it for a minor.

The room became a seminar where students shared everything they were learning in the college. Whether it was Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Medicare policy, or developmental psychology, it was discussed with an uncanny degree of passion. The pool room encapsulates some of my favorite parts about the college. It’s a place where some of the smartest people you'll meet take a break from their chaotic schedules to relax, chat, and add yet another skill to their repertoire.

- Robin A.

My experience with the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM)

Every summer, Penn offers first and second year students a chance to stay on campus and work with faculty on their cutting edge research projects, as well as a generous stipend to mitigate costs of living. Last summer, I was lucky enough to participate in the program as a student in the Annenberg School of Communications’ Health Equity Lab. Under the tutelage of Prof. Andy Tan, and his incredible team of graduate students and research advisors, I investigated the connections between religiosity and vaping/smoking retention.  

PURM allows undergraduates to apply for three ongoing research projects, from fields like medical physics to historical archival work; the breadth of the programs offered is truly astonishing and seemingly endless. Personally, the hardest part of applying was choosing which topics I wanted to pursue! But in the end, I couldn’t be more grateful for the project I was accepted into. More so than the actual hard research skills I learned, the soft skills of collaborating with labmates, working on presentation skills, and attending daily meetings with the lab, turned out to be the most rewarding part of the experience. Whenever I was given tasks to complete throughout the week, the environment was never tense or stress-inducing, but my professor would always ask “How can I help you accomplish this goal?” or “What can I do to make this feasible for you?” which greatly eased the anxiety I had entering the lab. I was honestly astonished by the kindness of the staff, which makes sense since faculty who enroll for PURM do so on a volunteer basis. For all prospective students who desire to do research at Penn, please do not hesitate to look deeper into PURM’s program as it is one of the university’s most esteemed and reputable.

 - Seyoon C.

Navigating the College’s General Education Requirements as a Pre-Med

When I started choosing classes for my first semester at Penn, I was overwhelmed by the amount of courses I had to take before graduating. I was unsure how I was going to balance being pre-med with being a student in the College. Now, almost a year later, I have completed most of my general education requirements and am close to finishing the infamous “pre-med sequence.” Although it’s only been 3 semesters, completing the Gen Ed requirements has been a very easy process that hasn’t taken away from my academic experience at Penn. Instead, it has enriched it in many ways. During my first year, I decided to split my schedule between classes that fulfilled the Sectors of Knowledge/Foundational Approaches and the general pre-med classes. My first semester courses included calculus, chemistry, history, and a climate change class. Having a good balance between STEM and humanities courses allowed me to explore my interests in both fields while also understanding how to effectively manage my time as a first-semester college student.

It is extremely important to strategically plan your classes as a pre-med student, taking into account what classes can count towards your major, pre-med requirements, Gen-Eds, etc. It is also crucial to plan out when to start your Biology and Chemistry class sequences to be prepared to take the MCAT at the time you plan to. A great resource that is offered by Penn to help students navigate choosing classes as a pre-med at Penn is Pre-Health Advising Services (offered by Career Services). The pre-health advisors at Penn offer amazing advice about class choices, MCAT timeline, and applying to medical school! Overall, fulfilling the Gen Eds at Penn is not something that is as daunting as I had expected it to be and has actually allowed me to immerse myself in the culture of Philly and of the world.

- Ananya M.

my brat summer: research at penn

Let’s rewind to June 7th, 2024. While my hands were covered by 3 layers of gloves, I set the timer to 60, beginning a new sample. Little did I know, as I slowly drop casted chemicals, a wave of chartreuse hit the internet, and brat summer was born.

Exactly one week after I started my summer research experience via the VIPER (Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research) program at Penn, Charli XCX’s popgirl summer album took over my spotify by storm. My guess? My brat summer began there – a hugely fun and rewarding twelve weeks of research filled with new experiences like never before.

Being able to work with the frontier of knowledge and instrumentation is one of my favorite aspects of my research experience. My lab project, for example, works with quantum dots – the technology that won the 2023 nobel prize in chemistry. So I, with my samples in hand, tinkered with advanced scientific tools through Penn’s Singh Center for Nanotechnology, an advanced institute for fabrication and characterization at the nanoscale. Jumping headfirst into such specialized tools and knowledge areas can be daunting: yet, my fear that I might say something stupid quickly dissipated within my first week. I found my lab peers to be unbelievably supportive, helping me train on instruments and procedures. With Lana del Rey in my airpods, I familiarized myself —and applied my skills to contribute to— the world-class labs which reside on Penn campus.

However, while my discovery lies at the boundaries of science, the research community at Penn is not at all cornered within STEM fields. In fact, this was far from the case: dinnertime talk talk between friends who stayed on campus revealed to me the full multidisciplinary scale of knowledge acquisition. From medicine to math to design to marketing to philosophy, the diverse, vibrant interests of the Penn community remain ever-the-clearer.

My summer experience left me with still much more to explore: and thankfully, much like brat, research at Penn is not at all limited to the summer. With my back to back enrollment in MSE 0099: Independent Study and application to a CURF research grant, I delve deeper into my project as the semester progresses.

This 365 party girl lives on.

- Tony T.

Writing a Senior Thesis in Criminology

In the College, many majors allow students the option of writing an honors thesis in their senior year. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students conduct extensive research throughout the year on a major-related topic of their choosing. Majors often have special courses that help students build the skills necessary for writing a thesis, and students who write a thesis can typically present their findings toward the end of the year. Currently, I am enrolled in the Criminology Capstone Seminar, a required class all senior Criminology majors take. This class has been so helpful in terms of demystifying what it means to write a thesis and conduct empirical research, and I have learned skills such as how to write a literature review or request data from a government institution. At the end of this semester, I will have developed a research design and proposal for a potential thesis, and am excited to say I have elected to continue my research into next semester through writing a thesis. Next semester, I will receive credit for an independent study in which I work with my Criminology faculty advisor to conduct my data analysis and actually write my thesis, in which I seek to examine how systemic administrative delays in the Philadelphia court system impacts defendants’ likelihood of reoffending.

- Samara H.

Spending the summer in Philly

This summer, I decided to stay on campus to work in my research lab. Through this experience, I not only gained a lot of knowledge about the research I was involved in but also the fun things to do in Philly during the summer. One of my favorite activities that I did during the summer was cooking. Every weekend, my friends and I would take the SEPTA to the Trader Joes in Center City. We would attempt to make a new recipe every week (which usually was successful!). Another fun activity to do in Philly is exploring the various festivals that are hosted in Center City and neighborhoods within Philly. These are great ways to become more connected with the greater Philadelphia community and immerse oneself in the various cultures that make up the city! Other places that many people explore during the summer include the Schuylkill River, Rittenhouse Square, and the Poconos. There’s a lot to do outside Penn over the summer and it’s really enjoyable to explore all that is offered!

- Ananya M.