Life and Music in Philadelphia
The University of Pennsylvania is located within easy access of the cultural and historical landmarks of the nation's sixth largest city. The resources available to members of the Penn community are rich and varied. Minutes away by public transportation is the Academy of Music, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Equally close by are the Walnut Street Theater (the oldest playhouse in continuous use in the English-speaking world), the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, the Franklin Institute Science Museum, and the Academy of Natural Science (the oldest institution of its kind in the United States).
The University Museum is one of the great archaeological museums of the world, and the University's Annenberg Center is home to a number of the dramatic groups that bring professional theater to the city. For more information on the campus and City, as well as some of the resources available to graduate and professional students, please click here. Philadelphia enjoys an exceptionally convenient location between New York and Washington. Excellent train service brings the cultural resources of these two cities--not to mention the treasures of the New York Public Library, the Morgan Library, and the Library of Congress--within easy reach.
Students interested in continuing to pursue their skills as performers will find many performance opportunities and ensemble options both at Penn and in Philadelphia’s music scenes. Those interested in teaching privately or taking lessons while at Penn can explore the resources of the College House Music Program . The wide range of performing venues, ranging from the Kimmel Center to the Painted Bride Art Center, offer a fabulous array of concert series and recitals throughout the year.
Housing in Philadelphia
Graduate students at Penn may choose from a variety of housing facilities. Many students rent rooms or apartments off-campus but within walking distance of the University. West Philadelphia offers a large number of such privately owned accommodations. Other students prefer to live in Center City or in the suburbs. The University offers a large number of rooms and apartments for the use of graduate students. These are furnished and range in size from single rooms to apartments suitable for married students. In addition, International House provides accommodations near the campus for both foreign and American students.
For further information on graduate housing, write to:
Department of Housing and Conference Services
Graduate Programs Division
Sansom Place West
3650 Chestnut St - Rm 105
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6182
p: 215-898-6871
f: 215-573-3996
International House of Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19104
p: 215-895-6540
f: 215-895-6535
housing@ihphilly.org