Temple has many resources to offer, but not many people know about them. This list is to organize many of these resources in one spot so students can access them more readily. If you are ever in need of food, healthcare, exercise, or just a leisurely activity, I hope this article serves you well in finding the resources you need!Â
Howard Gittis Student CenterÂ
The Student Center has its own movie theater called The REEL. Temple students run the theater, free for all students to watch movies! They are planning on showing Twilight and Obsession this fall. In the past they have shown Micheal, Wicked, Weapons, and Sinners. An interesting part about The REEL is that it is open to the public as well, so if you have a friend or family coming to visit, this might be a fun activity. Public tickets are $5. The cinema also offers concessions as well, but unfortunately students cannot use their meal swipes at the stand. The REEL can be found on the Lower Level of the Student Center south. @tustudentcenter on Instagram has a post about the fall 2026 (and other semester) screenings. Â
The Game room is located on the first floor of the student Center South. It has many kinds of games; including board games, video games, and billiard tables. The game room is free for students, and if they have guests, they can sign them in. The Game Room is open Monday through Friday from 11am-9pm.Â
In the Graphics Media Center, you can get posters, stickers, cardboard cutouts, and more. Their full range of services can be found on the link above. The student designers can help you create a design, or you can submit your own. Student organizations can get free posers and stickers by filling out a request, which can also be found above. It is open Monday through Friday 9am-4pm. The GMC can be found on the lower level of the Student Center North.Â
The Cherry Pantry provides students with healthy food and hygiene items free of charge. Each week, students and staff are allocated 16 points for perishable food items, 2 points for hygiene items, and full access to perishable items. The points are automatically given to each student and staff member. The Cherry Pantry keeps a variety of items to meet everyone’s unique needs and preferences. The pantry can be found in the Essential needs hub at the lower level of the Student Center. The hours very day to day and can be found in the linked source. Â
Zen Den and the Sensory SpaceÂ
All students know how stressful college can be. To aid students’ mental health, the Zen Den provides relaxation and stress relief. The website states that they are “guided by trauma-informed and student-centered practices.” The Sensory Space provides somewhere where students can wind down and de-stimulate. Â
The Essential Needs Hub is a great resource on its own. Alongside the Cherry Pantry and the Zen Den, the ENH has a thrift shop, technology support, financial assistance, housing aid, transportation services, and health and wellbeing facilities. You can schedule an appointment or walk in to the lower level of the Student Center to access this resource. The hours very per facility so check the link above to see them. Each facility has its own specific sub-facilities, so check out their website to see if any of those are something that can be beneficial to you!Â
Other ResourcesÂ
Independence Blue Cross Student Recreational CenterÂ
The IBC Student Rec center can be found at 1701 N. 15th St. Here students can access a variety of workout equipment. See the linked source for a full list of what the IBC Rec center has to offer. The center is open Monday through Friday 6am-10pm, Saturday 6am-8pm, and Sunday 12pm-10pm. Â
Temple has a lot of options when it comes to recreation. A full list of the offerings can be found in the linked source above. These include a pool in Pearson Hall, a rock-climbing wall in the Aramark STAR Complex, and various other weight and exercise centers in the Pearson & McGonigle Halls and the STAR Complex. Â
College classes can be spread apart throughout the day, which can be difficult if you do not live on campus. To provide a place for commuting students to relax, get work done, or have a snack, Temple has a commuter lounge located in the Montgomery Garage. In here you can find vending machines, charging stations, places to sit, restrooms, and even a kitchen! Â
The Student Health Services office is on the fourth floor of 1700 North Broad st. Here students can access affordable and quality healthcare. They are open 8am-5pm Monday through Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. You can call and schedule an appointment with SHS or Tuttleman Counseling Services.Â
Schools providing essential needs and beyond for their attendees and workers is a great way to protect their wellbeing. I hope that you utilize at least one resource from this list or save it to utilize it in the future. Taking care of yourself is important, especially in places that can be stressful like college. Temple makes that a little bit easier by making resources to keep its community healthy and happy available.