Drexel isn’t all orange bricks and Philly streets. Take a look at our round up of the best hidden gems on campus, then show off your new knowledge to all of your friends!
1. Main at Night
Did you know Main is open 24/7? It’s Drexel’s oldest building and has some really cool rooms we just walk right by by on our way to class. Grab your friends and explore this building at night when you can really have the place to yourself. Don’t get too loud because your voice will really carry in the Grand Hall. Let your inner adventurer out and wander around this historic building to see what cool information can be found among the plaques and paintings in Main. If you get up high enough and can find a window, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city.
2. AJ Drexel Picture Gallery
Did you know Drexel’s Main Building is home to some pretty interesting, old, and expensive stuff? We have our own picture gallery complete with a currator. Not to mention the china sets and silver pieces that line the hallways. If you’re into old paintings of famous people and don’t feel like trekking across the river to the Rocky Steps, wander through Drexel’s third floor picture gallery. You can even arrange for a tour if you’re trying to impress your parents when they come to visit.
3. Lynch Observatory
Drexel’s Observatory tower is typically open the first wednesday of every month (weather permitting) and you can check their calendar by going to their website, http://www.physics.drexel.edu/observatory/ . If you’ve ever wanted to look up into the sky past what your naked eye can see, this is the place to go. Few people know about the monthly open houses so if you find yourself bored on the first Wednesday of the month, saunter on down to Main, take the main stairs up on the right, find the picture gallery, walk past that to the stairs and follow the signs to the observatory.
4. Ross Commons
Freshmen, listen up! If you live on campus you are very close to one of the coolest buildings on campus that generally goes unnoticed. Ross Commons is a great place to hang out with friends, eat delicious food, or even study, without having to sign people in or trudge all the way down to Market. With two pool tables, a big screen TV, and plenty of plush couches and arm chairs, this is the perfect place for spur-of-the-moment social events. P.S. Sabrina’s is a great place to go for a dinner that doesn’t involve a tray or a microwave, and Spencer’s burgers are pretty amazing.
5. Academic Bistro
Located on the top floor of the Paul Peck Problem Solving Center (the one near Drexel Pizza), the Academic Bistro is where our hospitality and culinary students hone their skills and provide three course meals for the patrons. The menu is posted weekly at http://drexel.edu/hsm/about/academic-bistro/Menu/ . If it looks like something you would enjoy, make a reservation and support your fellow students! Plus, they are probably some of the best meals served on campus.
6. The random study lounges in Main
Honestly, Main building has some undiscovered potential that can really benefit us Dragons. There are multiple study rooms strewn throughout the building, and the classrooms are completely empty on the weekends. It can be a great place to meet up with classmates for some study sessions. The rooms already come equipped with chalkboards and allow for collaboration without having to reserve a room in the library or fight off freshman in Library Learning Terrace.
7. Rush Garden
This isolated garden behind the iSchool’s Rush Building is quaint and typically quiet. It has a beautiful water fountain and the tables are all spread out so you won’t overhear your neighbor muttering to themselves as they study. The garden also provides a quick escape from the concrete jungle our campus inhabits, allowing for a mental refresh before attending your next 2 hour lecture.
8. Drexel Park
This is one of my favorite places around Drexel and I’m quite disappointed I live on the other side of campus this year. Drexel Park has a bad rep as being boring, ugly, out of the way, and some other things I can’t bear to mention about this great piece of grass. Sure it’s out of the way a little, but if you can overcome the short walk it takes to get there, you will be rewarded. It’s the perfect place to toss a ball around, take fun pictures with your friends, or even study. You know, if that’s what you’re into and stuff. Once the weather warms up, grab your friends and a frisbee to have a fun game of Ultimate. Once the weather gets too hot during the day, head up there at night to lay on a blanket and contemplate life and all the other things that rush through our heads when we have nothing else going on.