After your first year of mandated dorm living, it’s good to know your options for housing areas that aren’t a quick walk across the courtyard to Northside Dining Terrace. Granted, second year students have to live on-campus or in-campus approved housing, but there are still some options for all students. We’ve gathered opinions on various housing neighborhoods/communities to offer real perspectives – no fancy marketing or obscured quotes – to help you find the best situation for your living needs.
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- “I like living with my roommates because they’re in [Tri] Sigma so it’s like living with family. The only annoying part [living in the building] is having to sign people in when they come over because it limits the number of people we can have over. I wish I had my own room but since I know everyone it’s not too bad.” – Maddi, Junior
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Options: Chestnut Square, Summit, and University Crossings
- “I love living in Chestnut. I feel safe here and it was great to move into a community oriented place when I first moved to Philly. It felt like a great in-between place after living with my parents but before living alone. Now that I’ve spent two years here, I feel ready to move out into the ‘real world’ after graduation.” – Renee, Senior
Center City
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Options: 2121 Market, Park Towne Place, Embassy Apartments, The Latham
- “The long distance from campus makes getting the motivation to go to every class difficult but the dragon shuttle comes in clutch, especially during the winter. Living close to Trader Joe’s and the liquor store is also a nice benefit, and I don’t have to listen to late night parties every weekend. My building mostly consists of young professionals with some older Philadelphians as well. Since it’s in the busy part of the city, I’m really happy that my building has package acceptance so I don’t have to worry about theft or missing a drop off.” – Lindsey, Senior
- “The neighborhood is weird [because] there’s really not much around there but it’s nice and close to the schuykill trail which I love. The rental company is better than any others I’ve dealt with on Drexel’s campus. My apartment is pretty small and very expensive for the price but the amenities like the pool and free coffee make it worth it!” – Anonymous, Junior
Powelton/University City off-campus
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“I live in a three-floor house with four bedrooms, two baths, a backyard and basement. The house is owned by a man who used to live here then moved to New Jersey, and he hired a management company to help rent it out. I love living in a house that’s not owned by a big company because the owner really cares for the house and he is easily accessible with any problems. Also, the managers for the property are very professional and quick to answer, so we can go to them with any problems that we have.” – Anonymous
“My house is near the Vidas Athletic Center. I was a little wary living this far off of campus, but so far, we’ve had no problems and I really love it. The neighborhood mainly consists of college students or families, and it’s pretty quiet. I never feel unsafe walking around or being home alone, and I’ve never witnessed any crimes or any cars broken into, etc. It’s a little far from campus, but we pay way less money for way more room than I’ve noticed in houses closer to campus, so it works out for us.” – Sarah, Junior
“My building is across from Penn Presbyterian so there are a lot of Drexel and Penn kids around. There are also some off-campus fraternity houses nearby as well. It’s a three bedroom one bath and it was fully furnished, which was a plus. It is a multi-level building and I live on the fourth floor which sucks sometimes, However, it’s newly renovated so my roommates and I are the second group to live in our apartment. Another bonus: the landlord changes the lightbulbs for us!” – Maegan, Junior
Philadelphia is full of great living options once you’re no longer obligated to live on campus. It can be cheaper, you don’t have to sign your friends in, and you can find a space that really suits your needs. If you’re looking for new housing next year, good luck and start searching soon – the good one’s go quick!
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