What's Next

We're excited that you're coming to Drexel. We're sure you have a lot of questions about what your next steps are, how to prepare, and everything you can do once you're here. That's why we've created this set of questions and answers for you:

Get Prepared

Get On Campus

Get Around Town

Get Prepared

Housing

When do I get my housing assignment?

Your room assignment, roommate name, and roommate contact information are emailed to your official Drexel email address in mid-July. Fall check-in information is emailed in mid-August. If you do not want your contact information released, you have the option to keep it private.

How are the residence halls different from one another?

Each of Drexel's residence halls has a distinct style and personality. To learn more about the residence halls, visit the Residential Living and University Housing website.

What if I want to room with a friend?

If you want a specific roommate, both you and your friend must indicate this in the designated section of the housing application. Although it is not guaranteed, every effort will be made to assign requested roommates together.

How are roommates selected?

The Housing and Dining Services Application includes a section for you to mark your preferences regarding smoking, musical tastes, etc. The University Housing Office uses these criteria to pair individuals who might have similar interests and living styles.

Will I get my first-choice residence hall?

The University Housing Office makes every effort to assign you to your first-choice hall; however, it cannot be guaranteed.

May I bring a refrigerator, a microwave, or pets to campus?

You may bring a refrigerator and microwave to campus, but there are size restrictions. The refrigerator cannot exceed 2.5 cubic feet or draw more than 1.5 amps. If you and your roommate share a refrigerator, it cannot exceed 5 cubic feet or draw more than 3 amps. The microwave cannot exceed 700 watts. You are only permitted to have fish in your room in aquariums no larger than 15 gallons.

How can I coordinate with my roommate(s) so we don't bring the same things for our room?

Students may contact their roommate after names and contact information are distributed with room assignments at New Student Orientation.

Note: Students may choose to keep their contact information private from their roommates.

Does Drexel have a curfew?

No, but you are asked to observe "Quiet Hours" in the residence halls in consideration of your fellow residence hall members.

How many students are assigned to a room?

Drexel has two types of accommodation in its residence halls: shared rooms and suites. Shared rooms accommodate two students, with common bathroom and kitchen facilities. Suites house between three and six students, and have private kitchen and bathroom facilities. Most freshmen are assigned to shared rooms. However, Honors students may be assigned a suite-style room if they choose to reside in Honors housing.

Where can I find more information about housing?

Visit the Residential Living and University Housing website.

Insurance and Immunizations

What are Drexel's insurance requirements?

Drexel University requires all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and international students to have health insurance coverage. All full-time students must demonstrate proof of coverage under a health insurance plan. If you are covered under an existing plan, you can demonstrate proof through our online system at Aetna Student Health's website. If you do not provide the University with proof of insurance by waiving or enrolling in the University-sponsored plan, you will be automatically enrolled in the default Drexel Student Health Insurance Plan for one academic year and billed at the appropriate rate. The charge will be included on your bill.

What immunization forms are required?

You are required to complete an Immunization Record form and return it by August 15. International students are required to submit these forms during International Student Orientation. If you have questions, please call 215-895-2507, visit the Health and Immunizations website, or stop by Room 201 in the Creese Student Center.

Note: An academic hold will be placed on your record if the immunization forms are not received by the deadline. Your advisor will register you for classes, but you will be unable to view your schedule until the forms are received.

Meal Plan

How does on-campus dining work?

When you arrive on campus in the fall, you are issued a DragonCard, the official student ID card for Drexel University. This card grants you access to the residence halls, the library, and the dining facilities. All resident freshmen are required to be on the Gold Carte Blanche meal plan for their first three terms. This plan grants unlimited access to the Handschumacher Dining Center. The plan also includes $200 in meal plan funds to use for purchases at all Drexel Dining Services locations. These locations include:

  • Handschumacher Dining Center: Located in the Creese Student Center, this dining facility for the University City Main Campus offers a marketplace-style dining experience breakfast through dinner.
  • Ross Commons: Located on the corner of 34th Street and Powelton Avenue, this student center offers The Corner Café, a salad and sandwich eatery; The Grille, a diner-style restaurant; and The 2nd Floor, an upscale coffee bar.
  • Creese Café featuring Freshens: Located in the Creese Student Center, the Creese Café offers a complete selection of specialty coffees, freshly baked bagels, sandwiches, pastries, and Freshens Yogurt.
  • North Side Market: Located on the first floor of Kelly Hall, the market offers a range of food from frozen dinners to freshly grilled cheesesteaks.
  • Bookmark Café and Study Center: Located in the Hagerty Library, this 24-hour study center features coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and more.

What happens if I lose my DragonCard?

If your DragonCard is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the DragonCard Office at 215-895-6095. Upon notification, the DragonCard Office will deactivate the card and issue a new card or temporary ID. Please note that there is a $20 replacement fee for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. Visit the DragonCard webpage for more information.

Where can I find more information about dining?

Visit the Drexel Dining website.

Orientation

What is New Student Orientation?

Orientation offers you and your family the opportunity to become more familiar with Drexel and begin your college transition. At Orientation, you will meet academic advisors, faculty members, administrative staff, and other students during a two-day, overnight program.

What if I am unable to attend Orientation?

If you are unable to attend Orientation, you will be sent an Orientation packet in the mail. This packet will contain an Orientation booklet and all of the materials you would have received at Orientation. Please pay close attention to the information regarding required placement exams. The results of these exams enable Drexel to place you in classes for which you are well prepared. You should also follow up with your academic department to obtain any other information that you may have missed during Orientation.

Can I change my major during Orientation?

If you wish to change your major during Orientation, stop by Undergraduate Admissions, located on the second floor of the Main Building at 3141 Chestnut Street, to speak with an admissions counselor. If you cannot make it to the office, please call us at 1-800-2-DREXEL or email us at enroll@drexel.edu to submit your request.

Where can I find more information about New Student Orientation?

Visit the New Student Orientation website.

Get On Campus

Academics

When's the best time to sell back books to the bookstore?

If you aren't going to use a textbook again in the future, sell it back to the bookstore during the 10th week of the quarter, right before finals.

Where can I go if I need help with my work?

There are lots of great resources available:

  • All Drexel faculty members have regular office hours. These designated times give you the opportunity to get your questions answered, get advice about a big project, or discuss what you're learning in class. Don't wait until finals week — take advantage of this from week one!
  • The Drexel Learning Center, located in the Creese Student Center, offers individual tutoring, weekly study groups, helpful study strategies and other resources to help you succeed at Drexel.
  • The Drexel Writing Center is located in the basement of MacAlister Hall. They'll help you get your thoughts organized, give you feedback about a first draft, and help you perfect your paper until it's worthy of an A!

Where are the best places to study on campus?

Here are a couple of our favorites:

  • Ross Commons, a Victorian mansion located at 34th and Powelton Streets, is the perfect venue for dining, studying, or just hanging out. You can reserve rooms here for events or meetings.
  • The Bookmark Café in Hagerty Library is open for studying and snacking 24/7.

Campus Activities

How can I get involved with clubs, sports, or fraternity and sorority life?

The Office of Campus Activities (OCA) can help you get involved with clubs and activities on campus. For more information, stop by the OCA in the Creese Student Center, Room 215; call 215-895-1328; email askoca@drexel.edu; or visit the OCA website.

How many Drexel students are involved with fraternities and sororities? What are Drexel's policies on hazing?

Nearly 800 undergraduate students are members of a fraternity or sorority chapter. Hazing activities of any kind are prohibited by Drexel University. The University supports and will strictly enforce Act 175, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law. For more information, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website.

Where can I find out about events on campus?

Visit the Campus Activities Board website.

Get Around Town

Arts and Entertainment

How can I have fun around Philly on the cheap?

There are so many ways!

  • All Drexel freshmen receive a cultural passport, which gives students free admission to museums and performance spaces all over Philadelphia.
  • If you sign up for Philly Fun Guide's FunSavers, you'll get weekly emails with discount tickets for arts and cultural events.
  • Many of the city's movie theaters, including The Bridge: Cinema de Lux and The Ritz, offer discount tickets to students Monday through Thursday.
  • Take a walk around Old City on First Friday: the art galleries open up their doors and offer free snacks.
  • WXPN, a public radio station just steps away from Drexel's campus, offers free noontime concerts every Friday with big names such as Rufus Wainwright, Tegan and Sara, The Cold War Kids, and more.

What's the best place to people watch?

Rittenhouse Square. This beautiful park is a gathering ground for artists, families, and some of Philly's generally most interesting folks.

Food

What's the easiest way to order food near campus?

Campusfood.com has menus and online ordering for restaurants that deliver to Drexel's campus. Make sure to check out the great specials. Ed's Pizza, for example, offers two large pizzas for just $13.99 every day.

What's the deal with Restaurant Week?

The University City and Center City areas of Philadelphia hold restaurant week a few times a year. Local restaurants offer three-course meals for one price, meaning you can get lots of delicious food for not a lot of money.

Transportation

Can I bring a car to campus?

You are permitted to bring a car to Drexel, but parking is not guaranteed. Paid parking permits are available to students through a lottery system. There are nine surface parking lots and a parking garage. Street parking on campus is limited. Because Drexel’s central location and Philadelphia’s good public transportation system make getting around easy, we encourage students not to bring cars to campus unless absolutely necessary. More information can be obtained from the Parking Facilities and Services Office at 215-895-2813 or at the Parking website.

What if I don't want to bring a car but still want to drive sometimes?

Join Philly Car Share! This innovative car-sharing program allows Drexel students to rent great cars (including hybrids and pickup trucks) for as little as $3.90 an hour. Learn more on the Philly Car Share website.

Does Drexel have campus shuttles? What are their routes?

Yes, Drexel has campus shuttles. The shuttle routes and schedules can be found on the Drexel Facilities website.

What are Philadelphia's public transportation options?

Here are some helpful links to area public transportation systems:

  • SEPTA: Operates subway, bus, trolley, and regional rail routes. 215-580-7800.
  • New Jersey Transit: Offers train, bus, and light rail service throughout New Jersey. 1-800-772-2222.
  • PATCO Speedline: Connects South Jersey with Philadelphia. 856-772-6900.
  • Amtrak: Connects Philadelphia with hundreds of cities. 1-800-USA-RAIL.
  • The Philly Phlash: Running May to September, the Phlash bus loops around Philadelphia and is $2 per ride or $4 for a full-day pass. 215-599-0776.