Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early can I move in?
A: Official early move-in begins on Sunday, August 29 at 9am, and no earlier. Please note that due to summer occupancy, Harnwell and Rodin residents may check in beginning at 2pm. College Houses that have been in use through the summer undergo detailed room inspection and turnover processes. As a result, we cannot allow any fall arrivals prior to Sunday, August 29. Additionally, services and duty staff are not in place to assist new residents before this date. Please also see our Early Move-In section above.
Q: Will my family and friends be able to enter my residence at Move-In?
A: Yes. Access passes will be issued at various residential locations throughout move in. They will be issued in the presence of both the host resident and visitor; the visitor must produce a photo ID to receive the pass, and must also show both the pass and photo ID to enter the building with their host.
Q: I am a graduate student living in Sansom Place and my program starts before the official move-in date. Can I move-in before then?
A: Yes. Please email Yolanda Hayes to make accommodations unless you have already turned in your early move-in request form.
Q: If I'm flying to Philadelphia, what airport should I fly into?
A: This will depend on your point of departure. Philadelphia International Airport is about 20 minutes from campus, and is accessible by taxi, shuttle or regional rail (trains). Airports farther away include Newark Airport in New Jersey, JFK and LaGuardia in NY, Baltimore-Washington International in MD, and Dulles/Reagan in Washington DC, as well as numerous smaller, regional airports. These airports are substantial distances from Philadelphia and Penn. While your airfare may be less expensive to fly to an airport outside of the immediate Philadelphia metropolitan area, you may end up paying a premium to get to campus from that airport.
Q: I'm taking the train to Philadelphia; what is the closest train station to Penn?
A: Amtrak's 30th Street station is a hub for both regional rail and Amtrak trains and is convenient to campus by taxi, bus, trolley and even walking.
Q: My family wants to stay in Philadelphia overnight to be ready to move in early the next day, where should they stay?
A: The two campus hotels, the Inn at Penn and the Sheraton, fill up quickly for the move-in period. They might take a look at other hotels in Center City or take advantage of Destination Penn in finding other accommodations within Philadelphia.
Q: Where do I pick up my keys?
A: Your keys will be available from your Information Center, which is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, unless you arrive on Sunday, August 29, Wednesday, September 1, or Thursday, September 2 between 8:00am - 8:00pm. Should you arrive at these times, please visit the tent or table outside of your College House to pick up your keys.
Q: Do I need a PennCard to move in?
A: No, if you don't have your PennCard, you can present a photo id to verify your identity.
Q: If I'm shipping stuff to Penn, what address do I send it to?
A: Your mailing address as indicated in your assignment information. This information can be viewed on Campus Express.
Q: If my packages arrive at Penn before early move-in, is that okay?
A: Mail and package volume prior to move-in and through the entire month of September is very high. To ensure that your packages make their way through the mail stream and to you as efficiently as possible, we ask that you time your shipping to coincide with your arrival and not too many days earlier than that date. Shipping companies such as UPS, FedEx, DHL and the US Postal Service should be able to give you some estimates as to how long it might take for a package to be delivered to Philadelphia. Please add 1-2 days to that estimate for campus processing.
Q: Is my mailbox in my College House?
A: Yes. The locations differ in each building; some are located close to the house office, others are located in other service areas of your college house, such as near the Information Center or in a lobby area. Large packages can be picked up in your College House's designated package room.
Q: What should I put on my bed - a mattress pad, egg crate or both?
A: This depends on your own particular choice for comfort. The mattresses are covered with heavy duty vinyl. Either a mattress pad or an egg crate provides a nice cushion between you and the mattress.
Q: I want to buy a window fan, what are the dimensions of the windows?
A: The windows vary in size. Start small (12" x 12"), as many student room windows have window stops that limit how wide the window can be opened.
Q: I'm a freshman, I'm all moved in and unpacked, now what do I do?
A: Enjoy New Student Orientation! Meet friends and hallmates and attend events on campus and in the city, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Penntracks walking tour! For more information, visit the New Student Orientation website.
You should also get to know your Information Center Specialist and staff. They are there to assist you should you need to sign in a guest, report a lost key, and to provide other services, such as buying SEPTA tokens, stamps, and/or laundry detergent.