Penn's Location

[Smokey]

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Anyone familiar with Penn's medical school location? Is it in a good/bad/otherwise part of town...safety wise? I have heard some not so great things about the undergraduate campus, and I am just not comfortable in an environment like that. Any comments/insight is appreciated!

Thanks!🙂

 

[peterpansy]

The med school is right next to the undergrad campus. The part of town isn't great - at least the neighborhood west of it. On the other hand, it's really close to center city, and the campus itself is very nice. As far as safety goes, the last couple of years they've been working really hard on increasing the number of police on campus. Basically, there are guards and police everywhere, but I still wouldn't recommend walking around alone past midnight. Overall, i really like philadelphia and I like penn's location and if anything think it's an incentive, not a deterrent.

Oh, forgot to mention - I'm an undergrad at penn, just so you know where I'm coming from.

 

[Oculus Sinistra]

Anyone familiar with Penn's medical school location? Is it in a good/bad/otherwise part of town...safety wise? I have heard some not so great things about the undergraduate campus, and I am just not comfortable in an environment like that. Any comments/insight is appreciated!

Thanks!🙂

You meant UPenn and not Penn State, right?

 

[acrobat]

Man I'm gonna be there on a Friday interview. I should try to get tickets for whichever game they're playing (if it's home) so I can see JoePa at Penn State.

Would be awesome if they were doing a white out..of course they already got beat bad this year.

 

[Smokey]

Man I'm gonna be there on a Friday interview. I should try to get tickets for whichever game they're playing (if it's home) so I can see JoePa at Penn State.

Would be awesome if they were doing a white out..of course they already got beat bad this year.

I was actually talking about the University of Pennsylvania, not Penn State. Penn State is kind of out in the middle of nowhere....

 

[Smokey]

You meant UPenn and not Penn State, right?

Yeah, UPenn.

 

[TNATION]

Upenn campus is relatively safe. According to a report of ivy league campus safety a few years back, Harvard was the campus with the highest crime rate (Upenn was #2).

 

[acrobat]

I've never been to either but as far as I know Paterno coaches for Penn. State.

 

[dottore07]

Man I'm gonna be there on a Friday interview. I should try to get tickets for whichever game they're playing (if it's home) so I can see JoePa at Penn State.

Would be awesome if they were doing a white out..of course they already got beat bad this year.

Just to clear up any potential confusion about PSU's location (I know this thread was originally directed at Penn) - the med school and the undergrad are about 2 hrs away from each other in different parts of central PA. The undergrad is in State College and the med school is in Hershey. Despite the distance, I definitely recommend going to a football game if you can!🙂

 

[JonnyG]

Penn is incredibly safe for being in a major US city. In same ways, it is its on city. Most of the crimes that occur are when the undergrads are just being plain stupid. "I only left my labtop unattended for a half hour and when I came back it was gone" (more or less and exact quote from the student news paper). There are no dark areas at night for five blocks surrounding campus because of a program to install light and such. Most of the Area is Penn students, faculty and staff.

 

[Erina]

Man I'm gonna be there on a Friday interview. I should try to get tickets for whichever game they're playing (if it's home) so I can see JoePa at Penn State.

Would be awesome if they were doing a white out..of course they already got beat bad this year.

ha good luck getting tickets. i'm surprised our students haven't already killed each other over the lack of tickets.

 

[Law2Doc]

Anyone familiar with Penn's medical school location? Is it in a good/bad/otherwise part of town...safety wise? I have heard some not so great things about the undergraduate campus, and I am just not comfortable in an environment like that. Any comments/insight is appreciated!

Thanks!🙂

It's reasonably safe for a city school.

But bear in mind that the premise of TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" was that West Philladelphia (i.e. the area surrounding Penn) was too rough and so Will's "mom got scared" and made him move away to live with his auntie in Bel Air. 🙂

But actually North Philly (where Temple is) is the rougher part of town.

 

[str8flexed]

Penn is very safe on campus. Step too far off campus West (say, past 41th or 42nd) and you may have to be careful. I lived on 42nd Street last year and didn't have any problems, though you do see some vagabonds or homeless. You get used to them. You should not worry. BTW, I am a senior undergrad at Penn. It is true, there are lots of police/spectraguards on bicycles everywhere now, although increasing the security still doesn't catch EVERYTHING and is only a deterrent.

 

[Neuronix]

Over the years I've been here I can only say that it's as safe as any other big city environment. Philly in general is kind of in the middle of most crime statistics, with most of the serious crime taking place in certain parts of the city not that close to Penn (at least a mile from Penn med till it starts getting bad IMO). Still, while UPenn isn't in a particularly bad part of Philly, I've known people who have been robbed at gunpoint with or without assault in every part of Philly at virtually every time of the day. My point? Come to Philly and you take your chances. That's true for any of the Philly med schools. The chances are low of something happening to you, but it's always there.

 

[beaverfetus]

Penn is very safe on campus. Step too far off campus West (say, past 41th or 42nd) and you may have to be careful. I lived on 42nd Street last year and didn't have any problems, though you do see some vagabonds or homeless. You get used to them. You should not worry. BTW, I am a senior undergrad at Penn. It is true, there are lots of police/spectraguards on bicycles everywhere now, although increasing the security still doesn't catch EVERYTHING and is only a deterrent.

my gf freshman year went to upenn, weekly there would be a new security email about someone getting mugged/stabbed/shot whatever.

The week I went to visit her, some dude got knifed by an 11 year old girl!

/just saying
//still applying happily to upenn

 

[peterpansy]

my gf freshman year went to upenn, weekly there would be a new security email about someone getting mugged/stabbed/shot whatever.

The week I went to visit her, some dude got knifed by an 11 year old girl!

/just saying
//still applying happily to upenn

Yeah, when I was a freshman there was a crime article in the newspaper every day. Since, it's been much better though. Besides, people who live around here should know better than to walk around alone in the dark (very few serious incidents involve groups of people or occur during daylight hours).

 

[stiffany]

I also went to Penn and, for the past five years (knock on wood), I haven't had any problems. Still, I didn't make a habit of hanging out on the street at 3am by myself after a night of too much partying. As the posters above me have stated, any city brings its problems (heck, any place really). With 20,000 undergrad and grad students on campus, the statistical likelihood that something will happen to you, however, is very small. In addition, Penn has started a number of initiatives dealing with crime over the past few years. And, with the inauguration of a new president last year it seems like there's been a further increase in foot patrols and the like.

 

[Smokey]

Yeah, when I was a freshman there was a crime article in the newspaper every day. Since, it's been much better though. Besides, people who live around here should know better than to walk around alone in the dark (very few serious incidents involve groups of people or occur during daylight hours).

So how does walking home from the hospital at midnight work? And walking there at like 5 am, when it is still dark? You can't exactly take a cab both ways, every day (or at least I can't). Just a different world from what I am used to, I guess....

 

[Homer Simpson]

When I lived there (granted it was ~10 years ago), Penn had van shuttles that would transport you from campus to your home, and the drivers were required to see the passenger enter his/her house before driving away.

So how does walking home from the hospital at midnight work? And walking there at like 5 am, when it is still dark? You can't exactly take a cab both ways, every day (or at least I can't). Just a different world from what I am used to, I guess....

 

[SRK85]

Penn is a nicer area of town. The campus looks very nice. I don't know about the safety though. Philadelphia is crime-ridden city, but university city is usually safe.

 

[Misfit!]

if you're used to living in a big city, it shouldn't be too bad...but I can say there were times that I was almost scared to death by stepping one block too far off this campus....its not in the best of locations.

 

[riceman04]

Philly = city of homicide love.

I stayed at Penn's main library past midnight on a number of occasions and I was never bothered. But then again I am a tall afr. amer. male.

You do have to watch your back after a certain time...especially since those guards are a joke.

But then again...I'm more afraid of the Penn students than the locals...those kids are crazy...one is on trial for killing another girl at Temple, I believe.

No really, if you live at Domus (very expensive apartment complex being built on Chestnut) and then walk to class everyday you will be fine.

good luck

 

[swim2md]

There's a reason they call it killadephia.

But in all seriousness, if the OP says he's not comfortable in an unsafe area, it's unlikely that west Philly is the best jumping off point for an introduction to city life. I don't think Philly is bad as long as your carry yourself the right way. If you act like you're scared when you walk through a certain neighborhood, then you should be-- at the very least you'll get picked on and harrassed just so someone can amuse themself. However, if you mind your own business and walk around like you belong, then you'll probably just be ignored.

~advice from a little white girl who survived a few years in north philly.

 

[Severus]

No really, if you live at Domus (very expensive apartment complex being built on Chestnut) and then walk to class everyday you will be fine.

good luck

Ohhh... those look great, don't they? You have any idea what they're going for?


Philly's not that bad. I mean, really, there's the West Philly that Penn's in and then there's West Philly.

 

[peterpansy]

When I lived there (granted it was ~10 years ago), Penn had van shuttles that would transport you from campus to your home, and the drivers were required to see the passenger enter his/her house before driving away.

Still have those. And they have a walking escort service, that usually responds faster than the shuttle. Or you could always invest in a stun gun

 

[riceman04]

Ohhh... those look great, don't they? You have any idea what they're going for?


Philly's not that bad. I mean, really, there's the West Philly that Penn's in and then there's West Philly.

Well if the Left Bank is supposed to be the most comparable in luxury (and these are supposed to be even mopre luxurious) then they are going to be hella expensive. But we all know that there are many Penn undergrad families that can afford to pay for their child to live there.

That place is mostly going to be filled with professionals who for some reason dont mind paying a monthly rent that is more that a typical mortgage in Philly.

Studios will probably go for approx. $1400/month....

 

[vmc303]

Haven't they had killings right on the campus before? I know just a few months ago, there was someone murdered just outside the subway stop there.

 

[Smokey]

Maybe I should look elsewhere....I come from a place where you can leave your car keys in the ignition without even thinking about it

 

[mshheaddoc]

Ohhh... those look great, don't they? You have any idea what they're going for?


Philly's not that bad. I mean, really, there's the West Philly that Penn's in and then there's West Philly.

quoting for emphasis from the girl that is from the middle of podunk NOWHERE in amish country.

No kidding, her house didn't have electricity.

If you've never been in a city before (to live) Penn will be an interesting experience. Yes there are a ton of shady people around. But the actual campus is pretty good about security and lighting, but with that said you have to be sensible as anything can happen anywhere in ANY city.

 

[vmc303]

quoting for emphasis from the girl that is from the middle of podunk NOWHERE in amish country.

No kidding, her house didn't have electricity.

If you've never been in a city before (to live) Penn will be an interesting experience. Yes there are a ton of shady people around. But the actual campus is pretty good about security and lighting, but with that said you have to be sensible as anything can happen anywhere in ANY city.

Repeating that the campus itself is relatively safe is pretty cold comfort. I guess it's nice to know that the chances of someone busting into your lab and murdering you are pretty low, but not being able to venture a block outside the ivy-covered walls without fear of catching a stray bullet kind of stinks.

 

[Neuronix]

but not being able to venture a block outside the ivy-covered walls without fear of catching a stray bullet kind of stinks.

That statement is so overblown IMO. The area around Penn is NOT bad. You can live 10+ blocks from the med school in most directions and live comfortably (again IMO). In fact, all the locals are mad at Penn because Penn is "gentrifying" the neighborhood. Investment is West Philly is up tremendously. Housing and rent prices for anything in West Philly even remotely close to Penn have gone up dramatically. The area known as "University City" is much better than it used to be. Sure, it's not lower manhattan, but at least you can afford to live here and have fun.

If you want to not be able to venture a block outside of your med school, try Hopkins or Temple.

 

[Neuronix]

Maybe I should look elsewhere....I come from a place where you can leave your car keys in the ignition without even thinking about it

Yeah. It's going to be hard to bring your car period if you go to Penn. Parking is very difficult or very expensive in the city and med students don't really have any parking options (also difficult and expensive). Insurance is of course ridiculous. That being said, leaving your keys in the ignition isn't going to be smart around the areas of 90% of med schools IMO.

 

[mshheaddoc]

That statement is so overblown IMO. The area around Penn is NOT bad. You can live 10+ blocks from the med school in most directions and live comfortably (again IMO). In fact, all the locals are mad at Penn because Penn is "gentrifying" the neighborhood. Investment is West Philly is up tremendously. Housing and rent prices for anything in West Philly even remotely close to Penn have gone up dramatically. The area known as "University City" is much better than it used to be. Sure, it's not lower manhattan, but at least you can afford to live here and have fun.

If you want to not be able to venture a block outside of your med school, try Hopkins or Temple.

Just quoting for emphasis. 👍 Cities aren't scary, the people are. As long as you aren't stupid about stuff (this goes in ANY city or small town) you should be fine.

Penn is NOWHERE near as bad as temple or hopkins. If you've never been to a city, I suggest you apply to Penn State. 😀

 

[microgal]

My brother is a fourth year at UPenn med right now. I go visit him all the time and I think its a hell of a lot safer than where I live in NYC. Beautiful campus, a little grey, good nightlife. If you're a city person not addicted to the city (like some new yorkers) its perfect for you. If you've never lived in a city, I'd still say give it a try. I love philly, overall great place.

 

[Smokey]

Just quoting for emphasis. 👍 Cities aren't scary, the people are. As long as you aren't stupid about stuff (this goes in ANY city or small town) you should be fine.

Penn is NOWHERE near as bad as temple or hopkins. If you've never been to a city, I suggest you apply to Penn State. 😀

Hopkins is bad?🙁
How does it compare to Pritzker/Hyde Park? I have been there and so have something to compare it against.

 

[riceman04]

Maybe I should look elsewhere....I come from a place where you can leave your car keys in the ignition without even thinking about it

oh...did you grow up in a wealthy area or in just an area where everybody knows your naaaaaaaaaaaammme...and they're always glad you caaaaaaaaaammme.....people will go where everybody knows your naaaaaaaaame.

No really, have you just always lived a sheltered life or did you grow up where everyone was just super nice...i.e. Canadian backcountry

 

[Smokey]

oh...did you grow up in a wealthy area or in just an area where everybody knows your naaaaaaaaaaaammme...and they're always glad you caaaaaaaaaammme.....people will go where everybody knows your naaaaaaaaame.

No really, have you just always lived a sheltered life or did you grow up where everyone was just super nice...i.e. Canadian backcountry

Pretty much grew up out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[sunflwr85]

Pretty much grew up out in the middle of nowhere.

Haha, I know how you're feeling. I grew up in the same "keys in the ignition" kind of place, and while the idea of moving off to a big city was really exciting a few years ago, I'm starting to get a little antsy as this whole process becomes real! More rural/smaller city schools are starting to sound a little more appealing, as the shock of starting med school and moving to a completely unfamiliar environment might get be extra stressful. Don't get me wrong - if the only place I get in is Temple or somewhere else with a reputation for being in a "rough" part of town, I'll be there in a heartbeat, but somewhere like Penn State sounds a little nicer 🙂

 

[Neuronix]

Hopkins is bad?🙁
How does it compare to Pritzker/Hyde Park? I have been there and so have something to compare it against.

Hopkins' location is worse than Pritzker's location IMO.

 

[novawildcat]

Upenn is martha's vineyard compared to where Temple is (although Temple has one of the largest police forces in the state). Every city has its good and bad parts along with crime. If you don't like big city life and everything that comes with it then don't apply to a big city school. 90% of philadelphia is extremely safe. anyway, no college student in philly belongs in the areas where you would be afraid of getting shot. philly is a city that is on the rebound and experiencing a new renaissance. we are starting to get a lot of artists from NY and DC because the cost of living in those cities is just rediculous. within the next 10 years Philly will definitely be one of the most desired places to live on the east coast.

 

[Law2Doc]

90% of philadelphia is extremely safe.

Penn is reasonably safe for a city school. But if you consider 90% of the city extremely safe, you may need a new, or more to scale, map. The rough parts of North and West Philadelphia, plus the parts of South Philly and various parts of center city you wouldn't want to walk at night compose well over 10%.

 

[riceman04]

Pretty much grew up out in the middle of nowhere.

oh that's cool.

Honestly though...many of the top schools in the country are located on the border of or are located in bad parts of the city.

Hopkins...the worst area
WashU...East St. Louis very close by
Harvard...near Jamaica Bay
Yale...dont be fooled by the small size of New Haven
Case Western....Cleveland enough said
Baylor...not far from 4th ward...and South Main is no joke...great place for me to get my hair cut though....hahaha
Columbia...Harlem...Spanish Harlem...whichever one...it is in a baaaaaaaaaaad area
Penn...On border of Fresh Prince's hood
Stanford...near east Palo Alto...think of the Game's new song

The nice places
UCSF...the exception, but you are not a cali resident
Northwestern...Michigan Ave...where I hear Oprah has her guests stay...nuff said
Cornell...Manhattan...yeah...nuff said
Duke...middle of nowhere (yeah those cities are small enough to say the middle of nowhere)

Location should be a big factor in your selection...just keep in mind many of the best schools in the country are located in or near parts of the city that have a bad rep.

good luck
U Wash...nice area on the bay

Cornell...

 

[Smokey]

oh that's cool.

Honestly though...many of the top schools in the country are located on the border of or are located in bad parts of the city.

Hopkins...the worst area
WashU...East St. Louis very close by
Harvard...near Jamaica Bay
Yale...dont be fooled by the small size of New Haven
Case Western....Cleveland enough said
Baylor...not far from 4th ward...and South Main is no joke...great place for me to get my hair cut though....hahaha
Columbia...Harlem...Spanish Harlem...whichever one...it is in a baaaaaaaaaaad area
Penn...On border of Fresh Prince's hood
Stanford...near east Palo Alto...think of the Game's new song

The nice places
UCSF...the exception, but you are not a cali resident
Northwestern...Michigan Ave...where I hear Oprah has her guests stay...nuff said
Cornell...Manhattan...yeah...nuff said
Duke...middle of nowhere (yeah those cities are small enough to say the middle of nowhere)

Location should be a big factor in your selection...just keep in mind many of the best schools in the country are located in or near parts of the city that have a bad rep.

good luck
U Wash...nice area on the bay

Cornell...

Thanks for the great rundown. I have learned that location definitely needs to be a consideration for me. In regards to Case Western, is it in a bad part of town or is Cleveland just rough? Thanks!

 

[peterpansy]

Thanks for the great rundown. I have learned that location definitely needs to be a consideration for me. In regards to Case Western, is it in a bad part of town or is Cleveland just rough? Thanks!

I visited Case for undergrad, and the campus itself was alright, but as soon as you step off the University Circle, it's kind of scary. Cleveland in general is just a depressing city (or so it seems to me). Much worse than most of Philly, even though it's smaller.