Resources - Orientation

What to wear?

The climate in Philadelphia humid continental especially in the summertime. The city it is known to be unpredictable. Precipitation is generally spread out throughout the year. Temperatures can be as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

• Summer tends to be hot and muggy, so lighter clothing is ideal
• Winter tends to be moderately cold with varying amounts of snowfall, ranging from light snow to snowstorms. It is essential to come prepared with winter clothing such as heavy jackets, boots, and gloves.
• Fall and spring tend to be mild and cool. Wearing warm clothes like sweaters are recommended

Philadelphia’s weather is quite similar to nearby Northeastern cities (e.g., NYC, Boston, Washington DC). Exchange visitors who intern in this area should bring extra winter gear (e.g., heavy waterproof jackets, scarves, gloves, boots). For the summertime, light clothing is recommended.

www.fusia.net/philly

Where to live?

Philadelphia is a central hub for higher education, healthcare, and financial services. Many people live and work in the downtown area, also known as Center City. There are also other major neighborhoods, such as University City and Conshohocken. Although the cost of living isn’t as expensive as NYC, exchange visitors should still allocate at least $1,000 per month (outlying neighborhoods) and $2,000 per month (downtown area). For less expensive options, consider sub-leasing, sharing an apartment with others, or outlying areas.

• Center City is home to large corporations that specialize in many key industries. Most residents here live in high-rise apartments. Commute to work and other areas is very easy, with high walkability and a large concentration of public transportation.

• University City is home to a large number of college students and educational institutions. Most non-university residents live in apartments surrounding the college campuses. The area is highly walkable, with colleges such as Drexel University easily reachable on foot. There are many options for commute to nearby Center City, including a 10-minute drive or a ride on public transit.

• Conshohocken is home to a fledgling tech industry and young professionals. A mix of urban and sub-urban style housing is available for prospective renters. Commute is easy, but less convenient than other major neighborhoods - commute to Center City takes half an hour by car, and 40 minutes by public transportation.

www.fusia.net/philly

How to get around?

Philadelphia has an extensive transportation network called SEPTA that hosts a plethora of options for getting around the city. Pay in cash or use the SEPTA Key card which can be used for all travel on all SEPTA modes - bus, trolley, subway/elevated, and, and more - in one price. The base fare on SEPTA is $2.5 per ride (cash) or $2 per ride (SEPTA Key card). For each transfer, pay an additional fare of $2.5 (cash) and $1 (SEPTA Key card). For routes and arrival/departure times, download and use the official app.

• Regional Rail: Commuter rail network in Philly, PA, its suburbs and satellite towns/cities – Click HERE
• Market-Frankford Line (Blue): A subway-elevated route; a rapid transit line – Click HERE
• Broad Street Line (Orange): A subway-elevated route; a rapid transit line – Click HERE
• Norristown High Speed Line (Purple): An interurban light rapid transit line – Click HERE
• Trolley Lines (5 routes): W Philly, Delaware County, underneath Market Street, and more – Click HERE
• Buses: Looping through University City (LUCY), 24/7 Night Owl bus routes, etc. Click HERE

Travelling to and from Philadelphia is as easy as travel within the city. AMTRAK routes such as the Acela Express, Silver Star, and the Vermonter have stops at the 30th Street AMTRAK Station. Coach bus services, such as Megabus, also stop at this location.

• Interstate train: Check out Amtrak
• Interstate bus: Check out Greyhound, Megabus, Flixbus, and Peter Pan

It is also easy to travel within Philadelphia with the use of car services, such as Uber/Lyft. Philadelphia also has taxi companies serving the metropolitan area and the outskirts of the city. Taxi service can be obtained by calling the citywide 215 dispatch number posted HERE.

www.fusia.net/philly

What attractions to see?

Being one of the original cities in the Thirteen Colonies, Philadelphia inherits a rich heritage and culture that makes it stand out from other cities. Combined with its reputation as the “City of Brotherly Love,” one can easily make lasting memories in this historic area.

• Eastern State Penitentiary: A former American Prison – Click HERE
• Independence Hall: Where America was born – Click HERE
• Longwood Gardens
• LOVE sculpture
• Museum of the American Revolution: Learn about American Revolution – Click HERE
• Museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and more
• Philly cheesesteak
• Philadelphia Museum of Art: Famed art museum with classic pieces – Click HERE
• Philadelphia Zoo: The first true zoo in the United States – Click HERE
• Reading Terminal Market
• Rocky Statue & “Rocky Steps”
• Liberty Bell Center: An iconic symbol of American Independence – Click HERE
• The President’s House: Presidents George Washington and John Adams worked in this house – Click HERE

www.fusia.net/philly

What events to go?

Listed below are some major upcoming events that we would recommend you check out:

• Mummers Parade
• Philadelphia International Auto Show – Click HERE
• Philadelphia Flower Show – Click HERE
• The Cherry Blossom Festival – Click HERE
• Philly Beer Week
• The Philadelphia International Championship
• Blue Cross Broad Street Run – Click HERE
• Wawa Welcome America Festival – Click HERE
• Philadelphia Marathon – Click HERE

www.fusia.net/philly

City Spotlights