Residence Hall: Sansom West
You’ve probably walked past Sansom Place West at 37th and Chestnut and not even noticed it. The concrete, box–like building is nothing to stop and stare at. But looks can be deceiving. Step inside and you’ll be wowed by the flashy glass tunnels and blazing fast elevators. To the Rodin-ite reading this in that rundown, slow elevator, these are dreamy luxuries.
Pro tip: Befriend the hip grad student residents—maybe you’ll be invited to the Design School happy hour.
JUSTIN SHEEN
Bookstore: Penn Book Cente r
Tucked away at 34th and Sansom, the Penn Book Center might not seem worth the visit. Despite being known for only selling obscure textbooks, it’s actually quite charming. A friendly face is always there to find you what you need and you can discover books on subjects you didn’t even know existed—history of figs, anyone? Try browsing the first few aisles, where they stash the coolest stuff.
Pro tip: Need a quirky book for the coffee table or your dad’s birthday? You’ll find several options here.
SARAH FOX
Bar: Drinker’s West
Everyone loves (to hate) Smoke’s. Some people still like Blarney. But no one ever goes near Drinker’s—sitting at 39th and Chestnut, it’s just far enough off the everyday path. Venture inside, however, and you’ll see how much it has to offer: ping pong, happy hour Tuesday through Saturday, and most importantly, space to breathe/move/think/drink. This bi–level spot is massive and the $4 Absolut drinks are flowing.
Pro-Tip: Go with a group of friends, go early, go often.
NICOLE MALICK
Classroom: The Museum
Having class in the Penn Museum is like backpacking in a foreign country. Getting there takes forever, the accommodations are run–down, the food is hit–or–miss and half the time you can’t understand what people are saying (“let’s problematize the hegemonic paradigm”). But there are also all sorts of amazing artifacts and exhibits to gawk at. The building’s architecture is beautiful—sitting in (the hilariously named) Stoner Courtyard on a sunny day is a delight.
Pro tip: The Museum cafe sells wine and beer, in case you want to crack open a brew after (or before) your lecture.
ADAM HERSH
Movie Theater: The Rave
The Rave is your standard movie theatre—it’s got the so–so popcorn, the air conditioning on full blast and the uniform geometric carpeting. While the Rave may not be aptly named, the cinema certainly has some five–star features. The attached bar, The Crave, has cheap drinks which you can bring back to your seat. With six screens, you’re bound to find that stoner movie to help you wind down during midterms. We recommend watching “Good Will Hunting” this Sunday at 2 p.m.
Pro tip: Go on Tuesdays for Discount Day—tickets are $5.50 each, all day!
CIARA STEIN
BYOB: Beijing
Beijing isn’t known for its authentic, gourmet cuisine and lively ambiance. You should probably stick to the simpler dishes and not test your luck. But Beijing isn’t all bad—at the center of campus, it’s an ideal BYO spot. There are plenty of tables, so chances are you won’t have to wait to be seated. And, let’s face it, no matter what, Sunset Blush or jugs of Carlo Rossi make everything taste better anyway.
Pro tip: Be adventurous and try the green tea mixed with vodka.
HARLEY GEFFNER
On–Campus Dining: Commons
Commons usually falls at the bottom of the heap in dining hall rankings. Maybe their pita bread is a little hard and the variety can be lacking. However, Commons is like that dependable friend who’s always there for you. It’s definitely got prime real estate, especially when you want to procrastinate in Starbucks downstairs. Some other hidden gems: the sweet potato fries (when warm) and the chocolate cake (it rivals the infamous one from Matilda). If only there were healthier options to balance out the bottomless ice cream.
Pro tip: Avoid the fruit and the near–cheeseless pizza.
CHRISTIN MOLISANI
Recreation: Class of 1923 Ice Rink
During the summer, few willingly choose to hang in places so cold you need wool socks and three (or more) layers. During the winter, it’s too damn cold to walk all the way to 32nd—for more cold. If you’re planning on lacing up a pair of skates, check the times before—there are only one and a half hours of public skate time, five days a week. But hockey season is in full swing, and Friday night games provide the perfect combination of spectator sport and BYO pregame (read: no supervision, no rules!).
Pro tip: Bring a blanket, scarf and/or very large sweatshirt. The building does not appear to be in any way heated.
NICOLE MALICK
