Drexel University Housing: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Drexel University, a renowned private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attracts students worldwide with its experiential education and comprehensive academic programs. Finding suitable and convenient housing is a crucial aspect of a student's experience. This article explores the various housing options available to Drexel University students, both on and off-campus, to aid in making informed decisions.

On-Campus Housing at Drexel University

Drexel University requires first and second-year students to live on campus for two years, providing them with opportunities to fully immerse themselves in campus life. Drexel housing is designed to foster a friendly and healthy community, with various amenities accessible to students. On-campus residence halls include singles, doubles, and suites.

Residence Halls

Race Street Hall: A popular freshman residence hall with an "apartment feel," featuring spacious rooms and essential components for comfortable living.
Bentley Hall: Recently renovated with upgraded amenities, including a full-sized refrigerator, sink, and cabinet storage in the kitchen area. Social lounges with TVs and study lounges are available on floors 2-11.
Caneris Hall: Named after Andrew T. Carneris, the past senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services, opened in 2000.
Millennium Hall: Opened in 2009, exclusively for first-year students, chosen by a student vote.
Other Residence Halls: Kelly Hall, Myers Hall, North Hall, Towers Hall, and Van Rensselaer Hall.

Drexel dorm rooms are spacious and include comfortable beds and storage sections. Students can personalize their rooms to create a unique living space.

Benefits of On-Campus Housing

Community: Access to a robust residential community.
Convenience: Easy access to campus resources, dining options, and activities.
Utilities: Included living utilities.
Amenities: Access to amenities within the housing facility.

Off-Campus Housing Near Drexel University

Many students opt for Drexel off campus housing for increased independence, flexibility, and potential cost savings. Numerous apartments near Drexel University cater specifically to students, offering a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.

Popular Off-Campus Housing Options

EVO at Cira Centre South: Apartments near Drexel University with bills included.
Paloma University City: Drexel University housing with high cashback and no service fee.
The Standard at Philadelphia: Drexel off campus housing near the bus and railway station.
The Chestnut Philadelphia: Housing near Drexel University within walking distance to campus.
3737 Chestnut: Apartments close to Drexel University with high cashback and short lease options.
The Left Bank: Pet-friendly Drexel apts with gym facilities.
DOMUS: Luxury Drexel University housing within walking distance to campus.
Chestnut Hall Apartments: Pet-friendly Drexel off campus housing near a shopping center and supermarket.
University Village Temple: Offers apartments from \$599 per month.
Avery Philly: Provides housing options starting from \$999 per month.
Hamilton Court: Features apartments from \$899 per month.
Chestnut Square: Fully furnished apartments.
The Summit at the University City campus: Offers premier housing options.
University Crossings: Within walking distance of Drexel University.

Advantages of Off-Campus Housing

More Privacy: Ideal for students who prefer not to share living spaces with strangers.
Higher Quality of Life: Access to high-end amenities such as study rooms, game rooms, fitness centers, and rooftop decks.
Flexibility: Freedom to furnish and decorate the apartment according to personal preferences.
Affordability: Numerous affordable options are available, with some apartments starting as low as \$500-\$700 a month, including bills.

Best Neighborhoods for Drexel University Housing

Choosing the right neighborhood can significantly enhance a student's living experience. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for Drexel students:

University City: The most popular neighborhood for apartments near Drexel University due to its proximity to the University City Campus. It offers a vibrant city life and relatively affordable Drexel University housing, with an average rent of \$1,399 for a studio.
Rittenhouse Square: Ideal for those seeking a luxurious living experience, with high-rise apartments, top-end retail shopping, and a beautiful park.
Old City: Filled with cobblestone streets and 18th-century charm, offering fashionable boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Powelton Village: Located north of University City, known for its stately houses and colorful businesses. It is easily walkable, bikeable, and accessible via public transportation.
Chestnut Hill: A calm neighborhood with tree-lined streets and gardens, about 30 minutes from Drexel by train. Average rent ranges from \$1,200 to \$1,500 per month.
Somerton: Known for affordability and a strong community feel, approximately 35-40 minutes from Drexel by train. Average rent ranges from \$1,000 to \$1,300 per month.
Pennypack Park: Surrounded by trails and natural beauty, about 30 minutes from Drexel by bus or train. Rent typically ranges from \$950 to \$1,200 per month.
Fairmount: A lively area with museums, cafes, and cultural landmarks, just 15 minutes from Drexel by bus or bike. Average rents range from \$1,300 to \$1,600 per month.
Fox Chase: A quiet and budget-friendly neighborhood, about 35 minutes from Drexel by train. Rents average around \$900 to \$1,150 per month.

Cost of Living in Drexel Philadelphia

Understanding the cost of living is crucial for students. Here's a breakdown of expenses:

Tuition:
- Undergraduate: \$20,014 per term for most programs.
- Graduate: \$730 to \$2,100 per credit hour and \$280 per term.
Drexel Housing Rates:
- Drexel University dorms: \$3,580 to \$6,030 quarterly.
- Drexel off campus housing: \$1,200 to \$2,700 per month.
Food:
- Drexel campus dining: \$2,125, \$2,290, and \$2,465 quarterly.
- Off-campus food cost: \$425 per month at least.
Utilities (for off-campus housing):
- Electricity & Heating: \$50 - \$100 per month.
- Internet: \$30 - \$70 per month.
Transport:
- SEPTA Monthly Pass: \$96 per month.
- Bike Share Membership (Indego): \$17 per month.
- Parking (if you have a car): \$150 - \$250 per month.
Other expenses:
- Food and groceries: \$250-\$300/ month.
- Gas Electricity: \$150-\$200/ month.
- Miscellaneous: \$100-\$120/ month.

Transportation Options

Navigating Philadelphia is easy with various transportation options:

Drexel Shuttle: Free bus service across the University City, Center City, and Queen Lane campuses.
SEPTA: The primary public transit system, including buses, trolleys, the Market-Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line, and Regional Rail trains. Drexel students can enjoy a 10% discount on monthly passes.
Biking: Drexel provides a bike-share service.
Walking: Many apartments are within walking distance of the campus.
Rail: The SEPTA RR has three stops near Drexel, with one-way fares starting at \$4-\$5.
Subway System: The red and orange lines stop at the 34th Street Station, a 4-minute walk to Drexel.
Bus System: Over 100 bus routes serve the area, with stops like Nesbitt Hall and 34th St Station. A single bus ride costs around \$2.00-\$2.50.
PATCO: Connects southern New Jersey with Philadelphia, allowing transfers to SEPTA lines.

Campus Life and Attractions

Drexel University offers a vibrant campus life with over 300 student clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, and numerous athletic outlets. The campus is located in the heart of University City, providing easy access to restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Tourist Attractions Near Drexel University

Penn Museum
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Mütter Museum
The Franklin Institute
Sister Cities Park
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Philadelphia Zoo
Hermit's Cave
Wyck Historic
Independence National Historical Park
Schuylkill River Trail
Reading Terminal Market
Eastern State Penitentiary
Love Park (JFK Plaza)

Popular Majors at Drexel University

Registered Nursing
Accounting and Finance
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Biology/Biological Sciences
Marketing/Marketing Management

Tips for Finding Drexel University Housing

Start Early: Begin your housing search several months before the academic year to secure your preferred option.
Consider Your Budget: Determine your budget, including rent, utilities, and other living expenses.
Explore Different Neighborhoods: Research neighborhoods to find one that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Use Online Resources: Utilize websites like uhomes.com and Amber to find verified listings and compare options.
Visit Properties: If possible, visit potential apartments to assess their suitability.
Read Reviews: Check reviews from current and former tenants to gain insights into the property and management.

Read also: Drexel University Scholarships

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