Summer in University City for Drexel Students

Head to the ARC to take advantage of resources you might not have thought of during the rest of the year. 

Summer is well and truly here for Drexel University students, and while the season looks different here than at schools without co-op or a summer quarter, the pace of life still changes. While you’re searching for shade, succeeding on co-op or studying for summer quarter, make the most of the downtime that’s left over.

How to survive a hot commute

Whether you’re commuting on foot, on public transit or in a car, this already unpleasant part of your day gets more uncomfortable in the summer months. Give yourself a little extra time to save energy, too.

No matter what, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and even consider adding some electrolytes to replace what you inevitably sweat out on the SEPTA platform or walk to class. If your workplace has a more business casual dress code, beat the heat with light-colored, loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Hot (cool) tip: pack a portable, handheld fan to blast a bit of breeze when you need it.

Resources to take advantage of

Of course, you’re still busy, but it might not be the crush of a more regular quarter. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing or you’ve wanted to get your healthy eating on track. Perhaps you’ve just wanted to dive real deep into the library’s journals and resources. Now’s the time!

In the academic realm, you can explore what the Academic Resource Center (ARC) has to offer. There’s support by subject, professional and study support and more specialized support for students as well. The ARC acts as a central hub to direct you to resources to succeed, so see what direction you can go.

If you’re trying to get more active or eat a more balanced diet, there are resources for that, too. The Recreation Center has classes that are free for undergraduate students, and if you did want to try rock climbing, you can take a belay class on weekdays at 6 p.m. and climb from 4–9 p.m. Don’t forget to try out the lap pool, too, if you want to get cardio in without going in the sun. If healthy eating is your thing, you can make an appointment with dietitian Hope Vega through Drexel Campus Dining to talk about nutritional needs.

Lunch for one? It'll be easier to grab a table during the summer. 

Hang out at spots on campus that might be calmer than usual

There are definitely fewer people on campus in the summer months, so if you’re looking for a study spot or a quiet lunch, now’s the chance. Places like the dining halls might be a bit less jammed at once-popular times, though make sure you check dining hall hours so you don’t end up hungry and shut out. (PSA: Handschumacher Dining Center is closed during the summer.)

As for other places around campus, you might finally be able to get a quiet couch in the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building’s lobby, where you can cool off and breathe in the Biowall. At the W. W. Hagerty Library, browse the stacks and explore study rooms, or even take a break and reserve the Serenity Suite. Maybe you’ll find your new go-to spot before fall.

Take time to explore Philly

You might be sweating like crazy while you do this, but if most of your days are spent in University City, summer could be a good opportunity to branch out, especially if you’re on co-op and working in a different part of the city. Explore Old City (easily accessible on the Market-Frankford Line), head down to South Philly’s Italian Market for some good eats or explore the Wissahickon Valley Park, which spans more than 1,800 acres within the city.

Take advantage of some perks of being a Drexel student, including free admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, plus discounted admission to other museums around the city. One of the best parts about museums in the summer (besides the learning)? The air conditioning.

Reset before the fall

Whether you’ve got co-op or classes coming up as the calendar heads towards September, you’ll probably feel better if you take some time to reset and get your life in order, or GYLIO. Put important dates in your calendar (whether physical or virtual), check in with your goals weekly and make sure to get your physical spaces in order, too. Your future self will thank you.