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7 Questions to Ask in an Interview (and 3 to NEVER)

You know the feeling when you’re in a job interview and it’s going GREAT, and you answered every question about your résumé, felt comfortable with all the responsibilities of the position, hit it off so well with the person interviewing you that you feel you’ve known each other for a lifetime…but then they ask you that dreaded question: “So do you have any questions for me?”

According to Business Insider, “…every interview is a two-way street. You should be interviewing the employer just as much as they’re interviewing you. You both need to walk away convinced that the job would be a great fit.”

But you can’t ask too many questions, right?  And what if you ask the wrong questions? After scouring the web and asking around the Campus Philly office, here are seven questions to ask in an interview (and three to avoid unless the situation calls for it). Continue reading “7 Questions to Ask in an Interview (and 3 to NEVER)”

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CollegeFest 2018: Everything You Need to Know to Have the BEST Five Hours in Philly!

Is it September yet…? We’re already counting down the days to the start of the fall semester. New roommates, packed class schedules, exciting off-campus events in Philly’s beautiful fall weather… and of course, it’s time for COLLEGEFEST!

Every year, Campus Philly throws a huge festival called CollegeFest in Dilworth Park for thousands of college students in the Philadelphia region. This year’s festival is on Saturday, September 8, and you’re not going to want to miss it.. The day-long (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), totally free festival takes over the plaza around City Hall with outdoor games, prizes and giveaways from local companies, and live music. There’s also a FREE shuttle for college students to take all across the city, all day long, to visit Philly’s top museums…. for FREE (are you sensing a trend here…?)

There are SO many reasons to attend CollegeFest, but we’ve rounded up the best ones below. Keep checking back here leading up to the event, as we’ll be adding more exhibitors, more performances, and more Philly museums that you can visit on September 8.

Oh, and be sure to register early for Express Check-In so you can skip the line on September 8, and RSVP on Facebook to let your friends know you’re going!

  1. In case we didn’t emphasize this enough already, CollegeFest is FREE for college students like you! That’s right – the festival, the museums, the transportation, the swag… all 100% free. Check out the full list of museums you can visit here – this list will continue to grow!
  2. It’s so easy to get to Dilworth Park. Google Maps makes it even easier, telling you when SEPTA leaves (regional rail, bus, and subway) and how far you’ll have to walk. Since Dilworth is literally a few feet from Suburban Station (regional rail), 15th Street Station (Market-Frankford subway line), and City Hall Station (Broad Street subway line), you won’t be walking far at all. If you have any questions on how to get there, just shoot us an email!
  3. You’ll get the best #selfies: you’ll quickly realize how photogenic Philadelphia is – from City Hall, to the Art Museum steps, to the Delaware River waterfront from the Independence Seaport Museum, and all along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, there will be a ton of Insta Story-worthy spots to take photos. Just be sure to use #CampusPhilly so we can share them, too!
  4. You’ll meet college students from all over the Philly region. There will be more than 5,000 attendees, and you’ll make unforgettable connections with college students like you from all different campuses, giving you just one more reason to explore a new area of the city and get off your campus for a visit!
  5. After five hours of exploring, you’ll get a sense of the best spots and coolest neighborhoods to visit in the city after CollegeFest and throughout the semester. Plus, we’ve already rounded up some of our own favorites in the Insider Guide!
  6. Catch some of the city’s best local artists on the live music stage, with performances throughout the entire day! Stay tuned for the full line-up…. coming soon!
  7. So. Much. Swag. You’ll walk home with a ton of free stuff from awesome companies like IKEA, Comcast, Lyft, GoPuff, A.C. Moore, Capital One, Sparkling Ice, and so much more – our list is growing every day!
  8. Challenge friends to outdoor games, like giant jenga, corn hole, a dunk tank, relay races, bubble soccer, and more on the lawn of City Hall.
  9. Yes, we said bubble soccer, and it deserves to be its own listing because when else can you wear giant inflatable suits and run into your fellow inflatable-suited friends at FULL FORCE!? Yeah, it’s amazing.
  10. You can ask us ANYTHING! The Campus Philly team will be readily available to answer any questions you have about getting around the city, which free events to attend throughout the year, where to get the best tacos, and anything else you can think of to make your time in Philadelphia the best it can possibly be.

Follow us on Instagram for even MORE events happening in your extended campus, the city of Philadelphia, exclusively for college students like you.

We’re so excited you’re here! Welcome to Philly!

 

 

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Celebrate Independence at the Museum of the American Revolution

We’ve all read about the American Revolution in history books and know the story, for the most part – how a ragtag team of soldiers was able to defeat a global superpower leading to the birth of America. However, after visiting one of Philly’s newest museums, the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City (3rd and Chestnut), I’ve realized that there is a huge difference between reading these facts in a history book and experiencing them firsthand.

As part of my internship on the Student Engagement team with Campus Philly, I had the pleasure of visiting the museum and it was absolutely incredible. I started my visit by watching a short film about the Revolutionary War and how this act of defiance against the British instilled a long standing value of activism in American culture.

From there I walked through the entire exhibit, starting with life in America just as Britain began to impose serious taxes. As I traveled through time I was not only able to read different facts about history, but could also see artifacts from the time period, ranging from swords to muskets, to even notebooks detailing the supplies the Revolutionaries had in their possession. By far the most surprising, and awesome, part about this museum was the ability for visitors to actually touch some of the exhibits. I touched a very old Revolutionary-era cannon!

Some of the most fascinating exhibits were the Faces of the American Revolution, the interactive battle, and testimonies from soldiers. The Faces of the American Revolution was a portrait gallery featuring the stories of the last surviving Revolutionaries and the roles they played in gaining America’s Independence. The interactive battles gave me the chills – the exhibit truly made me feel the terror of what it was like to be a soldier on the front lines of some of the biggest battles in the war. Reading what the soldiers experienced on both sides of the conflict humanized their stories, and put into perspective all that they had to overcome, from impossibly rough weather to limited supplies.

One of the most intriguing facts I learned was that the victory was not achieved by solely white colonists, but that the war was also fought by slaves and Native Americans who also sought freedom, and fought to live peacefully in this country. Surprisingly, slaves in the colonies were divided, with some supporting the Revolutionaries and others supporting the British. I loved how the museum was not just focused on the Founding Fathers, but on all parties involved in the war. I found it really interesting to see how this revolution provided women with a basis to start advocating for their own rights. I learned so much!

Seeing the struggles that America’s ancestors faced truly showed me that with perseverance and working together toward a common goal, anything can be accomplished. It is the American way to always fight for what is right.

This museum is perfect for all ages with specific spots designated for kids to have a hands-on experience learning about the struggles the Revolutionaries faced. If you’re interested in the history of our country, or just need an indoor activity to do on a hot day this summer, don’t miss out on the Museum of the American Revolution.  Learn more about this museum on Campus Philly’s Open Arts website, and follow us on Instagram to learn about special events taking place at the museum. Thanks for following along and stay tuned for more insider looks at Philly’s incredible arts and cultural institutions!  – Thomas

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The 5 Best Ways to Spend Summer Evenings at the Seaport

Paddle boats on the Delaware River

A special message from our partner, Independence Seaport Museum:

Kick off summer in the middle of a bustling Philadelphia waterfront at Independence Seaport Museum. With so much to do on the Delaware River Waterfront, the Museum is at the forefront of exciting activities to discover.

A perfect outing for when family is in town, a night out with friends, or simply something different checked off your bucket list before graduation. Below are our five favorite ways to enjoy the Independence Seaport Museum this summer:

1. Step back in time aboard not one, but two National Historic Ships docked on the Delaware River Waterfront. Launched in 1892, Cruiser Olympia is the oldest steel warship afloat in the world. Incredible relics can be found around every corner on this majestic WWI ship. The second ship available to explore is Submarine Becuna. Launched in 1944, you’ll discover what life was like for a sailor aboard this underwater historic WWII vessel. Both historic ships are included with regular Museum admission but if classes run past 5 p.m., you can step aboard both ships Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for $8 per person from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day.

2. For students who are over 21 years of age, the fascination and wonder of National Historic Ship Cruiser Olympia doesn’t have to stop at a tour. Climb aboard for Admiral’s Tavern, our pop-up beer garden held right on the stern of the ship. Craft beers available from featured breweries, and activities like quizzo and karaoke take place, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere and incredible views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Admiral’s Tavern is open every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. through the end of September. A night on Admiral’s Tavern is sure to be Instagram-worthy.

3. Philadelphia-centric and impactful exhibits reside inside Independence Seaport Museum, along with Workshop on the Water, a working boat shop. Tides of Freedom explores the concept of freedom through the lens of the African experience along the Delaware River. Discover Philadelphia’s connection to the founding of the United States Navy in Patriots and Pirates. You can also find Crazy Philadelphia Eddie on our second floor, which commemorates Philly tattoo legend Eddie Funk, known for his notable tattoo legacy and artistic role in the counterculture of 1960s South Street. Regular Museum hours are Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. College students receive a discount on admission at only $12/person!

4. A boat rental in our basin at Paddle Penn’s Landing is the perfect way to start your evening on the waterfront, or to top off a day full of activities. Paddle your way around with a roommate, or impress a date at sunset, in a kayak, rowboat, pirate ship, swan or dragon, for a perfect outdoor recreational activity.

5. If you test the waters in a kayak and are looking for more time on the river, then we have good news: you can join a kayak excursion this summer that goes to notable Philadelphia landmarks like Graffiti Pier, the Three Sisters Shipwreck and Petty’s Island. Kayaking adventures are a unique way to take in the city from a different perspective – on the water.

Bonus:  River Alive! will be a new, 4,000 square foot exhibition opening at the Museum in November 2018. It will feature multiple interactive and hands-on experiences that focus on the wonders and challenges of the Delaware River Watershed. Mark your calendars now!

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Turn your Startup Idea into Reality!

From University City to Fishtown, Philadelphia Makers and collaborators are sweeping the city, with a multitude of different services offered to help startups expand and build their brand. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite organizations in Philly below – reach out to them today to start honing your craft and building your brand!

Accelerators and Incubators: Have you always dreamed of starting your own business, but don’t know where to begin? Good Company Ventures is devoted to helping young entrepreneurs develop themselves and their brands. You’ll be introduced to a network of invaluable professional resources, ones you certainly won’t find on campus! By the time they’re done assessing your vision and helping to strategize…your startup will be ready for business!

Collaborative Workshops; Located in West Philadelphia, The Cedar Works holds 22 artist workspaces and professional offices. Originally an old warehouse, this building has been refurbished to be the perfect setting for an artist to express themselves  and commit to their work, while having the opportunity to meet other professional artists.

Digital Design and Build: 03 World specializes in digital product design and development. They work with businesses and startups to help them develop and expand their brand. Next time you’re at a 76ers game, walking through the University of Pennsylvania campus, or at the Comcast Tower, take note: 03 World represents these incredible brands.

Fabrication and Industrial Design: Emmy Award-winning digital agency Bluecadet focuses on creating digital technology for museums, universities and nonprofits. Some of their biggest clients include National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, The Franklin Institute and The University of Pennsylvania!  You need help developing an app or website for your startup? Go to Bluecadet!

Product Storytelling: Rec Philly offers a multitude of services including event planning, media content creation and advertising campaigns. They hope to expand and highlight their client’s brands and increase their influence. Their partnerships include Firefly Music Festival, Red Bull and even Temple University (Go Owls!).

All of these great companies are looking for new clients or entrepreneurs to help them develop their brand. If you are looking for assistance with your startup, one of these companies is sure to be perfect for your needs. Be sure to discover many more of these Philadelphia Makers on their website!

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A Recap of Campus Philly’s Annual Meeting: “Diversity is what you have. Inclusion is what you do.”

Last week, Campus Philly hosted its Annual Meeting, an event held once a year that brings together higher education professionals, corporate leaders, and individuals from fellow Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. Typically, Campus Philly shares its annual research on the college student audience with these stakeholders. This year, Campus Philly President Deborah Diamond decided to take an unexpected approach to the Annual Meeting by hosting a panel discussion on inclusion on campus, in the workplace and in our communities. The discussion, “Building the Most Inclusive Region in the Country,” featured three Greater Philadelphia leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences.


That unexpected approach resulted in more attendees than ever before, engaging in difficult but necessary conversation on how to create a campus and work environment where everyone feels welcome. As Diamond said in her opening remarks: “The diversity we have on campus will only be an asset if it’s leveraged to build an inclusive region. And that doesn’t happen automatically, but only with intention, conversation and changes in practice and action.”

Diamond presented a couple of important statistics for our region, showing that Greater Philadelphia’s campuses were comparable in diversity to the national picture, even though the regions our colleges and universities draw on for students are probably the most diverse in the country. In addition, the diversity that exists on campus is not being translated into Philadelphia’s workforce with people of color – only 32 percent of the 25-34 year-old, college-educated workforce in the city.


Deloitte sponsored the event, with Director Lou Pichini providing opening remarks and sharing valuable inclusive practices that his company has established, and additional sponsors JLL, Knoll, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provided support to make the Annual Meeting a success.

The voices that drove the influential conversation, held at International House and moderated by Philadelphia magazine Business Editor Fabiola Cineas, were:

  • Amber Hikes, Executive Director at the Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia
  • Jameel Rush, President of Philly SHRM and Human Resources Director at Yoh
  • Nyeema Watson, Associate Chancellor for Civic Engagement at Rutgers-Camden

“There’s the reality that organizations are being held accountable at a level that they have never seen before,” said Jameel Rush, bringing awareness to the importance of holding these sometimes-uncomfortable conversations.

Attendees left with tangible takeaways on inclusion to implement in their own workplace, including the following suggestions:

  • Implement an inclusion and/or unconscious bias training at work or on campus
  • Celebrate cultural and commemorative holidays of various cultures throughout the year
  • Welcome allies into employee resource groups and support cross-ethnic conversations among campus diversity groups

Everyone around the table advocated for companies and campuses taking the difficult step of asking the people in their communities if they feel they have a voice and a shared sense of purpose and power. As Amber Hikes said: “Diversity is who you are; inclusion is what you do.”

Following the panel discussion, the 300+ attendees continued the conversation at a cocktail reception.

Join the vibrant discussion on Twitter using #CampusPhilly and share your thoughts and experiences on creating a more inclusive workplace in Philadelphia so that we can all commit to building the most inclusive region in the country.

Photo credit: Chris Kendig Photography

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Where to get your loungin’ on: a guide to Philly’s best city parks!

Fact: back in 1683, when William Penn was mapping out the design of Philadelphia, his goal was to create a “Green Country Town” that would attract settlers from across the Atlantic. The basis of his design? Five public squares across the city – one in each quadrant of [what was then] the main part of the city, and one right in the center.

Those integral public spaces are now Rittenhouse, Logan, Washington, and Franklin Squares, and Dilworth Park – just some among many of our favorite parks in the city for relaxing, picnicking, people watching, and reading on a park bench this summer.

Get outside this summer and spend some time in Philadelphia’s parks! Below are our some of our favorites:

Rittenhouse Square: there’s always something to do in Rittenhouse Square, whether it’s watching street performers, shopping at a craft fair, visiting the farmer’s market, or simply reading a book on a park bench while people watching. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful park all summer long.

Logan Square: stroll along the Ben Franklin Parkway to Logan Square – you’ll spot the impressive Swann Memorial Fountain sculpture from a distance. With the Free Library a block away, it’s impossible not to want to grab a book and spend the day reading in the park, with a nice mist from the fountain cooling you off on a hot day. Check out Sister Cities Park, for more greenspace, fountains and a café, just across the street as well.

Schuylkill Banks: Philly’s most popular biking, walking and running trail, a part of the larger Schuylkill River Trail and the Circuit Trails – stretching from the Art Museum down to South Street – the Banks hosts movie nights in the summer as well as kayak and riverboat tours. Check out the boardwalk over the river and the neighborhood dog park nearby 25th and Spruce.

Washington Square: smack dab in the middle of Center City and Old City, Washington Square’s tree-lined park (a.k.a., plenty of shaded areas!) is right around the corner from historic Independence Hall, and makes for the perfect resting spot in between a day of exploring all over Philly. See if you can find the tree in the park that has taken a trip to the moon. Yes, seriously!

Spruce Street Harbor Park: the Delaware River deserves just as much credit as it’s western neighbor, the Schuylkill, especially now that this park has become the go-to spot for daytime and nighttime activities, alike. With Philly’s top eateries like Hip City Veg, Chickie’s and Pete’s, Franklin Fountain and more setting up shop along the boardwalk, there’s always a reason to hang out here in the summer. Lounge in a hammock, sit above the river in a suspended net, or watch a live band on the weekend. Oh, and did we mention there’s an arcade AND giant Jenga?

Wissahickon Valley Park: when you’re in the Wissahickon (or “the Wiss” as many call it), you’ll forget that there’s a bustling city just 4 miles away. With more than 50 miles of trails for every skill level, a wide gravel path called Forbidden Drive to bike or walk on, and scenic views along the creek, it’s easy to stay here for hours. The paths are mostly shaded, too, so it’s a perfect escape from the sunny city in the summer.

Franklin Square: between miniature golf, snacks and burgers, a carousel, and year-round events at the park, the historical Franklin Square is the perfect respite from the busy city. It’s a few blocks north of Market Street, and super accessible by public transportation. Stay up to date on their website to find out about the current events happening there.

Dilworth Park: the expansive park surrounding Philadelphia’s City Hall, Dilworth Park, just keeps getting better each year. There’s food at Dilworth Park Café and Air Grille, plenty of seating for lunch breaks and picnics, fountains, gardens, and even free fitness throughout the week. There’s also a subway station directly in the middle of the park, so getting there is a breeze!

Clark Park: if you’re in the University City / West Philly area, or just want an excuse to take the Market-Frankford line to a park you’ve never visited before, make sure to visit Clark Park. There’s 9 acres of greenery (it’s huge!) filled with more than 300 trees, and there’s always an event going on – farmer’s markets, movies in the park, concerts, performances, and so much more. Learn more here!

Fairmount Park: to classify this as just one “park” is slightly crazy, since the 9,200 acres of trails, bike paths, hills, and wooded areas make this one of the world’s largest municipal park systems. Bike, run, or walk along Kelly Drive for the best views of the Schuylkill, explore Fairmount Park’s historic mansions, or enjoy car-free streets on Martin Luther King Drive every weekend from April to October!

Belmont Plateau: here’s a fun fact to impress your friends – DJ Jazzy Jeff’s “Summertime” music video was filmed right here on the Plateau. When you’re looking at photos with the city skyline in the distance, it looks like it’s miles away, but this huge park on a hill, filled with picnic areas, endless fields, kite fliers, mountain bikers, and kids running around, is only four miles from Center City. You can take SEPTA right to the park (the 38 bus stop is a half-mile away)!

The best thing about Philly is that for such a large city, everything is so close. These parks are easily accessible by public transportation, a pleasant bike ride along the river, or by car. We’re planning to visit all of them this summer (as should you!) – stay up to date on our adventures and follow us on Instagram!

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Evaluating Black Representation and the Black Imagination in ​Séancers

A special message from our partner, FringeArts:

By: Kyle O’Kane 

This May, FringeArts presents Séancers, an innovative production created by Bessie Award nominated Nigerian-American curator, poet, and performance artist Jaamil Olawale Kosoko. His performance, to be presented from May 10-12 on the FringeArts stage, centers around one main theme: blackness. With recent blockbusters delivering representation, especially Marvel’s recent hit Black Panther, Séancers hopes to add on to the conversation to examine the American racialized body in a beautiful way. By incorporating various styles of art including lyrical poetry, movement forms, and discursive performance, the audience observes how loss and oppression can ultimately shapeshift into black beauty.

Jaamil Olawale Kosoko is the driving force behind Séancers, a piece focusing on the body through psychic, spiritual, and theoretical strategies. Kosoko’s previous work includes #negrophobia, described as a kind of séance. After touring throughout Europe over the past couple years for #negrophobia, Séancers came naturally to Kosoko as a progression of themes like paranormal activity, loss, and resurrection. The performance takes the audience on a journey through the surreal and fantastical states of the black imagination. When discussing the themes explored in the piece, Kosoko states, “There are 4 pieces of creative works by Black Women in particular that serve as inspirations and/or thematic musings for Séancers. [They include] ”Power” by Audre Lorde, Howardena Pindell’s Free, White, and 21, Rudy Sales’s incredible speech as part of an interview with Krista Tippett, “Where Does It Hurt?” [and] Christina Sharpe’s 2016 release In the Wake: On Blackness and Being.” He treats these works as pillars that function as the foundation for Séancers.

When asked how Séancers contributes to discussions about black representation like Black Panther, he notes, “Similarly, my work is concerned with Black Feminism, Black Study, Black Life, and Black Survival.” He values the visibility of the black individual, wishing for it to continue in coming years. Kosoko also wishes to raise awareness for other marginalized groups, who may not see themselves represented in media and art either. He says, “It’s also important to me that I center and support People of Color, queer, women, and gender variant individuals within my creative practice.” By supporting, and even more importantly, centering on these groups, Kosoko is inviting them to finally get their time in the spotlight as well. From a personal perspective, Jaamil recounts, “I’m also thinking a lot about Black theory, which has been incredibly healing and informative for me as a way to come to terms with personal and societal trauma.”

When it comes to discussing race in an academic setting, Kosoko believes his production has a lot to offer to university students and the conversation on race as a whole. He argues, “I think young people need to become more comfortable discussing race so that it may be dismantled with brave care and sensitivity. But this takes practice like most things…I think there’s a lot that we can learn from the visuality of Blackness, (past, present, and future). This is what Black performance allows us to begin to reckon with and decode.”

This thought-provoking performance runs from May 10 – May 12 at FringeArts’ waterfront headquarters, 140 N. Columbus Blvd. (at Race St.). Tickets cost $15 for students and are available by phone at 215-413-1318 or online at FringeArts.com.

CREDITS

Séancers by Jaamil Olawale Kosoko

Written by: Jaamil Olawale Kosoko

Directed by: Jaamil Olawale Kosoko

Sound artist: Jeremy Troussaint-Baptiste

Video installation: Andrew Amorim

Performers/Creators: Jaamil Olawale Kosoko, Tara Sheena

Major support for Séancers has been provided to Jaamil Olawale Kosoko by Abrons Arts Center and Danspace Project with additional funding support from MAP Fund, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Princeton Arts Fellowship, and the Jerome Foundation.

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When School’s Out, Philly Summer is IN!

The semester may be almost over, but the best time to be in Philly is just getting started. With perfect temperatures for walking around, trees in bloom, and al fresco dining in its peak season, the spring and summer months are the best of the year.

Whether you have family in town visiting for graduation, or have posted so many impressive photos of Philly throughout the year that your friends couldn’t stay away, the five spots below will help you show your friends and family around the city you call home. Trust us on this one – they’re going to recognize you as the expert on the must-see, must-experience sites in downtown Philly.

1. Start off the day with a panoramic view of the entire city and the ‘burbs, 57 floors up, with the Philly from the Top tour at One Liberty Observation Deck. Take a selfie with the best view in the city as your backdrop – there’s 360° of Instagram-worthy shots ready for you to snap and share.Guided tours are free after admission during scheduled tour times (11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.). Bonus: admission is just $10 per person for groups of 15 or more!

2. After you’ve scoped out your favorite neighborhoods from the top of the city, head down to the street level and grab a bagel at Chestnut Street Bagels, just down the block. Go for the Rainbow Brite specialty sandwich: birthday cake cream cheese on a tie-dye colored bagel. Trust on this one – it’s delicious.

3. Our favorite way to explore a new neighborhood is by walking around, people watching, and visiting local shops and cafes. Rittenhouse Row (from Broad to 21st Streets, between Spruce and Market) is filled with more than 200 dining, retail and cultural establishments, but the best spot to explore is Walnut Street.Sip on a cold brew iced coffee or a fruit smoothie from Saxby’s on the corner of 20th and stroll eastward down Walnut Street to visit high-end stores mixed in with local shops. Sit on a bench in Rittenhouse Square and people watch in the sunshine. Admire the baroque-style architecture of the Academy of Music and snap a photo of the iconic City Hall before crossing Broad Street (also known as the Avenue of the Arts).

4. Philadelphia is the birthplace of America, and the spot where it all went down is just a short walk or ride away. Marvel at the historic significance of Independence Hall, visit the National Constitution Center and check out their educational exhibits, and tour the Betsy Ross House.

5. After a busy day of trekking across the city, relax at one of Old City District’s many restaurants. Ranging in cuisine from Latin to Italian to American to almost anything you can imagine, there’s something for everyone, and most places have outdoor seating for optimal people watching.

Bonus: for one last Instagram-worthy snapshot of your day in Philly, head back to Observation Deck to see a panoramic view of the city against the sunset sky. Observation Deck offers a special“Sun and Stars” admission ticket, and if you plan ahead, you can purchase this in advance for a special deal for two total Observation Deck visits in 48 hours. After all, an experience like Observation Deck deserves an encore.

We want to share in your Philly experience! Post your photos from the Observation Deck, or any of your favorite spots throughout your incredible day in Philly, to Instagram and tag @CampusPhilly. We’ll share your photos throughout the summer!

Want more insider tips on how to make the most of your time in Philly? Subscribe to our Student Newsletter to learn about upcoming events, Campus Philly opportunities, and the best ways to spend your summer in Philly.

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Three Ways College Students Can Use Self-Storage to Get Organized and Save Money

A special message from our partner:

Many college students begin to realize a common problem when they move away from home and begin a life of their own: living space is expensive. If you want your own private room or apartment, this often costs much more than a shared dorm room. While you save money in one place, you sacrifice space in the other. It may seem like there is no way to accommodate all of your belongings in a particular space, but there is another option students can take advantage of which they do not always consider. College students in Philadelphia often don’t realize they can rent a self-storage unit and enjoy all the benefits of extra space without needing to pay extra for housing. If you are a student currently attending college in the city, you can greatly benefit from what self-storage Philadelphia has to offer.

1. Rent a Smaller Living Space

Whether you live in a college dorm room, rent a studio apartment, or even live in a house with a group of other roommates, you are likely short on space. In any of these living situations, there are not very many places where you can store your previous semesters’ textbooks, personal items from home, bikes, instruments, sports equipment, or anything else. A lot of students have realized that they are able to rent a self-storage unit to keep a lot of these items instead so that their dorm or apartment is only filled with the things they need the most. Renting self-storage allows you access to your belongings any time you might need them without needing to keep them in your limited living space. You also save money because you will not need to sacrifice more money for a large place to live. Pro tip: consider sharing your storage unit with a roommate you trust. It can also cut down the monthly cost of your storage unit.

2. Keep Only Essential Items in Your Living Space

As a college student in Philadelphia, you have a lot going on. From taking classes to working and balancing a social life, organizing your belongings may not be at the top of your priority list. Keeping your books, notes, and living space organized, however, is key to a successful college career, and a storage unit can help with this. When you rent a unit from a storage facility, you reduce clutter and distractions so you can focus on your studies. Self-storage allows you to keep non-essential items organized and safe while you go about your daily routine.

3. Solve the Summer Storage Problem

One dilemma that Philadelphia college students often face is what they will do with all of their personal items and furniture when they move back home for the summer or take a long summer trip or internship. Moving all of your items back home is a hassle and often impractical, but college students often feel this is the only way they can keep their belongings safe while you are gone, but self-storage eliminates the problems usually associated with moving during the summer. Consider storing your books, furniture, childhood memorabilia, movie collection, binders, and notes in your own storage unit so you don’t have to worry about what will happen to them while you are gone. This will help you enjoy your summer without the added stress moving often entails.

If you’re ready to get organized, create more space in your already small living area, or enjoy your semesters off without the stress of moving, self-storage can help. You don’t need to sacrifice your money for space. Getting a storage unit in Philadelphia may be the best investment you could make during your college years.