First Weeks in Philly: Campus Life and City Adventures

Hey everyone, I’m Maya, an exchange student here at Drexel University, and I’m thrilled to share my first two weeks in Philly with you! So far, it has been a whirlwind adventure full of surprises, new friendships, and some serious Philly vibes.

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. I arrived in sunny Philly, and Drexel’s Welcome Week started right away. I found myself surrounded by a mix of international students who were just as eager as I was.  One of our first stops was Drexel’s impressive Recreation Center, where we tried our hand at sports like squash and volleyball. I’ll admit, I had zero experience with squash, which made it both hilarious and awkward. We spent the day cheering each other on and laughing at our attempts to master the game.

One of the highlights during Welcome Week was Dragon Queen Bingo. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t win anything, but the atmosphere was still awesome. Everyone was cheering and having a great time, and being surrounded by so many students made me feel like I was part of something bigger here at Drexel. It was a fun way to kick back and enjoy the campus vibe, even without taking home a prize.

One of the best perks of being here is having a Dragon Buddy. Mine is an absolute gem and feels like a mix between a local tour guide and an instant friend. We spent one afternoon exploring downtown Philly, starting with a cozy café for a caffeine fix before heading to the Museum of the American Revolution. It was interesting to see how much Philly is connected to American history. Even though I’m not a huge history buff, it was cool to walk around and understand a bit more about the city’s significance. The afternoon wrapped up at The Franklin Institute, where things got a lot more interactive. We spent hours racing through exhibits, throwing virtual pitches in the sports zone, and even trying to balance on a moving surfboard. It was a perfect blend of learning and fun, making it a memorable way to discover more about the city.

In my second week, classes finally started, and things got a bit more hectic. I’m still figuring out the balance between coursework and making time to explore the city. But I’m not complaining! Just last Wednesday, some friends and I snagged free tickets to a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. Although the game itself wasn’t super exciting, we learned a lot about baseball (like the bases being 90 feet apart!). We spent more time soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying each other’s company than focusing on the game. It was a great chance to connect, share a few laughs, and really feel like part of the local scene.

That’s all for now! There’s still so much more to explore, from local food spots to hidden gems around campus. I’m looking forward to sharing more of my journey as I continue to dive into the Drexel experience and uncover everything Philly has in store. Stay tuned for more adventures, and thanks for following along as I navigate this exciting new chapter!