Arrival

We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania! A printable version of this guide is available here. Please print and keep it with you. It contains emergency contact information and detailed directions to get you to campus.

GETTING TO THE UNITED STATES

A note about customs and connecting flights…
At your first point of entry into the United States, whether in Philadelphia or another city, you will need to pick up your baggage and clear customs. If Philadelphia is not your first point of entry, you will then have to recheck your baggage before you continue on to your connecting flight. If you are unable to locate your baggage or are delayed, we urge you to board your connecting flight WITHOUT your luggage. Your bags will follow you to your final destination.

In case of lost luggage…
In the unfortunate event that your luggage is misplaced by the airline company, proceed to the airline’s passenger services office in the baggage claim area to file a claim before leaving the airport (unless you have a connecting flight to catch in which case you can file your claim at your next destination). When filling out the report, use the residence hall address as the delivery address, and use the PLC cell phone number as your telephone number.

A helpful tip: Pack a change of clothing and basic toiletries in your carry-on just in case you are not immediately reunited with your luggage when you arrive in Philadelphia.

In case of flight delays…
On the day of your scheduled arrival, PLC staff will keep track of your flight’s estimated arrival time. Therefore, you do not need to notify us if your flight is delayed. However, if you MISS your flight and will be traveling to Philadelphia on a DIFFERENT flight, please notify PLC as soon as possible. You may use the PLC cell phone number or email thivuong@sas.upenn.edu for this purpose.

GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

From the Airport…
The University of Pennsylvania is located approximately 15 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport. Below are a few options to get to campus.

Airport Shuttle:

  • Based on your arrival times, Penn Language Center has hired A-1 Limousine to transport FLTAs from the airport to campus during peak hours.
  • The shuttle schedule is as follows: 2:30PM, 4:30PM, 5:30PM ,6:30PM, and 7:30PM. Please meet in the TERMINAL A BAGGAGE CLAIM at least ten minutes before pick-up. A friendly Penn student in a burgundy t-shirt will be there to greet you and call the shuttle around.
  • Shuttles have been instructed to drop off all FLTAs at 40th and Locust Streets. Please continue below for directions from the drop off point to Rodin College House.
  • If you miss a shuttle, please wait for the next one or take a taxi.

Taxi:

  • For those who arrive before or after shuttle hours, please take a taxi. Ask the driver to take you to 40TH AND LOCUST STREETS. Taxis charge a flat rate of $28.50 plus tip for transport between the airport and Penn, and you will be expected to pay at the time of service. Cash is preferred, but credit cards are also accepted. If you wish to pay by credit, please let your driver know up front. The travel allowance you receive from IIE will offset your expense for a taxi.

Rideshare (Uber and Lyft):

  • Please follow the signs to Ride App Pickup to meet your vehicle.

Public Transportation:

  • Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA, provides train service every 30 minutes and operates from 5:07 am to 12:30 am. One-way fare to University City Station costs between $5-7 depending on time of day. From SEPTA University City Station to Rodin College House is a 20-minute walk. See Google Maps for directions.

From the Train Station, Bus Station or Other Place…
If you will be arriving to Philadelphia by train or bus, a taxi is the most convenient way to get to Penn. Ask the driver to take you to 40TH AND LOCUST STREETS. Depending on the time of day and from which station you are traveling, cab fare should cost no more than $10.00-15.00 including tip. You will be expected to pay at the time of service. Cash is preferred, but credit cards are also accepted. If you wish to pay by credit, please let your driver know. The travel allowance you receive from IIE will offset your expense for a taxi.

Another tip: Pack light! There are no porters to handle your baggage once you land in Philadelphia. Many websites such as Amazon.com and Target.com offer free shipping to your host institution if you wish to purchase new things for the year.

GETTING TO YOUR RESIDENCE HALL

Your last stop will be Rodin College House, your new home during the Fulbright FLTA Summer Orientation! Once the shuttle or taxi drops you off, walk east on Locust Walk (for approximately 410 feet/125 meters). Rodin College House will be the large building on your left. See images here.

Between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm (or thereabouts), representatives from Penn Language Center will welcome you to Penn and help you check in to your dorm. However, if you arrive outside of these hours, don’t worry! The front desk is staffed 24 hours 7 days a week, and someone will assist you.

When you’ve finally settled into your dorm, take a moment to look through the orientation materials, especially the welcome message on the first page of your Fulbright FLTA Summer Orientation Handbook. It will guide you through to the next steps of your journey.

Safe travels!