The University of Pennsylvania, called Penn informally, is located on a beautiful tree-lined campus near the heart of Philadelphia, a vital and lively city. Known as the "Social Ivy", Penn was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740 making it one of the oldest and most selective universities in the United States.

Today Penn is home to a diverse undergraduate student body of nearly 10,000, hailing from every state in the union and all around the globe. Admissions are among the most selective in the country and Penn consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Another 10,000 students are enrolled in Penn's 12 graduate and professional schools, which are national leaders in their fields. The Wharton School is consistently one of the nation's top three business schools. The School of Nursing is one of the two best in the U.S. The School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Education, Law School, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Annenberg School for Communication all rank among the top 10 schools in their fields.

Course Restrictions:
Exchange students studying at the University of Pennsylvania are expected to enroll in at least four undergraduate courses in the school to which they have been admitted (College of Arts and Science or the School of Engineering and Applied Science). Most courses are open and available to exchange students though some may require prerequisites prior to enrollment.

Exchange students may have an opportunity to take one or two courses at the Wharton School of Business if space in the course is available. The University of Pennsylvania can not guarantee access to courses in the Wharton School of Business to NUS exchange students.  It is highly unlikely that students would be able to take finance courses and exchange students are not permitted to enroll in MBA courses.

Exchange students may have an opportunity to take one or two courses at the Graduate School of Education if space in the course is available but please not that priority is given to graduate students. Exchange students will not be able to take teaching courses.

Course Descriptions: http://www.upenn.edu/registrar/register

Academic Calendar:

• Fall term: late August/early September to late December
• Spring term: early January to mid May

Application Deadlines:

On-campus Housing:
On-campus housing offers a furnished residence close to campus in a reasonably secure
environment. People new to Philadelphia and attending the University for a short period of time often prefer to live in University housing for safety reasons and the opportunity to meet other engaging students. All rooms and apartments are furnished, but you will have to provide sheets and towels and necessary utensils should you have a kitchen.  For 2008-2009, undergraduate housing ranges from $830 to $1150 a month, depending on the type of accommodation. Students who live on campus are charged for their housing on their Penn account. Choices of room type include single, double and triple rooms, as well as one to four bedroom apartments. 
 
The full range of types and rents is available at http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/rent.html.  

Please be aware that on-campus housing is limited, and first choices are not always available. 

Off-campus Housing:
Within the University City area, housing varies greatly in price, convenience, location, condition and type of accommodation. In selecting off-campus housing, you must consider all these factors, and you must be certain that you select secure housing. Listed below are examples of typical accommodations and the range of rental costs per month for off-campus housing: 

• Efficiency apartments: $500-$1,000 
• One-bedroom apartments: $650-$1300
• Two-bedroom apartments: $800-$1500 

Prices in the Center City areas are higher than the above figures. For realistic budget planning, consider mid-range and up. 

Useful Links:

• University Homepage: http://www.upenn.edu
• Penn Portal: http://www.upenn.edu/penn_portal/view.php 
• Office of University Registrar: http://www.upenn.edu/registrar/index.html 
• Office of International Programs (OIP): http://www.upenn.edu/oip
• Important Information for Students: http://www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/index.html
• The Practical Penn: http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pracpenn 
• Penn Student Services: http://www.upenn.edu/services/student.php
• Exchange student handbook: http://sa.oip.upenn.edu/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?
  File_ID=0605754870737005060D75021A7174040014040A007D1
  C70020302037B027C067273027C017501

Health Insurance:
All students are required to have health insurance coverage and must sign up for the Penn Student Insurance Plan unless they have acceptable alternative coverage. Most international students at Penn are required to enroll in the student insurance program sponsored by the University.

The student insurance plan covers services such as diagnostic, laboratory and x-ray services, medical emergencies, surgery and hospitalization fees, mental health treatment, maternity service, and referrals to specialists. The insurance does not cover routine dental care or eyeglasses.  Separate dental insurance may be purchased at a yearly cost of approximately $100. Specific information on insurance can be obtained at http://www.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html.  

Visa Application:
Successful applicants would have to complete the online Application for DS-2019 (https://studint.oip.upenn.edu/) as soon as possible. Completion of this application is required to prepare the entry document, the DS-2019, which is the visa eligibility document to be submitted to the US embassy to obtain the J-1 student visa. Please note that the DS-2019 cannot be mailed to until the downloadable cover sheet is faxed to Penn Abroad along with the necessary financial documentation. Please be aware that there is a $100 fee to apply for the visa. Details on how to pay this fee will be provided when the DS-2019 is received.

Also, expect to receive a mailing with the DS-2019 and instructions on how to obtain a visa within four weeks of submitting the application and the appropriate financial documents. If there are any questions, please contact the Overseas Program Manager that signed the letter of admission.

Estimated Cost of Living: