1. Explore, explore, and explore some more!

Getting the opportunity to go to school in a big city, even if you are just studying abroad, you have to get yourself off campus occasionally and be a tourist in your own city. There is so much to do off campus in a big city that you don’t want to miss out on!

2. Try new food and restaurants.

One of my favorite parts about going to school in Philly is the food…there are almost too many options and I have a list of places I still have to try! This makes the experience just that much more exciting, especially when you have your family or friends come visit you! Check out some of the foodies instagrams to find some of the best spots! (Shoutout to @swagfoodphilly)!

3. Learn the public transportation.

We all know how the idea of having to take an Uber or taxi somewhere can be unappealing sometimes (I mean we are poor college students…), but that’s why it is great living in a city where you have access to public transportation all around you! Get to know how to use it and it will make it that much easier to get out of your house or apartment to go places.

4. Get involved with the community.

There are so many advantages to going to college in a city, and so many opportunities for everyone. Whatever your major is or your favorite hobby may be, do some research and see what kind of programs are offered in your city because putting yourself out there and making new connections will never hurt!

5. Check out Facebook events.

I know some people may not be super open to this one, but seriously if you take a few minutes out of your social media time to look for Facebook events for things going on around or in your city, you can find tons of cool and fun stuff you may not have known about otherwise! Definitely something to think about, because there is always something to do and you will find it difficult to be bored!

6. Experience bars and clubs, not just frat parties!

If you go to college in a city, you have twice as much opportunity for nightlife! We all get tired of fraternity parties sometimes, so its nice to have the option change it up and head out to the city for a fun night at a club or poppin’ bar! For the under 21 crowd, do your research and see what places are 18 and up! You’d be surprised how many places have 18 and up nights occasionally.

7. Did someone mention shopping?

Can’t forget about the shopping! Usually being in a city means there are plenty of cute areas to shop and explore, along with weekly flea markets or occasional fairs. May or may not be dangerous for some of us shopaholics…

8. City-wide special events.

Attend these when you can, because you never know what you could be missing out on! This past year in Philly, some of the craziest events took place; the Pope came to the city, we hosted the DNC, and you can’t forget the annual Made in America festival. These events were all in literal walking distance from our campus. Pretty cool if you ask me!