If you're a student at Temple University, then you have a opportunity for an urban college experience, which is something very few people can say. The exploration possibilities for a student in Philly are endless, but there's plenty of tips and tricks out there. Here are five cool Philly "Hacks" that Temple students should know.
1. If you're looking for a meal that's cheap, filling, and relatively healthy, Halal carts are your friends.
These carts, serving up special meals cooked in accordance with Muslim practices, have been appearing all over Philly in the last few years, a few of which are even right on Temple's campus. In most cases, you can get a protein over rice with red and white sauces, a side salad, and a drink for a total of just five dollars. When they give you the container, you will find it stuffed to the max with food. Not to mention it's fast food that isn't bad for you. My favorite is the falafel sandwich. There's no better food deal in Philly than a Halal cart.
2. The best forms of public transportation in Philly are the subways, as they are cheap and in many cases, quick.
Trying to get to City Hall or the stadiums? Visiting a friend at Drexel or UPenn? Don't waste your time trying to find parking, and don't waste your money on Uber or Lyft. To get around Philly cheaply and quickly, underground is where it's at. Currently, you can get a two token round trip for $3.60 on the SEPTA lines, and many transfers between trains are free (as long as you don't prematurely go through the exit). Between the Broad Street Line and Market - Frankford line, it takes me just 15 minutes to get from the Temple area to University City or South Philly.
3. Don't eat at Reading Terminal Market during usual meal hours unless you want to fight for a table, or even just any space to walk around.
Reading Terminal Market is a palace of nearly every food imaginable, so it's not surprising it's almost always crowded with residents, students, and tourists alike. If you go here during a prime mealtime, there is little to no chance of you ever getting a table and you will be clawing your way just to get through the crowd. Try to visit in-between meals instead.
4. For a setting that provides a welcoming environment for people new to Philly but isn't a total tourist trap, visit South Street.
Which Cheesesteak is better, Geno's or Pat's? The answer is neither. Philly's best cheesesteaks can be found at Jim's on South Street. Jim's is just one of South Street's many notable spots. The Theatre of Living Arts, Big Gay Ice Cream, Condom Kingdom (you read that correctly), smoke shops, and just about every other thing a young, free-spirited person could want can be found on South Street.
5. Locking your doors, not looking up at tall buildings, walking with a sense of purpose, and not staring down at your phone are all great ways to stay safe in an urban setting.
This should be a given, but if you want to have a positive time in Philly, or really any city, you need to understand the potential dangers associated with city life and keep your head on a swivel. Philly isn't nearly as dangerous as a lot of people outside the area make it out to be, but it's always good to be smart.
With just a few simple things in mind, you really can maximize your experience being in Philadelphia. Cool little hacks can be found everywhere in Philly no matter where you are or how long you're there for, and if you're a Temple student, you can explore it all in your backyard.