Five Philly Hacks Every Temple Student Should Know
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Five Philly Hacks Every Temple Student Should Know

There are plenty of ways to get the most out of your Philadelphia experience.

117
Five Philly Hacks Every Temple Student Should Know
Bob Krist

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59214
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38280
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959735
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197083
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments