Prospective Students

Campus Life

Life at Thomas Jefferson University

Credit: Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is an East Coast hot spot -- boasting outdoor cafes along Rittenhouse Square, quaint cobble-stoned streets of Old City abuzz with bistros and boutiques and premier theatre, music and museums along the Avenue of the Arts and throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods.

The City of Brotherly Love is the birthplace of American Independence and the home of the Liberty Bell, just a few blocks from Jefferson's campus. Philadelphia is also home to a diverse population descended from African Americans, Asian, Eastern European, Irish and Italian immigrants.

Many students live in the city for the ease and convenience of being near Jefferson, plus immediate access to diverse entertainment. However, public transit keeps the suburbs of Philadelphia close by.

For more information about Philadelphia and surrounding areas, see www.goPhila.com

Barringer Residence Hall

Housing Options

On-campus Housing. The on-campus residential facilities are conveniently located within walking distance of Philadelphia's shopping, cultural and recreational activities.

An on-campus housing assignment is guaranteed to eligible first-year students. Interested students should apply for an apartment or residence hall space prior to acceptance to Jefferson.

See the Housing Office website to access:

detailed information, photos and rates of each facility
housing application
FAQs about parking, laundry, key pick-up, etc.

Orlowitz Residence Hall

Off-campus Housing. Many of the off campus options surrounding campus have wonderful character and include converted brownstones and historical residences. When searching for off-campus housing, keep in mind two important factors: security and proximity to Jefferson. Look for a secure area in which to live. Talk to residents of the area that you are considering and visit the area at night (not alone, of course!). Sometimes neighborhoods that are fine during the day are not so fine at night. Also, look for a secure building (e.g. intercom systems, front desks and doorpersons) and avoid first-floor apartments.

If you decide to live off-campus, begin looking for a place to live as soon as possible. One fun way to do this is to walk around the area looking for "FOR RENT" signs. Also, check the listings on the Off-Campus Bulletin Board online.

You should begin your search for off-campus housing in March/April. This will provide you with enough time to identify the various accommodations available.

Visit the Department of Housing and Residence Life website as it provides off-campus housing listings, as well as, a comprehensive "Off Campus Alternatives" guide book that could be a great starting point.

Jefferson affiliates interested in off-campus accommodations can request information by contacting the the Housing Office M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (215) 955-8913.

Public Transportation

Commuter Service Office | (215) 955-6417

The Commuter Services Office (CSO) provides transportation and parking assistance to Thomas Jefferson University students.

A partnership with CSO and those companies providing area transportation and parking results in a savings passed on to you! The benefits include discounts on the following; transit passes, transit tickets, transit tokens, and parking permits. Note: all sales are final and returns or exchanges are not permitted.

SEPTA | (215) 580-7800
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, is the system of public transportation in Philadelphia. It is quite extensive, serving not only the city of Philadelphia, but also all of the outlying suburbs including Delaware and New Jersey.

PATCO | (856) 772-6900
PATCO trains from New Jersey stop on campus.

AMTRAK| 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
The train station is 30th Street Station, located at 30th and Market Streets.

GREYHOUND/TRAILWAYS BUSES | 1-800-231-2222
The bus terminal is located at 10th and Filbert Streets behind the Gallery.

TAXIS | Yellow Cab (215) 922-8400 | United Cab (215) 625-2881 | Liberty Cab (215) 389-8000 | Olde City Taxi (215) 247-7678