New Students | International Students and Scholars Services

A division of Student Life at Drexel University

New Student Admissions

Transfer Students
If you are transferring to Drexel University from another school, college or university in the United States, the "Transfer Student Form" must be signed by the foreign student adviser at your previous school and then submitted to International Students and Scholars Services. A Drexel University I-20 or DS-2019 will NOT be issued until the Transfer Student Form is received.

Transfer Student Form

Affidavit of Support
All new international students must submit an "Affidavit of Support' before a Drexel University I-20 or DS-2019 is issued.

Affidavit of Support

Temporary Accommodations

There are a variety of hotels throughout Philadelphia. Below are several nearby hotels.

The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
3600 Sansom Street
1-215-222-0200

International House
3701 Chestnut Street
1-215-387-5125
www.ihousephilly.org
*inquire about Drexel student discounts

Sheraton University City Hotel
36th & Chestnut Streets
1-215-387-8000
www.philadelphiasheraton.com
*inquire about Drexel student discounts

Near Center City Hahnemann Campus:
Bank Street Hostel
32 S. Bank Street
1-215-922-0222
www.bankstreethostel.com

Best Western Center City Hotel
501 N. 22nd Street
1-215-568-8300
Club Quarters
1628 Chestnut Street
1-215-282-5000
*inquire about Drexel student discounts

Hampton Inn Convention Center
1301 Race Street
1-800-804-6835

Travelodge
1227 Race Street
1-215-564-2888

The Windsor Suites
1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
1-877-784-8379
*inquire about Drexel Student discounts

Marriot Residence Inn Center City Philadelphia
One East Penn Square
1-215-557-0005
*inquire about Drexel Student discounts

On and Off-Campus Housing

On-Campus

Drexel offers on-campus housing (8 residence halls/dormitories) to undergraduate and graduate students
- co-ed within building but not within rooms
- single/double occupancy room and suites/apartments
- need to supply own bedding, towels, cookware, utensils, computer, laundry needs, etc.
First-year undergraduate international students are expected to live in the residence halls for at least 3 quarters unless they are living with a relative nearby.

University Housing Office: 101 North 34th Street 1-215-895-6155 housing@drexel.edu www.drexel.edu/housing	Residential Living Office: 101 North 34th Street 1-215-895-6155 www.drexel.edu/rlo	Office of Off-Campus Housing 215 Creese Student Center 1-215-895-1328 Website

University Housing Office:
101 North 34th Street
1-215-895-6155
housing@drexel.edu
www.drexel.edu/housing

Residential Living Office:

101 North 34th Street
1-215-895-6155
www.drexel.edu/rlo

Office of Off-Campus Housing

215 Creese Student Center
1-215-895-1328
Website

Off-Campus
Lots of off-campus housing options (visit Drexel’s website at www.drexel.edu/offcampushousing for listings)

Important Terms
- Lease –a contract renting property (typically an apartment or house) to another person(s) for a specified period of time.
- Renter - a person that has the use of an apartment or house by paying of rent (usually monthy).
- Utilities – public services such as water, electric, trash removal, gas, etc.
Leasing Information
- By signing a lease you become legally responsible for all the rent and/or utility payments as determined in your lease during that stated period of time. Make sure to read the lease or contract carefully before signing so that you fully understand and agree to all of the conditions.
- If you attempt to break the lease prior to the agreed upon end date, you may be subject to a penalty fee, which can be as high as 2 months’ rent.
- Security deposits are usually collected upon signing the lease. This is often equal to one month’s rent and will be repaid after the lease terminates as long as the lease is followed and no damage is done to the apartment.
- The renter is often expected to pay at least some, if not all, utilities. If the renter is required to pay the utilities, the utility bills are often placed in the renter’s name and the renter will pay the fees directly to the utility company.
- Upon moving in, you should do a walk-through the with rental agent or landlord. It’s actually in your best interest to be very particular and have the landlord or rental agent make note of all imperfections. Better yet, take pictures of any issues with the apartment. This way there is no disputing over something the landlord says you have done to the apartment and you should receive your full security deposit back.
Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia has a lot of character and interesting sites to see. The neighborhoods are diverse and very distinct. It’s not uncommon to cross the street or turn the corner into a different neighborhood. Between 10 pm and 6 am, it’s best not to walk around anywhere in the city by yourself (especially as a female). You can take advantage of the Drexel Security while in University City or use a cab when out elsewhere in the city.
- West Philadelphia – Typically begins around 45th Street and goes west. This area does have some drug problems. However, rent can be very cheap.
- University City – This is the area right around University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University; approximately 30th street west to 45th Street and from South Street north to Spring Garden Street. Drexel’s and Upenn’s security and police patrol this area 24 hours a day. Many students live in this area as it is very close to the main campus (within walking distance). It’s also within walking distance to Center City (our downtown area) with all the restaurants, shopping, etc.
- Center City – This area begins from Front Street west to 24th Street and from South Street north to JFK Boulevard. This is a great location for students at the Center City-Hahnemann Campus. This area is generally safe but parts should be avoided at night or extra precautions should be taken. This can be the most expensive area for apartments, but you are next to all the stores, restaurants, banks, etc.
- Manayunk/East Falls – Manayunk and East Falls are really nice areas in northwest Philadelphia. It is pretty far from Drexel University and Center City (approximately 20-30 minutes) by bus or car so it can be a hassle to travel back and forth. However, East Falls is fairly close to the College of Medicine campus. There are trains and buses that provide transportation from center city to Manayunk. You most likely would need to have a car to live in this area.
- Art Museum Area – This is the area right around the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s a very beautiful and peaceful area. Rent is usually pretty cheap compared to other parts of the city. There is also a wide mix of people (meaning all ages, single professionals, students, families). Whole Foods Market (a natural and organic foods grocer) is in the neighborhood and it’s within walking distance to center city and the university.

Social Security Number

If you are employed in the United States, you must have a social security number for taxpayer identification. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. It is not employment authorization. You can begin working prior to receiving a social security number, but you will not be paid until you receive your social security card. Social security numbers are not necessary to open bank accounts, rent an apartment, or obtain a driver’s license.

How to Apply:

Obtain all required documents.

Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) i. Can be found at: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
Offer letter from employer or hiring department (must be on official letterhead)
Letter from the ISSS office (must provide copy of the offer letter and takes 48 hours to process)
I-20
I-94 (the little white card usually stapled in your passport)
Passport and visa
If this is for an off-campus job, you must have work authorization (in the form of CPT or OPT) before you can begin working or apply for social security.

Go to Social Security Administration Office

Closest Office to Drexel
The Market (name of building; on the north side of the street) 40th and Market Streets, Philadelphia PA 19104
To find other Social Security Offices: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

You will receive a confirmation letter stating that you have applied. You should receive your card in approximately 2-4 weeks. Once you receive the card, you must take it to Human Resources to complete your new hire paperwork.

Once you receive a social security number that is your social security number for life. You will not need to reapply each time you get a new job. If you lose your social security card and need to get a replacement, the reapplication process will be the same (you must have a job in order to apply for a replacement card).

Driver’s Licenses/Photo IDs

Anyone planning to drive in Pennsylvania should hold a valid driver’s license issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (PENNDOT). If you do not plan on driving, we strongly recommend that you apply for a photo identification card. ID cards are a viable source of identification for those who may not have a driver’s license. It is a better alternative than carrying your passport and I-20 with you.