Penn Culture
Many universities offer strong academics and a wide range of opportunities, but Penn culture is defined by its emphasis on connection—across disciplines, communities, and global perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania encourages collaboration, exploration, and engagement in ways that shape every aspect of student life. For applicants wondering what it’s like to be part of the UPenn community, here are some of the defining features of Penn culture. [1]
Connected Across Disciplines
A hallmark of Penn culture is its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. [2] Students are encouraged to explore interests beyond their major and take courses across the four undergraduate schools:
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The College of Arts and Sciences
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Wharton
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Penn Engineering
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The School of Nursing
Majors such as Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Cognitive Science, and Health Care Management are designed to cross traditional academic boundaries. This flexibility allows students to build a broad foundation and pursue unique intellectual pathways.
Connected Across Schools
Penn’s academic culture extends well beyond departments. Through competitive dual-degree and coordinated programs—such as the Jerome Fisher M&T Program and the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business—students can merge two distinct fields at a high level.
UPenn is also part of the Quaker Consortium, which enables cross-registration with Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges. This expands academic access, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the larger community of liberal arts learning. [3]
Additionally, preceptorials—short, non-credit courses offered during orientation—allow students to explore niche topics and broaden their curiosity from the moment they arrive on campus.
Connected Across Communities
A strong commitment to community engagement is central to Penn culture. The university sits within West Philadelphia, and students frequently participate in service programs, work-study initiatives, and community partnerships.
Popular opportunities include:
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Academically-Based Community Service (ABCS) courses
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Literacy tutoring programs
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Nutrition and health initiatives in local schools
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Volunteer projects with Philadelphia-based nonprofits
Beyond service, students enjoy the surrounding city through food, arts, culture, and local events. From museums and river walks to restaurants and neighborhood traditions, Philadelphia becomes an integral part of student life.
Connected Across Cultures
UPenn fosters a globally minded campus environment where students can learn from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Residential programs focused on cultural exploration, such as the Living Cultures Program Community, provide space for cross-cultural dialogue and shared experiences.
This international mindset extends into UPenn’s alumni network as well. Penn graduates live and work around the world, forming active communities that support connection, mentorship, and collaboration long after graduation. This global reach is one of the most distinctive aspects of Penn culture.
Navigating Penn’s Academic and Social Environment
While Penn offers a rich network of opportunities, it also encourages students to develop independence, self-advocacy, and balance. The university’s fast-paced environment—often described as “work hard, play hard”—motivates students to challenge themselves while becoming proactive in seeking academic, professional, and personal support.
This combination of rigor, exploration, and community is what makes Penn culture both dynamic and transformative.
Penn culture is shaped by interdisciplinary exploration, meaningful engagement with the city, global perspectives, and a student community known for its energy and ambition. [4] For applicants seeking a collaborative, urban, and intellectually vibrant college experience, UPenn offers an environment where curiosity and connection can thrive.
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