When moving to a new area, it can be disorienting not knowing where to find basic stores. This is compounded if you are from a different country or even the other side of the USA — you might not know anything about the different grocery or drug store brands around campus. Well, this guide is here to help. The following is a list of the nearest stores, movie theaters and more.
Drug Store/Pharmacy:
CVS Pharmacy
3401 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This CVS is located on 34th St and Walnut and is just on the Penn side of University City. In addition to a pharmacy, it also has a convenience store section that is usually well stocked but can run low during move-in week. The pharmacy has different hours than the store, so make sure to check.
Grocery Store:
Giant Heirloom Market
3401 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This Giant is also located on 34th St, just behind Market St, past the Wawa and MFL Septa station. Unlike the standard Giant supermarket, this one is a lot smaller, with a more limited stock. If you need cheaper groceries in larger quantities, Trader Joe’s at 2121 Market St is a better choice, but a bit of a walk especially from the dorms. The entrance to Trader Joe’s is around back from Market, so make sure to go around back from 22nd or 21st St.
Movie Theater:
Cinemark Penn
4012 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
The closest movie theater to campus is on the western edge of Penn’s campus, and can be reached by walking up Walnut St, or Penn’s Wooded Walk towards 40th. If you are unsure which way to go, the city skyline should be behind you. The tickets are half price most Tuesdays, and it pays to keep an eye on their website. While Cinemark is the closest, the AMC Theater in Center City is much nicer. The AMC is in the Fashion District Mall on 13th St..
Thrift Store:
Philly AIDS Thrift
710 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
This is not the closest thrift store to campus. This is, however, the closest thrift store worth going to near campus. Philly AIDS Thrifts is a charity thrift store on South St near Old City. It collects donations with the proceeds going to free HIV testing, also at the same location. The prices are always very fair, and a good deal is always available here if you look hard enough. They also carry things other than clothes such as kitchen gadgets, electronics and music.
Department Store:
This one has two answers depending on what you are looking for:
Target
1900 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
It is a Target. Despite being in a city, they managed to fit most of a full Target in by stacking it over two floors. They have a small grocery section, and the standard home goods section upstairs. The clothes selection is lacking, which is why there are two entries for department stores.
Macy’s
1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Unlike the standard Target, this is an absolutely next level Macy’s. Located in the historic Wanamaker building, this Macy’s is three floors of shopping luxury. In addition to a great clothing and houseware section, Macy’s also has a good kitchen section if you need some of the basics. The prices are on the higher side, but the “Backstage” section has good deals if you are willing to take the time to look around. Probably the only time you will be shopping and also standing in a building on The National Register of Historic Places. The pipe organ that occupies one wall of the store is also the largest working pipe organ in the world. If you visit during the holidays, it is used to play carols. Beat that, Target.
One of the best parts about living in a city is how close everything can be located, compared to the suburbs or rural regions. While here in Philadelphia, take advantage of the walkability and the convenience that comes with it.When moving to a new area, it can be disorienting not knowing where to find basic stores. This is compounded if you are from a different country or even the other side of the USA — you might not know anything about the different grocery or drug store brands around campus. Well, this guide is here to help. The following is a list of the nearest stores, movie theaters and more.
Drug Store/Pharmacy:
CVS Pharmacy
3401 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This CVS is located on 34th St and Walnut and is just on the Penn side of University City. In addition to a pharmacy, it also has a convenience store section that is usually well stocked but can run low during move-in week. The pharmacy has different hours than the store, so make sure to check.
Grocery Store:
Giant Heirloom Market
3401 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This Giant is also located on 34th St, just behind Market St, past the Wawa and MFL Septa station. Unlike the standard Giant supermarket, this one is a lot smaller, with a more limited stock. If you need cheaper groceries in larger quantities, Trader Joe’s at 2121 Market St is a better choice, but a bit of a walk especially from the dorms. The entrance to Trader Joe’s is around back from Market, so make sure to go around back from 22nd or 21st St.
Movie Theater:
Cinemark Penn
4012 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
The closest movie theater to campus is on the western edge of Penn’s campus, and can be reached by walking up Walnut St, or Penn’s Wooded Walk towards 40th. If you are unsure which way to go, the city skyline should be behind you. The tickets are half price most Tuesdays, and it pays to keep an eye on their website. While Cinemark is the closest, the AMC Theater in Center City is much nicer. The AMC is in the Fashion District Mall on 13th St..
Thrift Store:
Philly AIDS Thrift
710 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
This is not the closest thrift store to campus. This is, however, the closest thrift store worth going to near campus. Philly AIDS Thrifts is a charity thrift store on South St near Old City. It collects donations with the proceeds going to free HIV testing, also at the same location. The prices are always very fair, and a good deal is always available here if you look hard enough. They also carry things other than clothes such as kitchen gadgets, electronics and music.
Department Store:
This one has two answers depending on what you are looking for:
Target
1900 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
It is a Target. Despite being in a city, they managed to fit most of a full Target in by stacking it over two floors. They have a small grocery section, and the standard home goods section upstairs. The clothes selection is lacking, which is why there are two entries for department stores.
Macy’s
1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Unlike the standard Target, this is an absolutely next level Macy’s. Located in the historic Wanamaker building, this Macy’s is three floors of shopping luxury. In addition to a great clothing and houseware section, Macy’s also has a good kitchen section if you need some of the basics. The prices are on the higher side, but the “Backstage” section has good deals if you are willing to take the time to look around. Probably the only time you will be shopping and also standing in a building on The National Register of Historic Places. The pipe organ that occupies one wall of the store is also the largest working pipe organ in the world. If you visit during the holidays, it is used to play carols. Beat that, Target.
One of the best parts about living in a city is how close everything can be located, compared to the suburbs or rural regions. While here in Philadelphia, take advantage of the walkability and the convenience that comes with it.