Welcome to Drexel! By this time, you have already paid your tuition, an investment in the tens of thousands that might end up being the most expensive purchase in your lifetime. This expenditure may have killed a small part of your soul, but it should also motivate you to get the absolute most out of your tuition.
As a student, there is a litany of benefits that you are entitled to, most notable, student discounts which you can read more about here.
As a Drexel student, you are able to access a whole new world of unique amenities that you should take full advantage of in order to maximize what you get for your tuition.
Here are the top-four things you should take advantage of as a Drexel student.
Drexel URec:
Drexel’s gym and recreation facility, officially titled as the URec but more commonly known as The DAC, is truly an important amenity to take advantage of. The DAC is genuinely a very nice gym. The DAC’s three floors are packed with everything that you could possibly need. From machines, free weights, calisthenics equipment, a basketball court, a swimming pool, a punching bag, a rock wall, to seemingly infinite squash courts, the DAC really does a good job providing students a place where they can get active in any way that interests them.
The URec also offers a number of free workout classes for those who want to get active but do not know where to begin. Additionally, The DAC is the home for many of Drexel’s indoor intramural sports such as basketball and volleyball.
College is a time when you are on your own and are learning to be an adult. Getting active is an important part of maintaining your physical and mental health throughout your years at Drexel.
Join a club
This is not a place, per se, but this is one of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck as a student. Each term, you pay a $790 student activity fee. This, partially, goes to funding student life on campus. In other words, if you do not join a club, you might as well be setting $790 on fire.
The good news? There is literally no reason not to join a club! There are 493 clubs on DragonLink that you can join. They cater to every interest, no matter how niche (Hello, Dragon Jedi, we are all big fans of your work), and if you can not find the right club for you, you can create one!
Clubs are the best way to make friends, grow your skills and gain leadership experience. If you want to join a club, do not hesitate; join as early as possible. And if you do not know what club to join, I have the perfect one: The Square.
Attend events on campus
If you do not go to events on campus, you are missing out on some of the best things college has to offer. Free food, free merch, new people and school spirit can be found in abundance at campus events.
These events can range from goat yoga on Lancaster Walk, free massages during finals week and sporting events. You never know what event is going to happen next on campus, and they are often underutilized by students. For the best way of finding these events, follow @dustudentlife on Instagram or check DragonLink frequently.
In particular, you are missing out if you do not go to sporting events on campus. Every single game is free to students, and they are chock-full of giveaways and promotional events. Additionally, there is no better place to feel some school spirit than our basketball games, and if you are not there showcasing your Drexel pride, then you are tacitly letting Drexel’s school spirit be underwhelming.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
This is a personal favorite of mine. Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural science museum in the Americas. And Drexel owns it! Pretty cool, right? The Academy is more of a research institution than a museum in many ways, but it has got enough cool things that it is worth checking out once, and its rotating exhibits are well worth coming back for, especially for the low admission price of free.
Additionally, the Academy is a lovely jaunt down to the Logan Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. This is a beautiful area with tons to do, as you can combine a trip to the academy with a visit to the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Barnes Foundation, The Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rodin Museum.