Summer Institute : Student Life + Activities
Located in vibrant Center City Philadelphia, UArts is footsteps away from world-famous museums, entertainment venues, summer concerts and activities and opportunities to learn, grow and get inspired. Ranked among America's Top ArtPlaces, Philadelphia is easy to navigate by foot and home to over 140 museums as well as thriving theater and gallery districts. Here, you will have an opportunity to experience city living in an urban campus environment. You will have direct access to the galleries, restaurants and shopping that will complement your pre-college coursework.
| › The Scene | › Student Lounges |
| › Health Services | › Supplies + Equipment |
| › Facilities | › Other Expenses |
The Scene
Activities in the Curriculum May Include:
› Guest Artist lectures
› Trips to local museums, theaters and concert halls
› Faculty exhibitions and presentations
› Walking tours of the city
› Student exhibits and performances
› Portfolio reviews, presentations and consultations with UArts Admissions counselors
Optional Activities
› Trip to the beach at Wildwood, N.J.
› NYC trip to visit galleries, museums and performances
› Trip to Dorney Park
› Open mic nights and events organized by your Community Advisor
Other Local Attractions
› Philadelphia Phillies baseball games
› Old City Philadelphia galleries, theaters and and the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties
› Reading Terminal Market
› South Street stores and music venues
› Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
› Penn’s Landing on the riverfront
Download a PDF of our Philly Map >>
Health Services
The University and Pre-College community is dedicated to keeping all of our students safe and healthy. Health Services are administered by a certified nurse in one of two locations on campus, at no extra cost to the student. Counseling services are also included and available to students who need or want assistance. Students who need emergency care are taken to Jefferson Hospital, located just a few blocks from campus, at the student’s expense.
All students are required to submit health forms, insurance information and immunization reports before arriving on campus. The Director of Health Services will review all medical information before the start of the summer program to ensure that all student needs can be met.
Facilities
Our facilities are a mix of historic and contemporary buildings which have been redesigned and updated to meet the needs of artists and performers. All buildings are located along the Avenue of the Arts. Each campus classroom, studio, lab, performance space and gallery is air-conditioned.
UArts’ extensive on-campus library includes a collection of books, magazines, films, slides, music and more. Philadelphia’s Free Library is also a wonderful resource and is located just a few blocks away from campus.
Student Lounges
Student lounges provide areas for students to relax and socialize with other students. There are lounges located in each residence hall as well as a large Pre-College lounge located in Hamilton Hall. The Pre-College lounge includes couches and chairs, flat screen TVs, game consoles, movies and magazines, a foosball table and an eating area.
Supplies + Equipment
You are welcome to bring your own personal art supplies from home, including laptop computers. Campus wi-fi login information will be distributed upon your arrival on campus. Computer labs are also available for Summer Institute students. In addition to bringing arts supplies from home, you should also expect to purchase necessary supplies from an art store in the campus-area. Pre-College students may be eligible for student discounts with their UArts student ID. Supply lists will be distributed at the beginning of the program and will be posted on our website one month prior to the start of the program.
Activities
Optional trips to the beach at Wildwood, Dorney Park and NYC are at an additional cost to the student. The estimated cost of additional admission, meals and spending money is $100 per trip.
Spending + Miscellaneous
Residential students spend an average of $80-$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.
