University City/Drexel questions (Philadelphia, Penn: construction, schools, living)

[jessemh431]

So I checked that Jewish website. Drexel seems to have no Jews nor any incentive for Jews to go there. It also says it's a commuter school. Would that be because most kids live in Center City?
Drexel University

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

So I checked that Jewish website. Drexel seems to have no Jews nor any incentive for Jews to go there. It also says it's a commuter school. Would that be because most kids live in Center City?
Drexel University

There are definitely Jewish students at Drexel. They just are not registered on the Hillel website. You will have no issues in that regard. A commuter school means many students live at home and commute to school via public transportation. Most of the students from outside of the area either live on campus, in Center city or in University City.

[Tone509]

I wouldn't say there's a particular disincentive for Jews to go to Drexel. In fact, looking at the link you provided, I'd say that Drexel is making a pretty good effort to accomodate its Jewish students.

I believe that the majority of Drexel students are drawn from the Philly metro area in general. They have developed more dormitories in recent years but it probably still holds its commuter school image somewhat. It doesn't help that they're kind of squeezed in between Penn and a residential community (Powelton Village). With so many students pursuing the school's co-op program, it probably makes sense for Drexel to limit the amount of housing they offer.

Originally Posted by jessemh431

So I checked that Jewish website. Drexel seems to have no Jews nor any incentive for Jews to go there. It also says it's a commuter school. Would that be because most kids live in Center City?
Drexel University

[Tone509]

Oops sorry newmarlig. I guess your typing trigger fingers are just a little faster than mine. LOL

[CHIP72]

I'm not sure where the Drexel students who don't live on campus come from, but I suspect at least some of the students who attend classes there in person during the day live in Center City.

Even though Drexel has a lot of commuting students, it's not like there aren't a lot of students who live on/near campus. Really, its campus area (which excludes Penn's campus area) and immediate environs isn't big enough for 18,000 students to live.

[jessemh431]

Oh ok. I was worried it was like Cal State Long Beach or Northridge or Fullerton. The people that attend those all live somewhere in the Greater LA area with their parents or don't even bother living on campus for any of their four years.

[newmarlig]

And look at it this way - if you become friends with students who live at home, you will probably get invitations for Passover Seders.

[jessemh431]

I was actually thinking for holidays I would go to NYC to be with family, but that would work too. Never thought about that though. I do find it very easy to become friends with other Jews.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

I was actually thinking for holidays I would go to NYC to be with family, but that would work too. Never thought about that though. I do find it very easy to become friends with other Jews.

It would especially work if Passover comes while classes are going on.

[Sarah211]

Being a Drexel Student, I might be able to shed a little more light on the situation. While, I am not Jewish, I believe there are a good amount at Drexel. There is AEPi (a Jewish frat) and many other organizations. While Drexel is considered a "commuter" school, many of my friends are considered "commuters" yet they live closer to class than some of the dorms. Being a commuter just means you don't live in Drexel owned housing, and there are many non-Drexel owned apartments intertwined with the dorms. With that said, many people go to other cities for co-op and don't live nearby campus at all. If you have any more questions, let me know.