Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA, USA

Reviews

Thomas Jefferson University

Adji from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school is very well developed. You learn alot of information needed for your major. Many opportunities are offered. Have excellent internship programs to help you have an idea of what to expect after graduation. Many clubs and organizations are offered for students to participate in.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here because it is located in a beautiful community, a place that students can really focus on their academic life, its not loud or disturbing at all
Bang for the buck
The gutman library has excellent sources that can be used for any research assignments.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready to fill your mind with lots and lots of information.
learn how to manage your time, get to know all of your professors, use the learning and advising center as much as you can to help with your assignments, use the library to help find information on research projects or any assignments
Great for these types of students
This school is perfect for students who want to succeed in life and have many goals they want to accomplish

Jacob from Bel Air, MD

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I would give Philadelphia University five stars on its academic departments. The faculty is eager to help with any difficulties a student may be having, whether it be with their class in particular or with something as general as organization and time management. Many members of the faculty are professionals working in the fields that they are teaching. This allows them to give students advice on the careers associated with their major as well as allowing them to bring their own real world experiences into the classroom as examples.
Am enjoying being here
The campus at Philadelphia University is exquisite. Set in a park-like atmosphere surrounded by beautiful homes with a very suburban feel. However, with bus lines are rail lines within easy walking distance, the shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences of Center City Philadelphia are just minutes away, allowing for students to enjoy the best of both worlds while attending the University.
Bang for the buck
As a private university, Philadelphia University can be a tad bit expensive when compared to the larger state schools. However, as a much smaller school than the cheaper state colleges PhillyU allows for individualized instruction of students and personal connections between students and faculty rather than being stuck in a large lecture hall or auditorium with a professor who is unable to tailor the class to meet the many different learning styles present in such a large group.
Tips for prospective students
1. Time management-The most important skill for any college student is time management. With so many things to do and only so much time in a day, one can easily get behind.
2. Get to know your professors-They are there to help you! Asking questions in class as well as before and after class and asking for help when needed are essential to a successful college experience.
3. Make time to relax-Always make sure to set aside a time to cool off in order to prevent burning out and not being able to do your best on assignments.
4. Have fun!-Try to enjoy what you're doing and who you're doing it with, whether it be hanging out with friends or a huge design project.
Great for these types of students
Philadelphia University is great for a student who is committed to receiving the best education possible and will work hard in order to achieve this goal. The University is great for students who want to be able to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the city as well as the safety and relaxed atmosphere of the suburbs. Students who wish to have small classes in order to have personal attention from the professor and a more personalized learning experience in college will also find this University to be a perfect fit.

Megan from Georgetown, DE

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Philadelphia University is a private, 100 acre campus where I am currently a Fashion Merchandising major, and I chose this school based on the many unique opportunities they provide. Fashion Merchandising is actually considered a business administrations major here and therefore, you are able to enroll in a five-year Masters program. Most Masters programs are six or more years at other Universities. Not to mention that the average class size on campus is only eighteen students, which provides for a great student-professor interaction and a lot of individual help if necessary. Another reason Im learning so much here is because the professors are so well qualified. Most of the professors I’ve had this year have had a lot of experience in the workforce and have personal knowledge of what they are teaching, that is very important with such a hands-on major.
Am enjoying being here

Campus life is very eventful here at Philadelphia University. We have a Campus Activites Board (CAB) who set up weekly event that include Comedy shows, Talent shows and concerts. We also have numerous clubs that range from an Accounting Society, Black Student Union, and Outdoors Club. I am currently involved with our Fashion Apparel and Merchandising Experience (FAME) group and Fashion Industries Association (FIA) program. These organizations plan events such as fashion shows, field trips and charity work. Our Campus is also home to many Division II sports teams, including basketball, softball and lacrosse. If none of that interests you, you also have the gym which hosts exercise groups and yoga classes. We also have a growing Greek life on campus with three fraternities and one sorority. No matter what your interests, there is always something to do on campus!
Bang for the buck

Since Philadelphia University is a private school, tuition may be higher than other Universities, however with a good GPA and resume, it is easy to obtain Faculty grants. In the end, an education is always worth it. The skills and knowledge you will obtain at this University will no doubt lead to a better career and life. Currently, a little over ninety percent of Philadelphia University graduates attain a job in their major within a couple months.
Tips for prospective students
Students who are contemplating attending Philadelphia University should only know two things:
1.) GET INVOLVED! Joining clubs and sports teams are a great way to meet people and make new friends
2.) Time management skills are extremely important. Gaining independence means learning when to go out with friends and when to stay in and study.
Great for these types of students
Philadelphia University could appeal to any student! With our long selection of majors, clubs and activities, everyone can get involved somehow!

Kyle from Aberdeen, MD

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love Going to this school, It is a close nit community where no matter where you go people are willing to help you in your academic goals. The Learning and advising center is a wonderful help in cranking out essays when you have a case of writers block. The teachers are always willing to help you learn at your highest potential and every teacher has the ability to accommodate your learning style.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is wonderful, from walking down the various trails around campus to hanging out in the Kanbar Campus center, life on and around campus is always filled with excitement. Rarely is there ever a dull moment. The RA's on campus always find a way to keep things interesting, whether it be a trip to six flags or just a party down in the dorms.
Bang for the buck
The use of the library and the Kanbar campus center is a huge advantage for me. I can go to the library check out my books i need, then go and relax in Kanbar and finish some work i Have.
Tips for prospective students
Be open minded and don't let your personality get in the way of you having fun. To many times i saw my friends have problems with their room mate cause they didn't like the same things, even if it was differences in music. You never know what you might like, just go with the flow

Katie from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Philadelphia University is an interesting University. You would find that most students are very academically driven and focused. This separates PhilaU from the college stereotype of constant parties and going out. I am an Architecture student and from my experience in the College of Architecture and the built Environment I have gained much knowledge and professional experience in my field. Never a class over 35 students I always have a personal relationship with my professors and they are always willing to share insight or experience towards anything I might ask them. Overall PhilaU's diverse full time and adjunct faculty and staff have a lot of unique information to offer!
Am enjoying being here
On campus I am a First Year student Orientation leader, a Building manager in the campus center, a varsity softball player, and have been involved in different leadership initiatives on campus. Of course, I love being here! Best word of advice about Philadelphia University is that it's everything you make of it! So if you involve yourself in things you are interested in or hobbies you love, you will enjoy your time here. There are may faculty staff mentors that will help you develop your niche!
Bang for the buck
Tuition is a high price to pay, but is worth it if you are driven and are sure of your major. Because students start into major specific classes in their first year, it becomes more difficult to change majors throughout their collegiate career, ultimately costing more money.
Tips for prospective students
1) come to open houses! they are a great way to get a first look at the campus! there are student led tours and a lot of infomation!
2) If you're interested in a specific major check out the shadowing program which allows prospective students to follow a current student around for the day in that particular major! It helps prospective students understand the classroom atmosphere and a major they may be unsure of.
3) No matter what school you're looking at ask questions and notice things like, how quickly people respond to your emails and phone calls. Those kinds of things reflect the staff of the college or university and can inform you of how thins might be if you attended school there.
Great for these types of students
If I had to describe a Philadelphia University student in three words it would be DRIVEN, HARDWORKING, and PASSIONATE! The student at PhilaU is seen as a professional in their field from day one of their first year! If you have dreams and you want supportive mentors who will help you make them feel realistic PhilaU's the place for you!

Kay from MD

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learn various life skills as well as academic information. You start off your freshman year taking core major classes. This allows you to start figuring out if you want to stay in the major you choose. The faculty are always trying to help you succeed. Many faculty still are working in the field that they teach and offer various opportunities for help outside the classroom. The learning and advising center is always available for academic help. You can set up tutoring for various classes as well as math and writing help. There is help available for you, you just have to step up and take it.
Am enjoying being here
This is an extremely nice campus in the suburb of Philadelphia. The school is located very close to the bus and train stations to take into center city. The landscaped campus is always being maintained by the landscape crew. Kanbar center is always buzzing with activity throughout the day and night. There are various clubs and organizations to join. I enjoy the overall atmosphere and energy that is on campus.
Bang for the buck
The career services program at Phillyu is awesome. All the career services workers are trying always trying to help the student be successful. They schedule many guest speakers to come to the school and meet with students. They have great connections with various companies that deal with all majors. Career Services also has a great internship opportunities and always posting new ones on career link. Career Services is one of the most valuable resources at the school. Overall the school is great and worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
If interested in Phillyu you must know that 1) it is a design and textile school. The top majors are fashion merchandising, fashion industry management, fashion design, industrial design and architecture. There are many other majors to choose from as well.
2) Campus may seem boring to you unless you get involved. Getting involved allows you to meet people from all years and not just the people in your classes and your dorm. This is great practice for networking.
3)Time management is super important, especially if you are design major. As a student you need to make time for schoolwork, partying, clubs, friends, and two very important things sleep and meals. Its best to allow the most time for your schoolwork, sleeping and eating. You need to allow yourself a good amount of time to do well on assignments. In many classes you only get graded on projects and tests. This doesn't leave a lot of room for error and screwing up.
3)SLEEPING AND EATING. These are the two important factors that allow you to be successful. You need to sleep to be energized for class and to complete assignments. You don't wanna be falling asleep in class because you will miss something very important. There is a limited amount of classes in a semester that you need to get the most information out of them.
Eating is important because it keeps you focused and your brain energized. Your brain and mind are the tools that will help you succeed the most.
4) Take breaks and do de-stressing with activities. It is very important to allow yourself to unwind at various points in the semester. This allows you not to burn all your energy and be known as the person who had a mental breakdown from stress.
5) Have FUN. College goes by fast.
6) You chose how your college experience will be. Make the right the decisions to get the most out of it.
Great for these types of students
Phillyu is perfect for students who are academic and career focused. It is not a big sports school and has limited sports to play.

Kevin from Robbinsville, NJ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
PhilaU is a student-driven and student-centered institution which allows room for creative expression. A large part of the curriculum is centered around collaboration and integration within and among groups of majors. PhilaU is a small-to-medium sized school which has a community feel, even among professors and administrators.
Tips for prospective students
Be passionate! Whether you'll be majoring in design, business, engineering, or are undecided about what you'd like to do, take classes in high school which will further your educational goals.

Apply early! Although PhilaU uses the 'rolling admissions' system, in which you should receive a decision between 4 and 6 weeks after Admissions receives all your materials, our seats and our housing can fill up quickly. The sooner you get in, the sooner you can make a decision!

Visit campus! Whether you come for a daily visit with a tour, a Saturday Information Session, or one of our three annual University Open Houses, you will be able to obtain all the information you need about PhilaU and have all your questions answered. I visited the school at least four times, and it was a large factor in making my decision to come here!
Academic Rigor
The rigor of the academic programs here depends on your major. Design majors as well as science- and math-heavy majors like Engineering, Pre-Med, and Physician Assistant Studies have very intense curricula and often find themselves spending many late nights in studio or in the library. This is true among these majors at any college, however.

General education classes (Writing I and II, math courses, etc.) are largely comparable to Honors and AP classes in High School (although I found some easier than my High School courses). This is fitting, though. We want you to focus most of your attention on the classes within your major - after all, that's what you're here for!
Dorm Life
Living on campus and interacting with the campus community has been one of the highlights of my two-and-a-half years so far at PhilaU. During my Freshman year, I lived in Ronson Hall, a co-ed building with double rooms. The community there was incredibly strong - I often found myself up until 2 or 3am talking or watching movies with my hallmates. I'm even still friendly with a lot of my peers who lived nearby.

Other Freshman options include Partridge Hall (our Honors residence - triples and quads - men on the second floor and women on the first and third), Fortess Hall (triples and quads - all female), and Scholler Hall (double rooms, co-ed). All residence halls have lounges and Partridge even has a kitchen!

As far as upperclassmen options, we have three:
The Townhouses: five-person occupancy with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Located very close to the campus center, the sports fields, the gym, the library, and other academic buildings.
Independence Plaza Apartments: three- to four-person occupancy suite-style apartments with two to three bedrooms. Each suite comes with a full kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
Falls Center Apartments: less than a half-mile off campus (but there's a shuttle!). One, two, three, four, and five-person apartments. Single apartments can be one-bedroom or studio style. Two, three, and four person occupancy has two bedrooms. Five person occupancy has three bedrooms. All Falls apartments have a kitchen, bathroom (or two), and living room.

I have lived in both the Independence Plaza and Falls Center Apartment complexes. I prefer the Falls complex, but both are comfortable and have adequate space for the amount of students and furniture.

PhilaU does require non-commuter students (>30 miles away) to live on campus for the first two years. I know many students who prefer to live on campus a third, fourth, or even fifth year. I will be living here again my third year and possibly beyond.
Food and Dining
We have four dining options on campus:
Ted's Cafe & Convenience Store: located in the campus center, quick grab-and-go favorites like pizza, milkshakes, wraps, and Starbucks coffee (which works on the meal plan!). Convenience store in the back sells snacks, drinks, household items, and toiletries.
Common Thread: also in the campus center, has five stations consisting of a grill, a salad station, a deli, and two action stations which change daily. Both this option and Ted's are a la carte (priced per item).
Tuttleman Cafe: located in one of our academic buildings, this quick service cafe sells coffee, wraps, sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, and more. Also a la carte.
Ravenhill Dining Hall: adjacent to many of the freshmen residences, this all-you-can-eat option hosts many similar stations to the Common Thread but offers as much food as you want for one meal swipe.

As a freshman, you'll be required to take a 19 meal plan (3 meals Monday-Friday and 2 Saturday and Sunday). Upperclassmen can choose 19, 14, 10, 5, or no meal plan.
What to do for fun
PhilaU's Campus Activities Board (CAB) plans events almost every Friday or Saturday during the academic year. These can range from a campus drag show to a movie screening to a hypnotist or magician. We also host over 60 clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities (both social and professional), service clubs, social clubs, and intramural sports.

East Falls, the neighborhood in which PhilaU is situated, has several amenities such as local restaurants, shops, and chain stores (RiteAid, Dunkin' Donuts). The main intersection in East Falls (Midvale Ave & Ridge Ave) is about a 10 minute walk from the freshman residence halls.

Manayunk, a thriving neighborhood in Philadelphia (think Main Street USA) is located about 2 miles from campus and is walkable in nice weather. (There is also a bus line which runs there if the weather is inclement.) Manayunk hosts shops, restaurants, and a bar scene for those over 21. I particularly like going into Manayunk in December when they host a winter festival with a tree lighting and ice sculpture carving.

Philadelphia at large has a whole host of events happening regularly. Some of my favorites are visiting the museum district, shopping on South Street, or running along Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River. Others include Philly College Day (in September, a networking event for college students from PhilaU and five or six other local colleges) which takes place on the Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the Art Museum and the Rocky Steps.
Bang for the buck
The sticker price is a little shocking, but roughly 97% of our students are awarded financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study. The quality of the education, though, can be seen in our 95% job or graduate school placement rate within students' field of study in the first six months after graduation. (As our University President says, he wants to find the other 5% and ask why they don't have a job yet!) I personally feel that the value of a PhilaU education is worth the price I am paying.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who are critical thinkers, creative, and problem solvers.

Great design school - most of our programs are ranked highly in the nation and are accredited by their respective national or state organizations.

Great science school - our PA program is ranked top 10 in the nation and we have affiliations for PA, OT, and Pre-Med with many hospitals and other schools of medicine both in the area and across the country.
Clubs and Activities
Over 60 clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities (both social and business or professional), social clubs, service clubs, and intramural sports.
Campus Activities Board frequently plans events around campus - almost every Friday or Saturday.
If you don't see something you like, you can create it with a few friends and a faculty advisor!
Click here for the full list: http://orgs.philau.edu/default.asp
Greek Life
Social Fraternities:
Alpha Chi Rho (AXP)
Sigma Nu

Social Sororities:
Delta Phi Epsilon
Theta Phi Alpha

Academic Fraternities:
Alpha Chi Sigma (Pre-Colony)
Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman Honor Society)
Delta Sigma Pi (Business Fraternity)
Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership Fraternity)
Phi Alpha Delta (Law Fraternity)
Phi Psi (Textile Fraternity)
Campus Safety
While I can't make any guarantees, I've never felt unsafe on campus. We have green emergency beacons all around which are monitored by Safety and Security, who are staffed 24/7. We also have guards in the Residence Halls 24/7 and there are four layers of security (swipe or key into building, swipe at desk, key into hall, key into room) in each Residence Hall.

Ryan from Dunmore, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Philadelphia University is a combination of learning and exploration. Do not expect to have everything laid out in front of you. The university has a lot to offer, but you have to have the curiosity and ambition to find everything. The classes vary in difficulty especially between design and non design majors. Most importantly, The university offers a lot of help to students academically and in extracurricular activities, however, you are reminded that it is your life and you have to make the decision to get the extra help.
Am enjoying being here
There is a lot to do in college life, and as it seems, the time to do it all is getting shorter. For non design majors, gen ed classes are short and do not always require tedious assignments leaving you with a lot of time to take part in sports, clubs, and enjoy the city. For design majors like myself, the major demands a lot of your time inside and outside of class. After all, design, in all forms, is more than just a career move, it is a lifestyle. If you enjoy what you are doing then you'll have no trouble loving the school. the only problem is that you cannot stretch yourself too far and so being a design major may mean you have to make changes in your life to fit everything in.
Bang for the buck
It all depends on how you look at it. Currently, the school runs about 40K what with tuition, room, board, and other miscellaneous fees. If your coming to be undecided and only take a few gen eds that you are probably not going to attend all the classes anyway then I would suggest looking elsewhere. If you do have somewhat of a direction, Philadelphia University is always looking ahead and always looking to the interests of the students. Between, career services offering contacts and internship preparations, financial aide offering on campus jobs, updated software on every computer on campus, and small classes where teachers are on a first name basis with students and can offer help with classwork, among other student services, I would say that Philadelphia University has enough to make it worth your while.
Tips for prospective students
If you are interested in a major, then call and ask about it! Philadelphia University will do it's best to help you decide if a major is right for you.

Visit the campus. Any place can sound good on paper, but you will not know until you see it for yourself.

Keep in mind that Philadelphia University is a smaller school and so you won't have the same experience as a larger state school.
Great for these types of students
students interested in design even if they do not have a large art background.

Open minded and ambitious students.

Students looking to study abroad.

A Phairy from Philau

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If you are a design student you will be working a lot. It is a lot of work but it's all for the bettering of you craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Am enjoying being here
The community here is very close knit. There are plenty of students that are willing to help one another in all aspects. The professors here are extremely helpful and their programs encourage a lot of collaborations with other majors. You're pushed to become a professional even with your informal studies. Philadelphia University is a great place to attend if you want a school that can prepare you for the industry you wish to break in to.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is about average. A little pricey but if you're doing well in school (above B average) you'll most likely receive a helpful scholarship.
Tips for prospective students
If are looking to attend in the future. Remember the most important thing you're going to school to further your education, study now party later.
Great for these types of students
Calling all nature children! If you like to be outside this is the perfect college for you. It's a beautiful campus and when the weather allows its the only place you'll want to be.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Philadelphia University now Jefferson is a school that will push you out of your comfort zone in all the right ways. The University opens your mind and allows you to be as creative as you can be. The environment aids in your success so much and if you want to be around go getters just like you Philadelphia University is the school for you!
Tips for prospective students
Use your resources to their fullest extent! Always talk to your peers, academic advisor, professors, and the Dean is only a email, phone call, or office visit away!
Academic Rigor
The classes are fast paced and small class sizes make your relationship with the professor very personal. It is very important to stay in contact with professors and make a name for yourself. Always show up to class because it is a smaller school with small class sizes so if you skip it is noticeable.
Dorm Life
You pay a lot more for the amenities that you get but its all about to community in the dorms. You become very close with people and its a warm environment.
Food and Dining
Ravenhill, Ted's, and Kanbar always offer many options and the staff is very sweet and caring
What to do for fun
Center City is a 15 minute drive from Campus. Mananyunk has many good restaurants for good prices. there are many neighboring Universities like Temple, Lasalle, Drexel, and UPennn to go have fun and meet new people your age!
Bang for the buck
Expensive private school
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you are big on picture taking this campus is very ascetically pleasing as well as the surrounding area.
Clubs and Activities
Many activities and clubs to choose from as well as activity fairs and emails about these clubs sent out very often. If you felt like you wanted to start a club or activity it is not hard to do so
Greek Life
Greek life is not huge on this campus but they are very accepting of all people
Campus Safety
Emergency booths all around campus, as well as security guards always doing rounds on the campus and in the buildings to ensure of its students safety