Transfer Letter | Transfer Checklist | Transfer Events
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= Mandatory Event
= Freshman and Transfer Event
Wednesday, September 2nd
| Transfer Student Welcome Center | 9am-5pm |
Please stop by and let us know that you have arrived on campus. Meet the PHINS, pick up Orientation materials, and sign up for various events. The center will be located near the Student Services Expo where you can also take care of all your needs through Campus Express.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall
Transfer Welcome Session ![]() |
1pm-2pm |
This introduction to Transfer Student Orientation will include the week's schedule, advising overview, and campus activities. In addition, Jared Hupp from the Division of Public Safety will speak about campus security.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall
Requesting Transfer Credits: XCAT
|
2pm-3pm |
This general advising session is led by Gary Papura, Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Transfer students from all four undergraduate schools are required to attend. The information about transferring credits with XCAT (External Course Approval Tool). This will be helpful before meeting with your academic advisor.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall
| Parent and Family Orientation | 2pm-3:30pm |
Penn welcomes all transfer parents and families! Transfer PHINS will make a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served.
Location: Class of 1949 Auditorium, Houston Hall
The College Advising Session
|
3pm-3:30pm |
Gary Purpura, coordinator for transfer students in the College, will lead a discussion on the College’s policies, procedures, degree requirements, and curricular options. This session is required for incoming transfer students to the College.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall
| Highball to Hey Day | 4pm-5pm |
Join us for an entertaining look at Penn's history and traditions as well as your role in Penn's exciting future through this interactive presentation. Parents welcome! A repeat performance is given for students on Sunday, September 6th at 10am.
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall
Transfer Student Dinner
|
6:30pm-8:30pm |
Meet your fellow transfer students, the PHINS, and staff. Dinner will be catered by Rx (a great West Philly restaurant owned by a former Penn transfer student).
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall
Thursday, September 3rd
| Transfer Student Welcome Center | 9am-5pm |
Please stop by and let us know that you have arrived on campus. Meet the PHINS, pick up Orientation materials, and sign up for various events. The center will be located near the Student Services Expo where you can also take care of all your needs through Campus Express.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall
Academic Advising with The College
|
9am-5pm |
Academic advisors in the College will be available to meet you and help plan your first semester schedules. You can call ahead to schedule a meeting with your particular advisor or stop by the office when you get a chance for a walk-in consultation.
Location: The College Office, 120 College Hall
Orientation at the School of Engineering
|
10am-1pm |
The procedures for transferring credits and setting up email accounts will be covered at this session. You will also have the opportunity to meet representatives from your department to discuss requirements and course selection. Lunch to follow.
Location: Room 108, Towne Building
| Guided Tour and Lunch Break | 12pm-2pm |
The PHINS will take you on a tour of important facilities and buildings, help you find the best and cheapest places to grab a bite to eat, and answer any questions you might have about your classes, social life, or campus activities. The tour ends at Van Pelt Library where you may choose to join their guided tour.
Location: Wynn Commons, Houston Hall
| Van Pelt Library Tour | 2pm-2:30pm |
Meet staff of the Van Pelt Library and take a brief but valuable tour. You will get an overview of the Library's resources and learn how to make use of its services. This tour is guaranteed to make you feel at home in the Library.
Location: Van Pelt Main Entrance
Orientation at the School of Nursing
|
2pm-4pm |
Meet your fellow transfer students in Nursing as well as staff from the Office of Academic Affairs. The procedures for transferring credits will be covered and you will meet and participate in a group tour/activity with your peer advisors.
Location: Room 113B, Claire M. Fagin Hall
Academic Advising with Wharton
|
3pm-5pm |
This session will help transfer students in Wharton with concerns such as course evaluation for prior credits, course registration (while transfer credit is still pending), and overall acclimation to Penn. Also covered will be academic and advising issues specific to transfer students. Wharton Undergraduate staff members will facilitate the session and review curricular requirements.
Location: TBA
College House Activities
|
7pm-10pm |
All new residents in the College Houses are required to attend various information sessions with the staff. Check with your House Dean, Resident Advisor (RA), or Graduate Associate (GA) for your exact schedule.
| Bowling Party at Strikes | 10pm-12am |
Meet up with fellow transfer students and PHINS for some bowling fun at this popular Penn hangout. Snacks and bowling lanes are provided free of charge with a Penn ID and wristband.
Location: Strikes Bowling Lounge, 4040 Locust Street
Friday, September 4th
Need-to-Know Information Session
|
12pm-1pm |
Transfer PHINS highlight the most frequently used features of Penn’s websites. Get an overview of the PennPortal, and manage classes and credits with Penn InTouch, Blackboard, and webCafé. Add PennCash to your PennCard and choose a Meal Plan. You’ll also hear more about life in Philadelphia including transportation options and where to find the necessities of college living from groceries to notebooks to a bean bag chair.
Location: Class of '49, Houston Hall
| Transfer Student Picnic | 1pm-3pm |
Enjoy your first Friday with PHINS and fellow transfer students. A fun picnic lunch will be provided by RX.
Location: College Green (Blanche Levy Park in front of College Hall)
Rain Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall
| Small Group Dinners | 7pm |
This is a great opportunity to venture off campus to sample some of Philly’s eclectic restaurants while meeting fellow transfer students. Sign up in advanced online - coming soon!
| Late Night Events | 11pm |
Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.
Saturday, September 5th
| PennTracks | 1pm-4pm |
Choose one of seven Philly neighborhoods to explore. You can look at the maps online (click here!) to help decide and also print out for later use. The PHINS will be your knowledgeable tour guides.
Location: Wynn Commons, Houston Hall
An Evening at the Phila. Museum of Art
|
5:30pm-9:30pm |
Join other transfer students and all of Penn’s new students for an evening at one of the world’s greatest art museums. See the steps where Rocky made his famous run and take in a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. The Museum is open for new Penn students only so don’t miss out on this great event—fantastic food, dancing, amazing art, and architecture make this an unforgettable evening! Click here for more information.
Location: 40th and Locust streets to take a shuttle
Shuttle Stops: Beginning at 5pm, shuttle buses will run continuously between the Museum and pick up/drop off points around campus. All shuttle bus rides are free with your Penn ID and wristband.
| Late Night Events | 10pm |
Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.
Sunday, September 6th
| Highball to Hey Day | 10am-11:30am |
Join us for an entertaining look at Penn's history and traditions, as well as your role in Penn's exciting future through this interactive presentation.
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall
| Small Group Lunch | 12pm |
Another great opportunity to venture off campus and sample some Philly fare while meeting fellow transfer students. Online signups will be coming soon.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall
Penn Bookstore Social
|
7pm-9pm |
Enjoy desserts, live music, and a chance to win textbook scholarships at Penn’s bookstore.
Location: Corner of 36th and Walnut streets
Comedy Night at Irvine
|
11pm |
Enjoy an evening of laughs with professional stand-up comics. Be sure to arrive early as seating is limited. Click here for more information about the comics!
Location: Irvine Auditorium
| Late Night Events | 10pm |
Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.
Monday, September 7th
College House Day
|
9am-9pm |
All residents are invited to attend various College House events. Check with your House Dean, Resident Advisor (RA), or Graduate Associate (GA) for details.
Toga Party at the University Museum
|
9pm-12am |
Come in your best Greek, Roman, or Egyptian costume to visit this world-famous museum. Click here for more information.
Location: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Tuesday, September 8th
Student Organization Fair
|
12pm-4pm |
Pick up information from any of Penn’s 400 student groups and resource centers. Click here for a list of participating groups.
Location: Locust Walk and Annenberg Plaza
Convocation
|
7pm-8:15pm |
This symbolic opening of the academic year includes an address by President Gutmann. It signifies the formal induction of the new class and all incoming transfer students into the Penn community. Click here for more information of the President's events.
Location: College Green
Rain Location: The Palestra
President and Provost’s Reception
|
8:15pm-9:30pm |
Join the President and Provost as they host a sumptuous dessert reception for new students. Faculty, staff, and student leaders will be there to greet you. Click here for more information of the President's events.
Location: Wynn Commons and Houston Hall
Wednesday, September 9th
Classes Begin
Saturday, September 12th
Performing Arts Night
|
7pm |
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy all of the member organizations of the Performing Arts Council, and find out how you can be involved in dance, theatre, vocal ensembles, music ensembles, a cappella, comedy, and spoken word groups. Tickets are available at the Annenberg Center Box office: $5 for new students.
Location: Zellerbach Theatre in the Annenberg Center
Sunday, September 13th
| Transfer Brunch | 10:30am-12pm |
Enjoy a free brunch as you compare notes on your first week of classes. PHINS and members of the Class Boards will be available to answer your questions.
Location: Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall
| Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets | 12:15pm |
Cheer on the 2008 World Series Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, as they take on the New York Mets! The game starts at 1:05pm, so jump on the subway after brunch and head out to the stadium with fellow transfer students and PHINS.
Location: Leave from Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall






