You’re Accepted! Now What?

Learn more about Penn and Penn Engineering

Freshman FAQs: Learn about Admissions and academics at Penn Engineering or visit the Student Handbook FAQ on Classes and Curricula.

Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook: This online Handbook has the definitive answers to your questions about academic requirements for engineering students. Bookmark this site for future reference.

Familiarize yourself with Life at Penn: This section of the Penn website has extensive information on the University, the University City area and Philadelphia.

Penn A-Z: This is an alphabetical listing of recognized University entities, including departments, programs, publications, organizations and services.

Essentials for individuals new to Penn

Your PennKey:Your PennKey name and password gives you access to PennNet, a Penn email account, and many other essential online services. See the PennKey website for details on obtaining a PennKey and password. New students receive the instructions for setting up their PennKey before arriving.

Your PennCard:The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Penn community. The PennCard is also used for many activities including building access, recreation and library services, and PennCash purchases. Your first PennCard is free. Lost, stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced for a fee.

Before arriving on campus, new students can have their cards pre-made by sending in a digital photo via Campus Express. Campus Express is where students can order textbooks, buy a new computer, purchase a discounted semester-based transit pass, learn about banking options, register property and many other services.

Penn Portal: This is a one-stop-shop for all links to people, place and things at Penn. It is customizable and offers different default screens for students, faculty and staff. Fun fact: the Penn Portal started here at Penn Engineering as a project of the Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board (EDAB), and was adopted by the University due to its popularity.  Learn more.

Attend New Student Orientation (NSO)

NSO Schedule: A schedule of Engineering-specific NSO events will be provided. You can also visit the University NSO website.

Meet your Faculty Advisor: You will find out who your faculty advisor is at New Student Orientation. There will be office hours held during NSO so you will be able to meet your faculty advisor.

Life after NSO

Major advising: In addition to faculty advising, most questions that you may have can be answered by contacting the Undergraduate Coordinator for your appropriate major. Access the undergraduate program websites of Penn Engineering’s six departments.

Walk-in advising: Professional Advisors in the Office of Research and Academic Services (RAS) are available to assist you during normal business hours in whatever way they can.

Location:
Office of Research and Academic Services
109 Towne Building (you can find the building here)

Instructions For Changing Your Major: Learn how to change your major by visiting the Undergraduate Student Handbook.