2025 WELCOME RRIVAL PACKET &
Dear Students and Families,
On behalf of the entire Engineering Summer Academy at Penn team, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you all! We are beyond excited to embark on this journey with each of you and eagerly look forward to the enriching experiences that lie ahead.
This summer promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery, learning, and personal growth As we prepare to welcome you to Philadelphia, we will ensure you have all the information and resources necessary to make the most of your time with us. That’s why, enclosed in this packet, you’ll find essential details about the program, including schedules, important contacts, and tips to help you prepare for your arrival.
But more than just academic enrichment, this program is about forging connections, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime You’ll have the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers, interact with world-renowned faculty, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Philadelphia- a city rich in history, diversity, and innovation.
As we count down the days until our program begins, know that the entire team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns or want to share your excitement, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Once again, welcome to the Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)! Get ready for an incredible journey - we can’t wait to meet you and see what amazing things we’ll accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Robert Ghrist,PhD Faculty Director College of Engineering Ryan Hopely Associate Director College of Engineering
Dominque McClendon Program Manager College of Engineering
Evan Huckfeldt Director BOLD Summers
Brittany
Armstrong Residential Director BOLD Summers
Who’s Attending the Program
Meet Your Staff
University of Pennsylvania Campus
Suggested Packing List
Social Calendar
Permission
7
2 1
6
1
1 WHO IS ATTENTING THE PROGRAM?
1
1 ARGENTINA UNITED STATES
62
8 SOUTH AFRICA
1 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
2
1 THAILAND TURKEY
180 UNITED KINGDOM
4
MEET YOUR STAFF
Our residential staff will support and guide our participants throughout the ESAP Summer Program. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures worldwide, our dedicated team members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to ensure that students’ experiences are enriching and memorable. Before students arrive, our staff undergoes thorough training to ensure they are well-equipped to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for all participants. From organizing activities to offering mentorship and assistance, our residential staff is committed to fostering a welcoming community where students can thrive academically and personally.
Get ready to meet an incredible team of individuals who are here to support students every step of the way!
Daniel
Residential
Counselor
Castletown, UK
Residential
Counselor
Pennyslvania, USA
Delaware, USA
Daniela
Mateo
Residential Counselor
Brittany
Residential Director California, USA
Tyran
Residential Counselor Delaware, USA
Shannon
Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
Julia
Residential Counselor Georgia, USA
Manuel
Residential Counselor
Castellon de la Plana, Spain
Vivian
Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, PA
Justin
Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
David
Residential Counselor Georgia, USA
Daijanna
Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
Roxana
Residential Counselor
Castellon de la Plana, Spain
Sydney
Residential Counselor Pella, Iowa
Daniel
Residential Counselor Castletown, UK
Colby
Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
Frank
Residential Counselor Calgary, Alberta
Isaiah
Residential Counselor Florida, USA
Layla
Residential Counselor New York, USA
Daniela
Residential Counselor Pennyslvania, USA
Mateo
Residential Counselor Delaware, USA
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MAP
Explore University Life at the University of Pennsylvania! Students will live, learn, eat, and explore our beautiful campus
LEGEND: 1-DORM, 2-DINING HALL, 3-ACADEMICS, 4-GYM, 5-BOOKSTORE
CampusSafetyGuidelines
1.StudentsandStaffmeetwithPennPoliceonDay1oftheprogram. 2PennPolicearevisibleandapproachablethroughoutcampus24/7 3.EmergencyPhonesandChaperoneServicesareavailablethroughoutcampus.
4Studentsmustremainwithintheapprovedboundarymap,whichisstaffedbyBOLDSummers 5.Studentsmustsignin/out.
6Studentscanonlytraveloutsidetheresidencehallingroupsof3 7.AllbuildingsarelockedandaccessedusingtheprovidedPennIDcard. 8Frontdeskattendantinresidencehall
*Thecampusmapissubjecttochange.Afinalcalendarwillbeprovidedatthe on-campusorientation
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Below is a suggested packing list for the ESAP Program. Students will have access to washers and dryers in their residence halls.
CASUAL CLOTHING
This is what you will wear most days
Pants/jeans for lab supervision (no rips/holes)
Long/short sleeve shirts (no crop tops)
Socks and underwear
Athletic attire
Sweater/sweatshirt
Light jacket
Formal attire for graduation
Fully enclosed sneakers up to ankle
Bathing suit(s)
TECHNOLOGY/ ACADEMIC
Cell phone (with US service)
Laptop computer
Chargers for all devices
Notebook & folders
Pens/pencils
Backpack
ID CARDS
Students and family/visitors must bring an approved form of photo ID to enter the residence hall on move-in day. Examples include a driver's license, military ID, passport, green card, and school ID.
LINENS
You may bring your own linens or rent from the University of Pennsylvania Linen rental forms are available through your online account and will be available when you check into the program
Bath towel(s)
Hand towel(s)
Bedsheet(s) - extra-long twin
Pillow and pillow case
Blanket (dorms are air conditioned)
Beach towel (not included in linen rental)
LAUNDRY
Students can access free washers and dryers in the residence halls
Laundry detergent (travel size)
Dryer softener sheets
MEDICATION
Medication(s) must be listed on the health form
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription medications
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Forget something? There are a lot of convenience stores you can shop at throughout campus.
TOILETRIES & SHOWER
We recommend you bring a tote or bag to store and transport the items to the bathroom
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Soap & soap container
Shampoo & conditioner
Deodorant & sunscreen
Comb/brush and hair dyer
Bathrobe and shower shoes
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, case and solution
Other personal toiletries as needed
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
This is a basic list Many items can be purchased in the bookstore or local grocery stores
School supplies
Alarm clock
International power converter
Power strip
Clothes hangers
Spending money
Lamp (desk or reading)
Laptop/tablet and charger
Cell phone and charger
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Identification/Passport
Tickets or travel documents
Trashcan and trash bags for bedroom
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen
OUR BEAUTIFUL HOME
Hill College House allows students to live, dine, and build community in state-of-the-art facilities! Participants will live in traditional double-style dormitory rooms. The design concept for HIll College House was grounded in the idea of a small village where people can connect easily with each other.
WHATS IN HILL COLLEGE HOUSE?
Seminar Rooms Laundry Room
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE ROOM?
Floor Lounges Dining Hall
Bed (Twin ExtraLong)
Desk + chair
Dresser
Tile Floors Window Shades
Closet Space
OUR BEAUTIFUL HOME
Mailing Address
All mail and packages can be sent to the BOLD Summers & ESF Headquarters Office
Please use the following format:
STUDENT NAME
BOLD SUMMERS- ESAP
750 E. HAVERFORD RD
BRYN MAWR, PA, 19010
PLEASE NOTE: Mail and packages are only delivered during business days, and it may take one additional day for the package to be given to your student once it arrives at our headquarters office.
*Residence hall is subject to change. If anything changes, we will notify students & families
DOUBLE
GETTING TO THE PROGRAM GETTING TO THE PROGRAM
We can’t wait to meet you in Philadelphia, PA!
Check-in is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Hill College House.
Getting to The University of Pennsylvania and the ESAP Program
Driving: Hill College House: 3333 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Flying: Philadelphia International Airport
Train: William H. Gray III 30th Street Station: 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Shuttle service is available for students arriving in Philadelphia by plane or train. Do not forget to confirm your intention of utilizing the shuttle in your registration portal.
SHUTTLE & MEETING POINTS
Students signed up for the BOLD Shuttle will receive an email at least 3 days before arrival with specific shuttle instructions. If you enrolled for the BOLD Summers Shuttle Service, below is where you will meet our staff:
AIRPORT:
Domestic Arrivals - Meet our staff at your assigned baggage claim
International Arrivals - Meet our staff at the international arrivals hall/terminal
TRAIN:
Meet our staff in the main lobby next to the large statue of an angel
GETTING TO THE PROGRAM WHAT TO EXPECT AT CHECK-IN
Check-in is from 12:00 PM - to 4:00 PM at the residence hall
Everyone needs a Photo ID (participant, parents, guardians, siblings) to enter the residence hall.
Time to unpack, settle in, and prepare for the program to start.
Residential staff will be available at the residence hall, Philadelphia International Airport, and 30th Street Station.
For students being dropped off, the student should be dropped off at the residence hall, and then the family member will find parking where available.
Penn should have staff assisting with traffic between 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM; staff will direct cars to the appropriate parking areas
*Due to the high volume of drop-off traffic, cars cannot park outside of the residence hall
ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE
12:00PM - 4:00PM
5:00PM - 5:30PM
5:30PM - 6:30PM
6:30PM - 7:30PM
7:30PM - 9:00PM
9:00PM - 9:30PM
10:00PM
12:00AM
Registration & Move-in
Staff introductions & UPenn Police Talk
Dinner
Campus Tour
Icebreakers & Orientation
Floor Meeting & Get Ready for Tomorrow
In-Hall Curfew
In-Room Curfew
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Get ready to make friends, explore Philadelphia, and visit popular East Coast attractions! Below is an example of the social calendar for the ESAP Summer Program
PERMISSION TO TEMPORARILY LEAVE CAMPUS & THE PROGRAM
Permission to Temporarily Leave Campus and the Program
Occasionally, students may want to visit friends or family. Travel off campus during the week is discouraged, as students are generally busy with their academics and will not be approved to miss class. On occasion, weekend travel is approved at the discretion of the Residential Director.
All requests to travel off campus and temporarily leave the program must be submitted in advance using the provided form in your Welcome and Arrival Guide and program emails. If approved, students must be checked out of the program by the adult listed in the request form. For a student to leave the program, the approved visitor(s) must come to the assigned residence hall lobby with a valid photo ID and sign the student out with a BOLD Summers team member.
To return to campus, students must return no later than the 10:00 PM EST curfew and be signed in with the visitor(s) who signed the student out. Students cannot leave the program during class times, and if a student is signed out overnight, they must return to campus before their classes start
Please note that visitors (including family members) cannot enter the residence hall. Visitors must meet the student in the residence hall lobby. If a student leaves the program, approved boundaries, or enters a car without being signed out at any point, it may result in being dismissed from the program.
Visitors on Campus
Students cannot sign visitors into the residence halls. Only registered students and BOLD Summers staff can enter the halls. If a student wants to visit with a friend or family on site, they should meet in a common area or restaurant.
Permission Form Link
MEAL PLANS
From cheesesteaks to soft pretzels, be prepared to enjoy something delicious!
STUDENT MEAL PLAN
INCLUDED IN TUITION
19 of the 21 meals per week
Dining Swipes for the Dining Centers
MEALS THAT STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Lunch and Dinner at Hershey Park
Breakfast on Saturday and Sundays
EXTRA SPENDING MONEY
Many students enjoy eating at the local food trucks, coffee shops, and eateries throughout campus. It is recommended that students bring $50-$75 per week.
POPULAR DINING AROUND THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
GROCERY & CONVENIENCE STORES
ACME Markets
Gourmet Grocer
Houston Market
Wawa
GIANT Market
COFFEE AND BAKERY
Dunkin’ Donuts
Joe’s Café
Metropolitan Bakery
Pret A Manager
Saxbys Penn
Spread Bagerly
Starbucks
Haraz Coffee House
DESSERTS
Ben & Jerry’s
Insomnia Cookies
Kiwi Yogurt
Van Leeuwen
MEAL PLANS
Did you know Reading Terminal Market has more than 75 small business food options?
PIZZA
&Pizza
Pitruco Pizza
Zesto Pizza
AMERICAN
Delco Steaks
Five Guys
Franklin’s Table
High Street Hoagies
HipCityVeg
Panera Bread
White Dog Cafe
Hangry Joes
Mcdonalds
SALADS
Dig.
Just Salad
Sweetgreen
MEDITERRANEAN
Goldie
Greek Lady
Honeygrow
ASIAN & SUSHI
DK Sushi
O’Chatto Hand Drawn Noodles
PaperMill Fresh Asian Kitchen
POD
Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea
Sang Kee Noodle House
NanXian Express Soup Dumplings
Em Oi Vietnamese Cafe
Gong Cha
Maki Sushi
MEXICAN
El Taco
Qdoba
Chipotle Mexan Grill
INDIAN
Amma's South Indian Cuisine
EKTA Indian Cuisine
DON’T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED REGISTRATION FORMS IN YOUR ONLINE PORTAL!
AllformsmustbecompletedandsubmittedbyMay19th.
Theseinclude:
ArrivalInformation
DepartureInformation
HealthInformation,HealthWaiver,HealthInsuranceInformation
StudentProfile
EmergencyContactInformation
UniversityofPennsylvaniaandBOLDSummerswaiver
Uploadingaphoto
*AllrequirementsshouldsayCompletedorReceived
TUITION AND TRAVEL PROTECTION
The application fee accompanying the application for acceptance is non-refundable and does not apply to tuition.
If you cancel the student’s participation in the program:
If you need to withdraw from the program after submitting your deposit payment, you will receive a refund in accordance with the schedule below. Written requests must be sent via email. Students dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons or those who leave voluntarily will not receive a refund.
On or before June 2nd: 100%, less $1000 deposit
June 3rd- June 9th: 50%, less $1000 deposit
After June 9: No refund
Tuition, Travel, Health Protection
BOLDSummerspartnerswithTravMarktoofferacomprehensiveTravelProtectionandTuition Insuranceplan Wehighlyrecommendpurchasingthisadditionalcoveragetoprotectyour tuitioninvestment.Learnmoreatboldsummers.com/protection.
TravMarkoffersUnitedHealthcareGlobalSafeTriptravelprotectionplansforresidentsoutside theUnitedStates.Unlikemanyplansforinternationalparticipantsthattypicallyprovide emergencymedicalexpensesandmedicalevaluationcoverageonly,SafeTripplanscanoffer additionalbenefitssuchastripcancellation,interruptionordelay,lost,damaged,orstolen luggage,andemergencymedicalexpenses.Fordetailsaboutthisplan,visit: https://wwwuhcsafetripcom/partner/TM/
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