2026 WELCOME ARRIVAL 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
Evan Huckfeldt Director BOLD Summers
Dominque McClendon Program Manager
College of Engineering
Brittany Armstrong
Residential Director
BOLD
Summers
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!
Jude
Site Director
Johannesburg, South Africa
Faith
Senior Residential Counselor
New Jersey, USA
Brittany
Residential
Director
California, USA
Layla
Senior Residential Counselor
New York, USA
MEET YOUR STAFF
Justin
Senior Residential Director
Pennsylvania, USA
Jahiem
Residential Counselor
Georgia, USA
Abood
Residential Counselor
Georgia, USA
Shannon
Residential Counselor
Georgia, USA
Maisey
Residential Counselor
Massachusetts, USA
Madelyn
Residential Counselor
Jace Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
Gavin
Counselor Ohio, USA
Noor Residential Counselor
Georgia, USA
Twunwaah Residential Counselor Virginia, USA
Roxana
Residential Counselor
Castellon de la Plana, Spain
Pennsylvania, USA Hannah
Counselor
Counselor
Colby Residential Counselor Pennsylvania, USA
Victor Residential Counselor Illinois, USA
Cindy Residential Counselor Alberta, Canada
Aissate Residential Counselor Pennyslvania, USA
Emily Residential Counselor Minnesota, USA
Counselor South Carolina, USA Rachel
Counselor Florida, USA
Counselor
Counselor
Counselor
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MAP
Explore University Life at the University of Pennsylvania! Students will live, learn, eat, and explore our beautiful campus.
CampusSafetyGuidelines
1.StudentsandStaffmeetwithPennPoliceonDay1oftheprogram. 2PennPolicearevisibleandapproachablethroughoutcampus24/7 3EmergencyPhonesandChaperoneServicesareavailablethroughoutcampus
4.Studentsmustremainwithintheapprovedboundarymap,whichisstaffedbyBOLDSummers. 5Studentsmustsignin/out
6.Studentscanonlytraveloutsidetheresidencehallingroupsof3.
7AllbuildingsarelockedandaccessedusingtheprovidedPennIDcard 8.Frontdeskattendantinresidencehall.
*ThecampusmapissubjecttochangeAfinalmapwillbeprovidedattheon-campusorientation
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
CASUAL CLOTHING
Below is a suggested packing list for the ESAP Program. Students will have access to washers and dryers in their residence halls.
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)
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
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE ROOM?
Hill College House allows students to live, dine, and build community in stateof-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.
WHAT’S IN HILL COLLEGE HOUSE?
Seminar Rooms
Laundry Room
Floor Lounges Dining Hall
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
GETTING TO THE PROGRAM
Check-in is scheduled for Sunday, July 12, 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. We can’t wait to meet you in Philadelphia, PA!
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
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
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
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 Dollars
DINING DOLLARS
Pre-loaded to Penn ID Cards at the start of the program to cover most meals during the program Students need to budget their funds
Accepted at:
Hill House Dining Hall
1920's Commons Dining Hall
Houston Market
Pret A Manager (Coffee Shop)
Joe’s Coffee
MEALS THAT STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Saturday Lunch & Dinner (Hershey Park)
Breakfast on Sundays
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
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.
MEAL PLANS
Did you know Reading Terminal Market has more than 75 small business food options?
RESTAURANTS NEAR CAMPUS:
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
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
Dig. Just Salad Sweetgreen
Goldie Greek Lady Honeygrow Amma's South Indian Cuisine EKTA Indian Cuisine
REGISTRATION FORMS
DON’T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED REGISTRATION FORMS IN YOUR ONLINE PORTAL!
AllformsmustbecompletedandsubmittedbyMay20th. Theseinclude:
ArrivalInformation
DepartureInformation
HealthInformation,HealthWaiver,HealthInsuranceInformation
StudentProfile
EmergencyContactInformation
UniversityofPennsylvaniaandBOLDSummerswaiver
Uploadingaphoto
*AllrequirementsshouldsayCompleted
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 3rd: 100%, less $1500 deposit
June 4th- June 10th: 50%, less $1500 deposit
After June 10: No refund
Tuition, Travel, Health Protection
BOLDSummerspartnerswithTravMarktoofferacomprehensiveTravelProtectionandTuition Insuranceplan.Wehighlyrecommendpurchasingthisadditionalcoveragetoprotectyourtuition investment Learnmoreatboldsummers.com/protection TravMarkoffersUnitedHealthcareGlobalSafeTriptravelprotectionplansforresidentsoutsidethe UnitedStates.Unlikemanyplansforinternationalparticipantsthattypicallyprovideemergencymedical expensesandmedicalevaluationcoverageonly,SafeTripplanscanofferadditionalbenefitssuchas tripcancellation,interruptionordelay,lost,damaged,orstolenluggage,andemergencymedical expenses.Fordetailsaboutthisplan,visit:https://wwwuhcsafetripcom/partner/TM/
NEXT STEPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
1.Setup SEAS Email: Late May
2.Upload Photo: Early June
3.Complete Online Canvas Cours: Mid June
4.Purchase E-SIM (if applicable)
5.Pay any outstanding balances (if applicable) in BRAVO
