Life at Temple

Take on any challenge and every opportunity.

At Temple University, you aren’t just going to school here. You’re developing new relationships, interests and dreams that not only enrich your experience but help you shape your future pathways.

On a daily basis, you can choose from an eclectic array of cultural, athletic and social activities, such as student-run clubs, community-service projects, athletic events and musical performances. From finding your favorite food spot on campus to joining the newest club to taking the Broad Street Line to explore every corner of Philadelphia, you’ll never have a dull moment here.

As a student at Temple, you become part of a thriving community where no dream is out of reach. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone to uncover the next big idea, find your niche and become the best version of yourself. And, you’ll meet like-minded people who are doing the same, allowing you to expand your personal and professional networks.

Discover what a day in the life of a Temple student looks like and just how much is going on at Main Campus—anywhere at any time.

Temple B4USoar students walking together.

Diversity & Inclusivity

two students in the Temple band smiling and laughing

Health & Well-being

Housing & Dining

recent graduates of Temples police academy.

Safety

an image of students walking across main campus

Student Clubs & Organizations

Student Experiences

Our students explore every corner of Temple, take action on their aspirations and discover what fuels their fires. See how some of our Owls (past and present) immersed themselves in various activities, experiences and organizations on campus.

Arts & Culture

Lloyd-Princeton Cangé

Sculpture major, Tyler School of Art and Architecture

Lloyd-Princeton Cangé relaunched the Artists of Color Collective at Temple, a student group that provides resources to undergraduate creatives. “I knew I needed a space and a community at Tyler and at Temple, and I figured if I needed a space then other people did as well. That’s our mission—building a community for artists of color and strengthening ourselves through art.”

Learn more about the Artists of Color Collective.

City Life

Justine Jones

Nursing major, College of Public Health

The sixth largest city in the U.S., Philadelphia is a fantastic place to study, work and play. From its wealth of history to its renowned museums, from its bustling urban life to its famous cuisine, there’s so much for students of all majors to do and see. And for Justine Jones, Temple’s location was just what the doctor ordered. “There’s an energy here that I really like. It’s a good environment to learn, discuss and challenge yourself.”

Learn more about living in Philadelphia, the city Temple calls home.

Food Trucks

Ruthie Freer

History major, College of Liberal Arts

There are few things Temple Owls love more than the food truck scene on Main Campus. This year, the Managing History course curriculum zeroed in on Temple’s beloved food trucks and asked the question: What is a food truck? Taught by History Professor Seth Bruggeman, graduate and undergraduate students in the class were sent out to conduct interviews with food truck operators to learn about their experiences in the industry and how they operate their businesses on Temple’s campus.

For history major Ruthie Freer, the project gave her a new appreciation for Temple’s popular food truck culture and the business owners responsible for maintaining it. “Food trucks are a space of cultural exchange. What may feel like a simple 10-minute wait for a green smoothie is actually a cultural exchange. The vendors are sharing their food and therefore values and culture with us students.”

Learn more about food trucks and other dining options on campus.

Sustainability

Lauren Jacob

Public health major, College of Public Health

As the director of sustainability for Temple Student Government, Lauren Jacob utilizes her skills and passion for sustainability to work towards improving Temple’s environmental impact. “I’m looking into more ways to be more sustainable individually and on the university level. I am always open to hear suggestions from students about changes to make Temple more green. I want to help lower our carbon footprint and divest from fossil fuels eventually!”

Learn more about sustainability efforts at Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some common questions about what life is like at Temple. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Temple University operator at 215-204-7000, or visit Temple’s Knowledge Base.

How can I find out more about my meal plan?

Check back throughout the summer to find out when students who have purchased meal plans will be able to use them. Find out more about dining on Main Campus.

I’ve moved in. What should I do now?

Weeks of Welcome is the traditional time period for all new first-year, transfer and commuter students to become more engaged with campus programs and services.

In partnership with many campus departments and student organizations, Student Activities provides days of exciting programs and unique opportunities to welcome our new Owls and returning students to campus.

Whether you’re looking for a fraternity or sorority, campus ministries, athletics, or recreation or just something to do, the first week of school is jam-packed with daily activities for the Temple community. For a full schedule of activities and events visit welcome.temple.edu and follow us on social media platforms using @TUActivities.

After Weeks of Welcome, how can I stay involved in campus activities?

There are many ways to stay involved on campus. During Weeks of Welcome, organizations will be out recruiting new members. To be notified about a group’s upcoming events and activities, ask to be added to the organization’s listserv. You also can view Temple’s events calendar or explore the clubs and organizations available for students to join.

I’m an international student, and I’m not sure where to start.

The best place for you to start is the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at 1938 Liacouras Walk, Suite 202. It hosts activities that cater specifically to international students and help you make a smooth transition to your new environment. You also may ask your resident assistant or any staff members in your building for assistance.

Where is the best place to go on campus if I have a question?

Stop by the information desk located in the Howard Gittis Student Center atrium (1755 N. 13th St.).

I don’t know my way around campus. How do I learn that?

Campus maps are free at the information desk in the Howard Gittis Student Center atrium (1755 N. 13th St.) and are posted around campus. Additionally, the Welcome Center—located on the first floor of the TECH Center (1101 W. Montgomery Ave.)—will host daily tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can also access maps and directions for our campuses.

I want to check out Philadelphia. How can I get around?

Philadelphia has an extensive public transportation system called SEPTA. You may take the bus, hop on the subway or ride the regional rail to get around the city.

There are SEPTA maps located at the information desk in the Howard Gittis Student Center (1755 N. 13th St.) that can help you learn how to use SEPTA. If you’re just looking to use transportation around campus, you can hop on the Owl Loop at 12th and Berks streets and tell the driver where you need to go. The service is free and operates every day from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Find out more about SEPTA fares, transit maps and bus schedules.

Where can I buy my books?

You may purchase your books from the Temple University Bookstore, located on the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center (1755 N. 13th St.).

Where can I get my Wild Cherry Pass?

You can pick up your Wild Cherry Pass at the Liacouras Center box office, located on Broad Street south of Polett Walk. The Wild Cherry Pass costs $45 and guarantees you seats in the student section for all football and basketball home games. You’ll also have chances to win prizes at every game. A Wild Cherry T-shirt, various discounts and opportunities to travel for postseason play are included in your membership.

Where can I work out?

The Independence Blue Cross Recreation Center (also called the IBC) is the premier place to get or stay in shape on campus. It is located at the corner of 15th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

If you prefer net sports or climbing walls, you can stop by Pearson and McGonigle Halls on Broad Street. You also may take advantage of the track located behind the Student Pavilion on 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue.

For updated hours and a current schedule of events, visit Campus Recreation.