FAQs for New Students
- What's a PennKey and how do I get one?
- What's a PennCard and how do I get one?
- What is Campus Express and what services are offered through them?
- I already have an email account — do I need to get a Penn email account?
- Do I need a computer?
- What is a Computer Lab Account?
- I already have health insurance through my parents/spouse. What does Penn require?
- Where do I find out about getting health insurance through Penn?
- Why do I need to submit proof of immunizations? What happens to me if I cannot get my doctor's signature right away?
- What if I'm having problems with my email account?
- Where do I get my books?
- Where do I find out about financial aid?
- When and where do I find out about registering for classes?
- Where do I find out about housing information?
- What other graduate student resources are available?
1. What's a PennKey and how do I get one?
A PennKey is an individual's username within the PennKey authentication system. Paired with an associated password, a PennKey is required to authenticate your identity for access to many of Penn's networked systems and services. Anyone who needs access to PennKey-protected electronic resources (e.g., library databases, access to BlackBoard, email etc.) must register a PennKey and password. Everyone must establish a PennKey to register for courses.
You establish your PennKey and password online using a PennKey Setup Code. If you are a new student, a PennKey Setup Code will be automatically mailed to you. For details on how to register your PennKey and password, please visit the Penn Computing website.
2. What's a PennCard and how do I get one?
The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. The number on your PennCard consists of three parts: 123456 12345678 00 The underlined portion of the numbers represents your ID number. The PennCard ID number replaces the Social Security Number (SSN) as your identification number. We've made this change for your privacy and security. Students may obtain their PennCards from the PennCard Center located on the 1st floor of the Franklin building (suite 150) on Walnut Street, between 34th and 36th streets. Important: A valid, government issued photo I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard.
3. What is Campus Express and what services are offered through them?
Campus Express at Penn is one-stop shopping for many essential student services. Through Campus Express Online, you can log in to access various services available to students — confirm any on-campus housing you've selected, choose your meal plan, apply for a PennPass or parking permit, sign up for Penn email, register your bicycle, and more. Check the Campus Express website for more information.
4. I already have an email account - do I need to get a Penn account?
No, you don't need a Penn Live email account. However, if you do not create a Penn Live email account, you need to enter your email account into the Penn Online Directory so that we have a way to communicate with you by email. Email is the primary official means of getting in touch with you regarding important information about registration, graduation, class cancellation, weather emergencies etc. If you want a Penn Live email account, once you have your PennCard and PennKey, go to the following page:
https://www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/email-info
You may link this account to another email account by forwarding (e.g., yahoo, gmail, etc.). For help with this, visit the GSE Computer Help Desk, basement of GSE, room 010, M-F, 10-6 PM. Phone is 215-898-1847
PennGSE is a very tech-friendly environment. We have a computer lab on the first floor of the GSE building that is open Mon - Thur; 9am - 10pm, Fri 9am - 5pm.After 6:00 PM, a Computing Services Assistant is available at the Lab Help Desk. During the day, students should get help from regular help desk staff in room 010.
There are many computer labs on campus, some of which are open 24 hours
If you wish to purchase a computer, Penn's Computer Connection offers deals on computer purchases. Here is the website:
6. What is a Computer Lab Account?
A computer lab account is a separate account that is needed so you can use the computers in the GSE Computer Lab. Go to GSE room 10 in order to have your account created. The process only takes 2-3 minutes. You should already have created your PennKey before getting your lab account.
7. I already have health insurance through my parents/spouse. What does Penn require?
All full-time students at the University are required to carry health insurance, either through Penn or other carriers. If you have insurance through other carriers, you may need to pay a "clinical health fee" that covers emergency health care. Click here for more information.
8. Where do I find out about getting health insurance through Penn?
The Student Health Services office is located at:
3535 Market StreetFor more information, go to www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3376Phone: 215-746-3535
9. Why do I need to submit proof of immunizations? What happens to me if I cannot get my doctor's signature right away?
Go here to learn about required immunizations.
You will also be asked to provide information on your medical history. The immunization form requires a physician's signature. If you cannot obtain a physician's signature right away, keep trying. You will be unable to pre-register for classes in mid-October if your immunization record is not up-to-date.
10. What if I'm having problems with my email account?
Go to the Computer Help Desk located in the basement of GSE, Room 010. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10AM - 6PM or call 215-898-1847.
The required books for GSE classes are available either at the Penn Bookstore located on the corner of 36th & Walnut Street , the Penn Book Center on the corner of Sansom & 34th Street or House of Our Own located 3920 Spruce Street . Many professors use bulkpacks, which are bound collections of articles. Bulkpacks can be purchased at Campus Copy located at 3907 Walnut Street and at Wharton Reprographics located at 3620 Locust Walk, Steinberg Hall- Dietrich Hall on the ground floor, Suite 400. Check with your professor for which stores to use.
12. Where do I find out about financial aid?
You can visit the Financial Aid Office on the second floor of GSE. To set up an appointment, email finaid@gse.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-6415. If you have any questions about your financial aid package, call the University's financial aid office at 215-898-1988, located on the 1st floor of the Franklin building on Walnut Street, between 34th and 36th streets.
13. When and where do I find out about registering for classes?
For information on registration, check out the registration page.
14. Where do I find out about housing information?
If you are residing in on campus housing, you should be able to check the status of your housing through CampusExpress. Click here.
Log in with your PennKey and password and click the "See My Room Layout" under the "my tasks" sidebar in yellow. That will take you to the "my housing" page, where on the left side of the page there is a link to "Confirm/Cancel Housing". There you should find all the information you need.
If you would rather call the Housing office directly, please contact the Housing Assignments Office Staff at (215) 898-8271, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST Monday - Friday.
.For off-campus housing, contact the Office of Off-campus housing located at 4046 Walnut Street at 215-898-8500 or visit them online.
15. What other graduate student resources are available?
Check out the Graduate School of Education's Student Life page for information on student affairs, organizations, policies, etc.
The Graduate Student Center, located at 3601 Locust Walk, has a wealth of resources available for all graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to the many orientation programs available to orient student to Penn and Philadelphia, they offer various opportunities for involvement throughout the year. For more information, visit them at www.gsc.upenn.edu and check out their resource guide for new students.