Life Beyond Campus

As my junior year comes to an end and I am about to embrace my final year of college, I find myself reflecting on the past few years. It is fun to look back to the beginning and remember some of the fun adventures I have gone on. In this 3rd year in particular, my roommate and I have become big “explorers” of the amazing city around us, calling it a “side quest” when we go out to discover new places. 

Arcadia is surrounded by many great food spots, shopping centers, and fun activities. So I wanted to list some of my favorite places and hopefully influence or remind students of the world beyond campus. 

Food Spots:

Cosimo’s Pizza Cafe: Located in Chestnut Hill, this shop offers affordable slices of pizza with a wide menu to order from as well. My favorite thing to get is a pepperoni and ham pinwheel with marinara on the side. 

Chill on the Hill: Also located in Chestnut Hill, which is about a 10-minute drive from campus, is a cute frozen yogurt store. I love to get strawberry and vanilla froyo with some cereal and fruit toppings. 

Fill a Bagel and Breads: Located in Jenkintown, this bagel shop is the perfect breakfast spot. Personally, I love a good bacon, egg, and cheese, and this place makes it 10/10.  

Sol Levante Bakery: This bakery is a little farther down Cheltenham Ave., and offers the most delectable bakery selections. From cakes to cookies and pastries, it even offers savory treats as well. 

Shopping Centers: 

Willow Grove Mall: Located in Willow Grove, this mall has a wide variety of clothing stores, a good food court, and an arcade. A quick ride from school, and a nice break to window shop and relax. 

King of Prussia Mall: Located in King of Prussia, this mall truly has everything to offer and is impossible not to get lost in. This is a further drive, but it is something that is fun, whether going to an escape room or shopping ‘til you drop.

Plymouth Meeting Mall: Located in Plymouth Meeting, walk around a fun-sized mall with an old school arcade and a Dave and Busters. 

Fun Activities:

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park: Located in Willow Grove, my roommate and I discovered this when trying to think of a fun way to work out. We also discovered that there is a Tuesday discount, so it provides a fun way to spruce up the week. 

Wissahickon Skating Club: Located in the Chestnut Hill area, this ice rink is another affordable and fun way to hang out with some friends or blow off some steam. I grew up figure skating, so this is always a fun way to end the week. 

Happy DIY: Located in the city, this place offers a full outing experience. Not only do you get to walk around some of the city, but we decorated an iPhone and an AirPod case while collecting some Sonny Angels. 

Mapple Acres Farm and Market: Located in Plymouth Meeting, this cute farm is huge with flowers, a market, and some animals. I went here in October to see their pumpkin patch and was blown away by the beauty of the entire place. The market also had the best apple cider. 

This list is just a scratch on the surface of what the city has to offer, and I can’t wait to continue to discover new places.