About
Drexel University is a private research institution ranked among the top 100 universities in the United States. Located in the University City section of Philadelphia, Drexel’s campus is part of a thriving student and scholar community. Exchange students have access to wide variety of course options in a number of well-regarded academic programs, while co-curricular activities seek to provide further educational, social, and cultural opportunities.
Location
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States and its sixth most populous city. Situated halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia is centrally located while possessing a distinctive character of its own. Rich in both history and innovation, Philadelphia is the only world heritage city in the United States and Pennsylvania’s economic centre. Navigable by bus, subway, bicycle, or foot, Philadelphia offers endless opportunities to explore inspiring museums, exciting sports, live arts, and world-class culture.
Find out more about Drexel University’s Campus.
Level of competitiveness
Less competitive *
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Academic Calendar
- Semester 1: August to December
- Semester 2: January to March
- Semester 3: April - June
Courses
- Undergraduate students must take 12-20 course credits per quarter
- Undergraduate students are required to take at least 50% of their courses each term from within their assigned Drexel
- Each student is assigned a Drexel academic advisor who registers students for classes
- Class selection is subject to course availability and fulfilment of pre-requisites
Restrictions
Undergraduate exchange students may also not apply as Psychology majors and offerings in the department of Psychology are limited. Courses in Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design are extremely limited for non- majors, and admittance may require the submission of a portfolio.
Credits
Students will need to take 4 modules per semester (3 semesters in an academic year) totalling 12-15 credits per semester.
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversions.
Accommodation
On-campus housing is available to exchange students, though not guaranteed. Suite style and double-occupancy rooms are available.
Information on housing can be found on Drexel University's Housing page.
Off-campus housing is also available. Students must arrange off-campus accommodations independently.
Our Drexel Dragons Abroad Facebook page is a great resource for finding sublets. We encourage students to avoid signing leases for a period longer than their intended stay at Drexel.
Find out more about Off-Campus options.
Cost of Living
Drexel University provides information on the cost of living as a student here. You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Philadelphia here.
Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Support Services
For more information on accessibility, please visit Drexel University's Disability Resource Center webpage.
Campus Life
Drexel offers a variety of activities, clubs, athletics, and arts and culture programming for student engagement. There are over 300 recognized student organizations and a variety of intramural and recreational sports.
Browse a list of academic, cultural, sport and other student groups at Campus Life. This is a great way to meet Drexel students and experience American campus life.
Also, browse opportunities to help the local community with various activities and involvement. Volunteering is a very common activity for US college students.
Drexel also has a 240,000 square foot recreation centre with a fully equipped gym and a 25-yard pool that is free for all exchange students.
Social Media
Drexel University:
Additional Resources
Drexel factsheet 2425 [PDF 913KB]
