Philadelphia History

As the sixth largest city in the United States, Philadelphia is a world center of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences research. And USP is in the heart of it all—surrounded by more than 250 medical facilities and within two hours of 80 percent of the world’s major pharmaceutical firms, including GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Meyers, Squibb, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca, and DuPont.

Of course, there’s life after science, and you’ll find plenty of diversions in Philly—museums, historical landmarks, theater, art, music, restaurants, shopping, parks, and big-time sports. The Philadelphia area is home to more than 80 colleges and universities. The USP campus is located in University City, a thriving community that serves more than 30,000 college students. Located in a lively section of Philadelphia, University City offers students a wide variety of cultural, social, and recreational opportunities. There’s music, festivals, outdoor events, ethnic restaurants, shopping, sightseeing via a trolley, and much more. You’ll never run out of fun things to do in University City.

Famous in Philly

Each year, more than 1.6 million people visit America’s most well-known symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. They also tour Independence Hall, where the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Firsts in Philly

Philly is a city of national firsts—America’s first zoo, first electronic computer, first paved turnpike, first published novel, first bubble gum (Double Bubble), and of course the first College of Pharmacy.

Food in Philly

Tastykakes, cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels, cream cheese—Philadelphia is known as much for its history as its food. After a hard day studying, USP students have the opportunity to enjoy the city’s eclectic haute cuisine.

Films in Philly

Dying for a Rocky victory run up those famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps? Want to visit the Sixth Sense table at the swanky Striped Bass? If you’re a movie buff, Philadelphia is the city for you. Here are some of the many movies filmed on the streets—and in the buildings—of Philly.

Jersey Girl (Miramax Films, 2003)
Unbreakable (Buena Vista Pictures, 2000)
The Sixth Sense (Touchstone Pictures, 1998)
Beloved (Touchstone Pictures, 1997)
Fallen (Turner Pictures, 1996)
Up Close and Personal (Touchstone Pictures, 1995)
Twelve Monkeys (Universal Pictures, 1995)
Philadelphia (Tri-Star Pictures, 1993)
Age of Innocence (Columbia Pictures, 1992)
Trading Places (Paramount Pictures, 1983)
Blow Out (Filmways, 1981)
Rocky (Chartoff/Winkler Productions, 1975)