Welcome PDPI/BETT participants! Please see important pre-arrival information below.
1. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON ARRIVAL DAY?
a. Airport Arrival Information:
Arrival date: Saturday, June 29, 2019
Arrival airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Airport pickup: The IELP staff will pick up all BETT participants from PHL at your scheduled arrival time of 3:28PM. From the airport, we will take you to your accommodations and help you get checked in and settled.
- We will also provide airport drop off on August 10th. The Temple University bus will depart the hotel at 1:30 PM for your 4:35 PM departure.
b. Accommodation: BETT students will reside at a full service hotel, Residence Inn in downtown Philadelphia. Two participants will share a suite with a full-size kitchen and a bathroom. Free breakfast and WiFi internet access are included. On-site washer and dryers ($1.25/load) are available.
For more information, please visit the hotel website here.
c. Transportation: SEPTA (the city’s public transportation) passes will be provided. You will use this pass to commute from your accommodation to Temple’s main campus and anywhere else you may want to go. Please look out for emails from us detailing which excursions will have a bus provided.
d. Meals: The Temple University student ID, or Owl Card will be given to you upon your arrival and will be loaded with funds, called Diamond Dollars. Diamond Dollars are a convenient way to make purchases on and around campus. Please see below how to get your OwlCard. For a list of vendors who take Diamond Dollars in and around Temple University, please click here.
BETT Participants will be able to enjoy one complimentary dinner on Tuesdays at the 2nd Floor Lounge of Residence Inn hotel. A special evening of desserts is served on Wednesdays, and Happy Hour is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. These events are free of charge!
2. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I ARRIVE?
a. Temple University Identification Card: You must have a university identification card, called an Owl Card. The card permits access to university buildings and allows you to use the library, recreational facilities, and other university services. Additionally, this card holds Diamond Dollars which you will use to purchase food and supplies in and around campus. You should carry your Owl Card with you at all times.
Please click here to learn how to get your OwlCard. An IELP staff member will contact you with the 9-digit ID number (9********). You will need the number in order to apply for your Owl Card before coming to Philadelphia.
b. TU AccessNet Account Set-Up: All Temple University students have AccessNet accounts to connect to TUWireless (Temple’s wireless network) and log in to computers at the Tech Center and all over campus. It is very important to create your AccessNet account before arriving on campus. This will allow you to use Temple wifi right away.
Click here for AccessNet instructions. You will need your Owl Card number (TUid number) to obtain an account. If you have any problems with this, please contact us at ielp.special@temple.edu.
3. WHAT WILL THE FIRST DAY LOOK LIKE?
a. Orientation: Monday, July 1
During orientation you will learn more about TU and the BETT program. Information sessions will include: An overview of Temple University and Philadelphia, placement testing, a campus tour, safety, student services and academics presentations, and lunch.