You’re standing on the corner of 34th and Lancaster, looking up at that massive glass tower, and the first thing you probably think is, "That looks expensive." You’re not wrong. The Summit at Drexel University isn't your typical cramped, cinderblock dorm where the radiator clanks all night and you share a shower with twenty people you barely know. It’s a beast of a building. It’s a statement. But for the thousands of Drexel Dragons who have cycled through those turnstiles since American Campus Communities (ACC) opened the doors, the reality is a bit more nuanced than the glossy brochures suggest.
Choosing where to live in University City is basically a high-stakes game of tetris with your bank account.
What Living at The Summit at Drexel University Is Really Like
Let's be real: the views are insane. If you snag a room on the upper floors facing south, you've got the entire Philadelphia skyline staring back at you. It feels like you're winning at life until you realize you have to get to a 9:00 AM mid-term and the elevators are having a "moment."
The building is huge. We are talking over 1,300 beds.
Because it's a public-private partnership between Drexel and ACC, it hits this weird middle ground. You get the "luxury" apartment vibe—granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a private washer and dryer—but you’re still technically under the umbrella of university housing rules for underclassmen. It’s a hybrid. It's weirdly corporate but also undeniably convenient. You can literally roll out of bed and be in the Gerri C. LeBow Hall in five minutes. That proximity is the primary reason people pay the premium. You're paying for those extra 20 minutes of sleep.
The Urban Eatery Factor
Downstairs, you’ve got the Urban Eatery. It’s one of the main dining hubs on campus. Honestly, it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s super convenient to grab a coffee or a sandwich without putting on a coat in the middle of a Philly January. But, because it’s open to the public and the rest of the student body, the lobby of The Summit often feels like a crowded train station. It’s loud. It’s busy. There’s a constant hum of caffeine-fueled anxiety.
If you value total silence, the lobby isn't your spot.
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Why the Suite Layout Matters
The Summit at Drexel University mostly offers suite-style living. Most students end up in a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom setup. You get your own bedroom, which is a massive win for privacy, but you’re still sharing a kitchen and a living area. The furniture is that standard-issue, durable stuff that looks decent in photos but feels a bit "dorm-plus" when you actually sit on it.
One thing people forget? The 13,000 square feet of amenity space. There’s a fitness center that actually rivals some mid-tier commercial gyms, and the study lounges are legit. When the library is packed during finals week, having a quiet-ish lounge on your own floor is a lifesaver.
Breaking Down the Cost vs. Value
Is it a rip-off? That depends on your baseline.
If you compare The Summit to a crumbling row house on 38th Street, the price looks astronomical. You can definitely find cheaper rent if you're willing to deal with a landlord named "Sal" who only takes cash and ignores your texts about the broken heater. But at The Summit, the utilities are included. The Wi-Fi (usually) works. There’s a front desk person. You aren't shoveling snow.
- Proximity: You are in the heart of campus. Period.
- Security: Key card access and a 24-hour desk presence matter in an urban environment.
- Amenities: Theater rooms, gaming lounges, and a decent gym.
- The "Social" Tax: You are where people are. If you want to be in the mix, this is it.
But let’s talk about the "luxury" label. Some students have complained about maintenance response times during peak seasons. When 1,300 people live in one spot, things break. It’s just math. The "luxury" is often more about the aesthetic and the location than a white-glove concierge service. You’re still a college student in a high-density building.
The Roommate Gamble at The Summit
Unless you’re dropping serious cash for a studio (which are rare and pricey), you’re going to have roommates. ACC uses a roommate matching profile system. Does it work? Sorta. Sometimes you find your best friends; sometimes you find a person who thinks "cleaning the kitchen" is an optional lifestyle choice.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
Because The Summit at Drexel University attracts a lot of sophomores due to the residency requirement, it’s a high-energy environment. It’s not a library. There will be noise. There will be someone burning popcorn at 2:00 AM that sets off the smoke alarm for the entire floor. That’s just the Drexel experience.
Navigating the Lease and Logistics
The biggest trap? The lease terms.
ACC leases are generally individual, which is great because you aren't responsible if your roommate flakes on their rent. However, they are typically 12-month installments. If you’re a Drexel student on a 6-month co-op in another city or state, you have to deal with the subletting (or "re-letting") process. It can be a massive headache.
- Read the fine print on the re-letting fee. It’s not cheap.
- Start looking for a replacement early. The market for winter/spring co-op cycles is competitive.
- Check the furniture inventory. Don't bring a bed. You won't have room for it, and they provide one anyway.
Is It Better Than Chestnut Square or University Crossings?
This is the eternal debate on the Drexel subreddit. Chestnut Square is also managed by ACC and has a similar vibe, but it’s right on Chestnut Street with more food options like Shake Shack. University Crossings (U-Cross) is often seen as the "older sibling"—a bit more lived-in, sometimes a bit cheaper, but closer to the train station.
The Summit feels the most "modern" of the three. It has a sleeker design. It feels taller, airier, and slightly more "professional." If you want to feel like a young professional living in a high-rise while you're still struggling through Physics II, The Summit wins.
Practical Steps for Prospective Residents
If you're leaning toward signing a lease, don't just look at the floor plan on the website. Those are renders. They make the rooms look like a 5-star hotel.
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
First, go visit. Walk the hallways. See how long the elevator wait actually is at 10:00 AM. Talk to someone coming out of the gym. Ask them if the hot water is consistent. These are the things that will actually affect your GPA and your sanity.
Second, consider your co-op cycle. If you're on a fall/winter cycle, make sure you have a plan for that lease if you leave Philly.
Third, budget for the "little" things. Living at The Summit means you’re right above the Urban Eatery and a stone's throw from a dozen food trucks. Your "eating out" budget will explode if you aren't disciplined. It’s a convenience trap.
Living at The Summit at Drexel University is a specific kind of experience. It’s convenient, it’s vibrant, and it’s undeniably "central." It’s not the cheapest way to live in West Philly, not by a long shot. But for many, the trade-off of safety, social proximity, and the ability to wake up 10 minutes before class is a price they’re willing to pay.
Secure your spot early if you're dead set on it. The best floor plans—especially those higher-floor corners—vanish months before the school year starts. If you wait until August, you'll be left with whatever is left, which might be a view of a brick wall and a long walk to the trash chute.
Check your financial aid package too. Sometimes university-affiliated housing like The Summit is covered differently than an off-campus house. Talk to the Drexel central office before you sign a binding ACC contract. Getting your funding in order first prevents a lot of late-night stress later. Once that's settled, you can focus on the important stuff: like how you're going to fit a TV, a gaming rig, and three months' worth of snacks into your bedroom.